The thesis explored the representation of power and sexuality in Oscar Wilde’s play “A Woman of No Importance”. The analysis was conducted taking into account the ideas prevailing in British and American society. The research was performed in order to establish how women’s power was manifested in a patriarchal society. At the same time, it was essential to demonstrate how the female question changed in the main characters’ minds and whether feminist theory could be applied to the women characters in the play. Moreover, the dissertation reveals the issues of inequality and double standards that existed in upper-class society.
Introduction
At the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the women’s issue was perhaps one of the most debated issues in British and American society. This is not surprising: the status of women was constantly improving in legislative terms, new spheres of activity and professions where women’s work were created, and feminist movements were being born. The “women’s issue” at this time was also actively discussed in literary works. In an age when society began to fight for women’s rights, when they started to enter the educational system, the professional world, and politics, Oscar Wilde raises the question of women’s influence.
He believes that women’s influence over men is so strong that they need not fight for their rights. Everything the ladies aspire to can be achieved without changing the law. This is because they have “a hidden magical power” (he means sexuality) by which they bend men’s passion “to a favorable opinion of her” (Wilde page no. 32). In the play, Wilde reflects the idea not just of women’s influence but of their power. Wilde notes the superiority of women’s irrational power over that given by the rational world. He is not interested in the typology of power, in modern terms, whether it is manipulation, contagion or imitation, but in the fact of women’s power itself (Abdulrazzaq and Abbas page no. 326). A woman’s impact is not a positive one, for it is so great that it suppresses masculine individuality.
Research Question
This dissertation will explore the significant female roles in the context of Mrs. Arbuthnot and Worsley’s power and sexuality in Oscar Wilde’s play, A Woman of No Importance. It is essential to mention that the depraved characterization of Mrs. Arbuthnot was given by society because of the fact that she had a child out of wedlock. The next character worth noting is Hester Worsley, who becomes a witness to what upper-class society of the time is actually and how it treats women. Thus, the following research questions can be raised: How did British and American theories of male and female power affect the development of the plot in A Woman of No Importance? It is also necessary to investigate the changes of the main characters during the performance and indicate how they differ from the others. Determine if the images of the female characters are consistent with 19th-century ideas of sexuality and power? The study will apply Adrienne Rich’s theory from a feminist perspective to answer questions. The study will use the definitions of power, sexuality, inseparability, and double standards.
Review of Literature
Abdulrazzaq and Abbas argue that the late nineteenth century was marked by radical changes in the scientific, social, political, and religious spheres (page no. 325). Wilde’s plays addressed both the problem of terror and the effort to strengthen rationalist American theory. In this way, he also illuminated the crisis of faith and the “women’s question”. In accordance with Loveleen, Oscar Wilde’s social play has an accurate understanding of the male-female relationship (page no. 102). Particularly in the play through Mrs. Arbuthnot and Worsley of America, Wilde analysed the two cultures, that is, the British and the American ones (Smith-Rosenberg page no. 51). The feminism of the Victorian period was greatly influenced by Puritan morality, which played a significant role in society. This strong tension and change in the women’s movement make it possible to examine the relationship between feminists and men who had a progressive mindset (including Oscar Wired) (Powell and Bristow page no. 27).
Literature portrays society at a particular stage of its development. Thus, the snobbery of the Victorian era is described in the drama “A Woman of No Importance” (Novitasari page no.14). Milosavljević also discusses the problem of combating social stereotypes, the peculiarity of dandy heroes, and much attention in work is paid to female characters (page no. 225). Marso points out that Adrienne Rich’s theories also present motifs of public sexuality, feminist activism, and urban redevelopment (page no. 120). Ortega-Román noted that Wilde holds a more conservative and patriarchal Victorian morality. While on the other hand, there are many examples in his work showing a more open feminist position in accordance with new currents (page no. 53). According to Tosh, the history of masculinity has become an important aspect of social and cultural history (page no. 200). He has collected nine key articles in this area that have become central to the conceptualization of gender in history.
Albinski describes the social framework of nineteenth-century American and British society (page no. 89). The author indicates that the definition of human nature and gender relations, women’s attitudes toward their social and political roles, their working lives, sexuality, marriage, and family are reflected differently. Tuchman describes not the equality of women and men, but also the genetic transformation of women, which determines the further obtaining of their place in society (page no. 176). Newton explores the status of middle-class women in society as the idea of “female capitalism” was born (page no. 132). The author argues that conception masked inequalities between men and women by first asserting the reality of women’s power and then limiting it to self-sacrificing influence.
Weliver focused on the satirical portrayal of women in literature and investigated feminist motives in Victorian epic (page no. 88). Weeks investigates the changes in the 19th century British Empire with regard to sexuality, gender, and the status of women (page no. 32). According to Smith-Rosenberg, the history of female power in 19th century American society is linked to the social evolution of the family (page no. 72). The resurgence of the American feminist movement and a surge of enthusiasm for social history prompted women to decide to fight against double standards. Veblen and Mills satirically illuminate the standards of behaviour of the society and critique class and gender roles (page no. 269). At the same time, they describe all the processes that took place in the British Empire and the United States, correspondingly, and influenced the shaping of male and female power.
Primary Texts
Oscar Wilde’s play “A Woman of No Importance” presents the problem of female influence, which Wilde addresses on different levels. Already in the very beginning of the first act, Mr. Kelvil, a member of parliament, is mentioned as a very decent man. However, this decency is explained by Lady Caroline by the fact that no one has heard anything about him. Wilde is ironic about Mr. Kelvil, putting progressive thoughts in his mouth about the increasing role of women in society. For example, the ever-growing influence of women is the only thing in political life that offers any hope for the future (Wilde page no. 32). The playwright’s ridicule of the generally progressive statements of the Member of Parliament becomes clear when we analyze the content of the play.
The problem of female influence is related primarily to the image of the young Gerald Arbuthnot. Wilde introduces the viewer to the characters’ background in some detail, demonstrating that the mother abandoned her personal happiness and the joys of life for the son’s sake. When Gerald is offered the position of Secretary to Lord Illingworth, he argues. The young man chooses an interesting path that promises convenience, companionship with an extraordinary man, and prospects for career advancement. Gerald is close to “slipping” out of Mrs Arbetnoth’s hands and finding himself under the influence of Illingworth (Wilde page no. 22). No matter how much his mother asked her to look more closely at the lord’s unattractive sides, how eloquently she presented to her son his fractured fate, it was of no avail in Illingworth’s company.
Research Methodology
The research will use a qualitative method; the information on which the analysis will be based and the answers found to the questions will be taken from the text of the play, literature analysis and other resources suitable for the study. At the same time, the qualitative method will permit us to investigate and analyze the influence of the theories that existed in the 19th century in the United States and Great Britain on the disclosure and formation of the concepts of power, sexuality, the role of women and men. The importance of applying the qualitative method is also explained by the fact that it helps to analyze the work of Oscar Wilde concerning feminist theories and assess how much they influence women’s power and sexuality.
Significance of the Research
The contribution of this thesis is that it focuses on Victorian literature and assesses the influence of the era on the author’s writing style and ideas. The application of feminist theories will provide an analysis of the main characters through the prism of double standards and notions of power and sexuality. Consequently, it will permit an assessment of the extent to which Mrs. Arbuthnot and Worsley change as the story develops. The significance of the study is to show that even an “unimportant woman” can unfold as a character with a very powerful role (Powell and Bristow page no. 127). As a result, the research conducted is intended to demonstrate, in the context of 19th-century theories, the possibility of struggles for sexual equality and feminism.
The Influence of British and American Society on the Shaping of Women’s Power and Sexuality
European and American women in the nineteenth century lived in an era characterized by gender disparity. At the beginning of the century, women benefited only from legal, social, or political rights that are now taken for granted in Western countries. They were unable to vote, could not sue or be convicted, were not permitted to testify in court, and had limited rights of control over personal property (Wilde page no. 28). After marriage, they rarely had legal custody of their children in divorce cases, and they were forbidden to be educated in a country’s higher educational institutions. Women were to remain subordinate to their parents and men (Powell and Bristow page no. 127). Their choice of professions was also limited. Middle and upper-class women usually stayed at home, taking care of their children and household duties. Lower-class women were often able to work but traditionally received lower wages than men. Therefore, it was actively demonstrated that men played a leading role in society.
It is essential to start with the fact that in the context of Oscar Wilde’s play “A Woman of No Importance” the cultural aspect and theories about the significance of women and men that dominated the nineteenth century play an important role. The Romantic movement characterizes Britain in the nineteenth century at the beginning of the century and the Victorian process during the reign of Queen Victoria (Novitasari page no. 30). Accordingly, it can be argued that in America and Britain, there was a division into two spheres: public and private. These fields were roughly commensurate with the binary gender differences that men and women were endowed with. The public sphere, by general rule, was the domain of men. And women were still in the private sphere, although they were already expressing ideas related to the beginnings of feminism.
It is interesting that Queen Victoria, whose reign fell between 1837 and 1901, was convinced that a woman’s place was in the home, and she opposed the idea of granting women political rights. Meanwhile, this is another example of the injustice done to women in 19th century England. Men were not punished for shifting, but there were severe consequences for women for having an amorous affair in marriage or after the family had broken up (Loveleen page no. 105). Monetary payments immediately ended at the slightest suspicion of adultery. A divorced woman was sentenced to a life of isolation.
Moreover, she lost her children, who their father was raising, because they belonged to him in the same way as his wife, at least until they grew up. The wife had no right to see her own child, even if the father was found guilty in court (Smith-Rosenberg page no. 83). Naturally, one had to endure the agony of hell to decide to go through with the divorce, but strangely enough, more and more women were taking such steps. This may be viewed as a sign of growing awareness of one’s rights. Hence, British society craved the image of the ideal woman, the nurturing wife and the helpful mother.
However, with female emancipation in British society, an actual conflict was beginning to emerge. Women’s virtue was a hallmark of Victorian society, as was materialism. Men and the community honoured women as long as females functioned perfectly in the domestic sphere and never left it (Novitasari page no. 32). At the same time, in order to maintain the existing system of things, they subordinated women in the domestic arena and allowed women’s sexuality to influence them. Thus, men tried to represent and channel manifestations of female power into the inner sphere and demonstrated its significance for status.
It is also essential to describe American society’s general theories and attitudes that prevailed in the 19th century. At the beginning of the 19th century, women in American society were mainly in the role of cook, wife, mother, and primary hostess in the countryside (Tuchman page no. 192). They had few political, legal, or social rights and had to be subservient to their men and parents in all matters. In other words, just as in British society, the woman at first remained in the shadow of the man and had only influence over the inner life of the family, mainly because of sexuality. However, with the beginning of World War I and the Industrial Revolution, the demand for workers to produce goods was more significant than the number of working-age people in the United States. As a result, women gained access to jobs they had never held before and afterwards felt the need to fight for gender equality in the United States.
At the end of the nineteenth century, World War I broke out, which also increased the demand for wartime goods and weapons. Along with men in the foreign countries, women sewed uniforms and shoes, worked in factories and acted as nurses for the wounded who were returning home. Thus, for the first time, women’s contributions to the public sphere were recognized as necessary and significant. It was the first time that women were able to do the same work as men. As a consequence, they realized that their society was dominated by double standards and male authority, but they could spread and demonstrate the value and power of women. Using this platform, women of the late 1800s utilized it to increase their political participation and secure their right to vote.
There was a dramatic shift from rural to urban life with these developments and a decrease in the number of women involved in household chores. The late 19th century was a time of change and reform for females in society. The departure from the cultivated role of wife, mother, and submissive to that of worker and respected equal caused many to question the roles society had previously assigned to them. New opportunities in education, politics, and employment have caused many people to move forward in the United States and define new roles for women in the decades that follow (Loveleen page no. 107). Accordingly, it may be remarked that American society was more liberal to gender roles and subject to changes that required time and circumstance.
Therefore, it can confidently be argued that women and men in 19th century British and American society had different views on the concept of power and the significance of the genders. Thus, American society was more progressive and rejected stereotypes and double standards, allowing every woman, independent of class, to gain status and respect in the community (Marso page no. 120). In British society, more conservative views were preserved. Women who belonged to the upper class had influence only in the domestic sphere. They understood this, though, and enjoyed the fact that through their sexuality and affability, they helped to create a status for men.
The distinction and paradox between American and British society were that American females tended to seek independence and to reveal their own power and authority. In turn, British women discussed the influence they had over men and profited from it, even though they were indeed aware that their impact was limited. Consequently, it could be argued that the representation of women’s power and sexuality in the nineteenth century was not literal. That is, it did not demonstrate the prominent achievements and influence of women. At the same time, the power and significance of women could be assessed and understood through the prism of their power over men.
Analysis of the Influence of Ideas and Theories on the Characters of the Play
It is clear from the text of the play that upper-class women (they are described) discuss such important social things as status and social class. They argue that a man who is not married cannot be considered a full-fledged lord, and they actively discuss what kind of female would be suitable for a particular man. Accordingly, it was a woman who played a prominent role in a man’s career and status. The very concept of status was highly significant in upper-class British society at the time (Ortega-Román page no. 54). It is essential to mention that the relationship between Lady Caroline and her husband proves that a woman’s power over a man is not only an illusion to society.
This becomes especially clear when the Lady forces a man to wear a knitted scarf, and he cannot refuse her, even considering that he has respectable people around him. This example can be analyzed as an invasion of the private sphere into the public sphere. When the men returned home, they were entirely influenced by the women. Lady Caroline herself, however, is distinguished throughout the play by the fact that she represents the hidden power of a woman. This manifest itself because she communicates as an equal to upper-classmen, who listen to her advice.
Although women and men had different perceptions of the power of the article in society, females were sure that their sexuality allowed them to influence men. In turn, they acknowledged this influence and treated it ironically, as if showing that they themselves let the woman feel power over them. Consequently, after analyzing the play, it becomes clear that women’s power and influence are primarily derived from how they interpret it. At the same time, it should be mentioned that men also sometimes emphasize the importance of female power. For example, Lady Carolina may advise Lord Illingworth to have a secretary, and he, in turn, will listen to her opinion (Tosh page no. 202). Although it is significant to note here that Lady Caroline would also like such a position, the Lord took it as a joke (actually, it was only a fantasy for the Lady too). Thus, it is evident from this that the woman has power over the man, and he is listened to. Nevertheless, there is a double standard when the power of females extends only to holding social receptions and conversations.
The play also reflects the playwright’s ambivalent attitude to America. This aspect is connected with the character of Hester Worsley. The girl is unaccustomed to many things in life on British estates and in British relationships. Hester Worsley is not familiar with the British “rules of good manners,” and Wilde emphasizes a certain lack of naturalness in these rules (Wilde page no. 12). Hester talks a great deal about the traditions of her country, and they often do not coincide with those that exist or have been in the English aristocracy. Mrs. Hester Worsley is an American who visits noble English people and witnesses’ conversations among their friends. The woman notes that American society respects not only the upper class but also the middle class and notes that her homeland is much more progressive (Weeks 80). The female expresses progressive thoughts that men and women should be held accountable and receive glory. She sincerely does not understand how upper-class British women are willing to obey men and yet believe they have enormous power over them.
Although British females disagree with Hester Worsley’s views, they recognize that her opinions are worthy of consideration. In this way, Hester Worsley rejected the notion of the power of sexuality and its influence on men as a tool of control. In contrast to the Victorian model, she exhibited such qualities as freedom of opinion and the expression of countervailing thought in public. Other women still wanted to believe that their authority over men was stable and extended beyond their private lives.
Thus, it can be pointed out that Wilde transforms the society around him by creating a satire in his language that calls attention to the gender norms of the period. A character such as Illingworth is created to show the men of the society of the time who originated in the patriarchal Christian faith of England (Albinski page no. 89). Wilde struggles against these beliefs, so his audience can feel the humor in the play, understanding its meaning. Specifically, that gender roles and their firm embeddedness in the society of the time soon collapse because women’s inner power has every chance of manifesting itself on the outer level.
It should also be noted that in Wilde’s play, even the accessories emphasize the negative characteristic of the weaker gender. One of the most complex and, at the same time, expressive images here is that of the fan. The fan is a particular detail in characterizing the protagonists. It is of interest to Wilde primarily because of its multifunctionality: the fan makes it possible to hide one’s face, to point at a person or an object, to play with it, to strike, after all; it is an object of luxury and, at the same time, of convenience. It is also significant that this accessory belongs only to women. From ancient times, the fan was considered not only a necessity but a luxury item. In Europe, fans were extremely popular in the 18th century, and even the famous painters of F. Boucher and J.A. Watteau level decorated them (Abdulrazzaq and Abbas page no. 329). There was a special “language of fans” used for flirting: one open flap spoke about friendship, two – about friendship in love, opened and sharply folded – about a date with a lady, etc.
The fan is mentioned twice in the story “A Woman of No Importance”. When Hester Worsley conflicts with the society ladies whose remarks seem indecent, harsh, arrogant, and mocking to her. The girl, picking up the fan, directly accuses British society of injustice, exploitation, self-sacrifice, mockery, pettiness, selfishness, unreasonableness. Her passionate monologue ends with sweeping accusations and a call for the punishment of all sinful women at the very moment her lover’s mother, Mrs. Arbuthnot, enters the room. This fan gives her the power to express her opinion and to make the women think that their representation of power and their role is not enough in society.
Another reference to the fan occurs in connection with Lady Hunstanton, who threatens Illingworth with the fan, who has said that the purpose of life is to seek temptation. Lady Hunstanton’s interesting remarks appear next, stating that she cannot reproach herself for overthinking. In general, she believes that it is not helpful for women to think much and that moderation is their strong point. There may not seem to be any conflict here, especially since Lady Hunstanton concludes the dialogue with words about the “comforting” nature of Illingworth’s views on life (Tuchman page no. 176). However, there is a dispute, as the dandy hero essentially sets forth his program, which is opposed to traditional opinions. In Wilde’s view, temptations lead to sin, a sin known to be an element of progress; it is no coincidence that Illingworth fears for the future if he does not encounter a single temptation in his day.
The hero goes on to declare the destructive power of the thought process, of moderation as a fatal property, of forgetfulness as one of the fascinating things. The fan thus again points to the conflict, in this case, Wilde’s principle with ordinary, worldly notions of reality. In this way, British women, because of the influence of the American woman, have developed opinions that their power over men may be elusive. Meanwhile, sexual influence is only a tool to gain power, men understand this and try to control it.
The Significance for the Protagonists of the Idea of Gender Power and Sexuality
It is worth noting that the main characters in Oscar Wilde’s play fall completely under the ideas and theories that existed in the 19th century. The definition of gender, the power and strength of men and women in the play itself, is an illumination of the social order of the two states at the time. The influence of the theories that dominated society is evident in the women of Britain’s upper social class (Novitasari page no. 37). They were adept at fulfilling their roles in the private sphere, which gave them power over men.
However, women were completely disinterested in the public sphere, which made their ability only important in sexually influencing men. At the same time, men actually understood that the female power was minimal, and they usually set its framework. It is essential to mention that this arrangement was already accepted in the upper class. At the same time, the double standards of 19th century British society were also actively manifested in the fact that men and women received different punishments for the same misconduct (Novitasari page no. 43). Moreover, a female was considered an outcast for having a child without a legitimate man, and the male was not even mentioned. He continued to live the life he was accustomed to, even without remorse.
Another somewhat indicative manifestation of the similarities between Oscar Wilde’s play and 19th-century theories is the holding of social evenings. Men went out into another room or garden to discuss significant matters, while women discussed gossip and their respective significance to men (Milosavljević page no. 227). Accordingly, from this, it can be appreciated that British society still recognized the authority of men and was patriarchal. Although, women understood this too, especially when they ironically remarked that it was not suitable for a respectable man to be unmarried. They prided themselves on the fact that an essential attribute of the upper class for men was a female. Therefore, their strength and power were manifested precisely in the inner effect on the man.
At the same time, there was one American woman among the British upper class who could not understand the ways of the times. She believed that men had more power over women and made them obey. At the same time, Hester Worsley tries to tell women that women have more outside influence in American society. It is Hester, in the play “A Woman of No Importance”, who inspires women that their outlook on life is not perfect. In this way, she seems to transform the influence of American ideas in upper-class society (Newton page no. 134). She tries to prove that double standards and only the internal power of females can be replaced by full force and influence in the community. Accordingly, in Oscar Wilde’s play “A Woman of No Importance”, each character is given special roles in order to demonstrate ideas of female and male power and their manifestations in American and British society.
The Female Characters of Mrs. Arbuthnot and Worsley
In the play “A Woman of No Importance” Wilde indicates that society is primarily interested in formalities. For example, the question of marriage appears to it to be more principled than the question of love (the discussion outside Lady Hunstanton’s dining room). Insufficiency, accordingly, looks at family obligations, and, for example, Lady Caroline is “surprised by anything but happy marriages” (Marso page no. 111). The husband is juxtaposed by Mrs. Allonby with a means of payment: “Ah, my husband,” she says, “is something like a bill of exchange, I am tired of paying it” (Marso page no. 123). Lady Starfield believes that the presence or absence of family obligations can already be judged by appearance: “I have more than once noticed such a sad expression in the eyes of married men”. Nevertheless, every man just has to be married, and Lady Caroline states dramatically: “It’s a disgrace how many bachelors you meet in society these days. There ought to be a law to make them all get married within a year” (Marso page no. 135). On the other hand, married men are in no hurry to spend time with their families for the most part.
Mr. Kelvil, a member of Parliament, has sent his wife and eight children to the seaside and will probably join them if public duties permit. Archdeacon Dobeny’s wife’s health prevents her from going out: her fingers have gout, and she only remembers not to eat anything solid, etc. In society, Archdeacon is generally considered the best of husbands; “how the Archdeacon endures this is astonishing,” says Lady Hunstanton (Marso page no.136). Wilde shows that society views marriage as a kind of bargain, and none of his supporting characters talk about the feelings that unite husband and wife. In this background, Mrs Arbetnoth’s statement that “marriage is a sacrament for lovers” looks like a contrast and emphasizes her fundamentally different view of the problem of the family (Marso page no. 135). Thus, the importance of the institution of the family stems from the fact that it is the institution that gives women power over men.
Although it is significant to note that women received such thoughts and attitudes through the influence of society, and, as a consequence, they are also willing to hear a contrasting view. At the same time, Mrs. Hester tried to change their perceptions. Still, it was almost impossible because they were used to imagining their power over men because of their sexuality, not their own public accomplishments.
Changes in Mrs. Hester’s Views during the Plot
The United States is a country with its own traditions and idols. From the first minutes of his stay here, Wilde began to reflect on the differences between European and American civilizations and the possibility of unity between them. The image of America appears already in O. Wilde’s early works and gradually becomes more complex. The writer associated the great transoceanic power with a new civilization, which voluntarily or involuntarily will influence Europe. Wilde thinks about how this process will go in his writing.
Wilde was also aware of the depth of the contradictions and the impossibility of resolving them in the near future. In “A Woman of No Importance”, he demonstrated that the mutual influence of cultures is possible only on a superficial level. In the underlying layers, however, no serious change can take place, which is proved by the final scenes of the play, in which the most consistent adherents of the “sense of duty” and “dictates of conscience” (Weliver page no. 88). Gerald and his mother do not see a place for themselves in their homeland and decide to leave for a country where life would be better than in Britain.
The character of Mrs. Hester Worsley is different from the other figures because she is an American. The woman tries to present her influence on British society in a new way than was previously accepted. At first, Hester Worsley plays tried to listen more to the female and male characters and observe how they changed in the joint company. The American immediately noticed that women are much more liberated without men around and joke around a lot, including the fact that men need them for status and men need them for a luxurious and affluent life (Veblen and Mills page no. 271). Thus, at the beginning of the play, Mrs. Hester Worsley Worsley follows the thoughts and attitudes of the personages.
However, when she realizes that they are interested in hearing her opinions, she tries to actively explain how the power of men and women in America is perceived and expressed. Accordingly, she manifests feminist views about justice being equal for both genders and that they should be punished together for their actions. It is essential to note that it is in this moment that the extraordinary influence and power of the female, represented in an unusual way, is shown. Consequently, Mrs. Hester Worsley expressed an opinion that women thought about and partly agreed upon. That is, she discovered new concepts and principles for them, which influenced the female characters’ actions during the following acts (Weliver page no. 90). Hence, at the beginning of the play, Mrs. Hester Worsley was only demonstrating her other power and opinions.
At the same time, her perspective will change after she learns the truth about Mrs. Arbuthnot’s fate and life path. This is the difference between American theories and ideas; they can adapt to incidents and soon change. Accordingly, Mrs. Hester Worsley realized that even in British society Mrs. Arbuthnot could carry her cross and bring up her son with dignity. In this way, Hester saw a factual representation of female power because of the hounded character of society (Veblen and Mills page no. 278). It is Mrs. Arbuthnot who has a very significant influence on her son and a hidden impact on society. Therefore, the American woman at the end of the play, after Lord Illingworth tried to kiss her, was sure that the power expressed because of her sexuality was limited and unpleasant to her.
At the same time, Mrs. Arbuthnot’s hidden influence on society and its fate deserve respect and can be considered a representation of real power over her son, her friends, and her abusive husband. In the final minutes of the play, Mrs. Hester Worsley convinces Mrs. Arbuthnot that it is worth moving to another country where she will be valued as she deserves. Thus, Mrs. Hester Worsley’s image of power and influence at the beginning of the play was radical; she was trying to explain to women that their representation of power is minimal by the limits that men set. Additionally, already at the end of the play, Hester offers real action for Mrs. Arbuthnot, demonstrating her as a woman fighting for other women’s rights Veblen and Mills page no. 278). Accordingly, Hester’s power was not expressed because of sexuality and was never internal; it was always trying to break out of the boundaries of then British society and had a feminist representation.
Mrs. Arbuthnot ‘s Changes of Character
It is significant to note that Mrs. Arbuthnot experienced a problematic fate because of the patterns that existed in 19th century British society. The strength and power of this woman are still evident early in the play because she was able to hide her status as an unmarried woman who had a child out of wedlock (Weliver page no. 102). Although the mother was raising her son and had real power to influence his actions, she chose to punish herself for her sin. Therefore, she rarely went to her friend’s house and considered herself inferior and unworthy of high society.
It is essential to mention, though, that the character of, Arbuthnot is a strong, compassionate woman. She adores her son and raises him to have good manners and character. It is imperative to highlight that their plot makes it clear that the woman has not even informed her son of who his father is (Milosavljević page no. 230). She finds herself in an awkward place when she realizes that the man who has offered Gerald the prestigious position of personal secretary is Lord Illingworth. Accordingly, it is clear at the beginning of the song that the female is punishing herself for atoning for sin but at the same time has great power over her own son, which is honest and sincere. The woman understands that upper-class women represent the limited power they acquire because of their own sexuality and is sure that such power tends to end.
The central moment for Mrs. Arbuthnot was to be acquainted with the guest from America, although they first met when Hester was talking about how women and men should be punished for their sins. At the time, Mrs. Arbuthnot agreed with her position, though both females changed their minds during the development of the story. Mrs. Hester was able to show that Mrs. Arbuthnot has very great power through the representation of her own power and influence, which is reinforced by thoughts new to British society. Her ability affects not only her son but all of humanity, including Lord Illingworth. This can be seen at the moment when Mrs. Arbuthnot tells her son the whole truth about his birth, and he does not turn away from her but supports her (Weeks page no. 87). At the same time, Hester is confronted with the injustice of men that exists in the upper class. The Lord tried to kiss her without her consent in order to win an argument; thus, the female must become a trophy.
After the moment, Hester declares that she loves Mrs. Arbuthnot’s son and suggests that they go to America because that is where they will all be honored. It is significant to note that Mrs. Arbuthnot is still unsure that she deserves to be cleansed of her sin, and Hester helps her with this. She convinces the woman that she will marry her son and her unnecessary status and wealth, as is customary for marriage in British society. At the same time, Hester says she was wrong to tell her that a woman and a man must bear a common sin for the rest of their lives. Mrs. Hester realized that Mrs. Arbuthnot had atoned for sin and, in doing so, had gained absolute power and strength.
It is at the end of the play that Mrs. Arbuthnot’s power over the men and over her own life is actively manifested. She refuses to marry Lord Illingworth at the end of the story, realizing that his proposal has nothing to do with love; she knows what kind of man Lord Illingworth turns out to be. Lord Illingworth accidentally leaves a glove when he leaves, and when Gerald asks about it, Mrs. Arbuthnot says that an “unimportant man” has left her. Thus, at the beginning of the play, Lord calls her an “unimportant woman” (Weeks page no. 32). Still, she presents her significance and self-sufficiency at the end, which allows her to prove that she does not represent her influence and power because of her sexuality. Mrs. Arbuthnot showed power and authority because she was not afraid to reveal her secret to her son.
Adrienne Rich’s Theory from a Feminist Perspective in the Context of Protagonist Power and Sexuality
It is essential to note that the concept of power and its expression in the play “A Woman of No Importance” has a double standard. Oscar Wilde demonstrates a patriarchal society and several women whose views are close to the feminist in the play. Mrs. Arbuthnot and Mrs. Hester Worsley show a desire to reject the power of men in British society and represent the power of the female authority. Thus, it is possible to apply Adrienne Rich’s theory from a feminist perspective in the context of the power and sexuality of the protagonists (Weeks page no. 32). Fundamental to the development of feminist studios of motherhood was the distinction between motherhood as an institution (motherhood) and as a practice (mothering) first outlined by Adrienne Rich.
Understanding motherhood as an institution refers to patriarchal motherhood, which is deeply oppressive to women and controlled by men. Throughout history, male experts have controlled women’s bodies, impeding women’s control over fertility and abortion. Male medical men have established childbearing conditions that alienate the child from the mother; paediatricians, religious figures, and writers – primarily men – have created idealized images of mothers and defined their “healthy identities” (Smith-Rosenberg page no. 79). However, Rich is convinced that these images are disconnected from actual experience. Moreover, motherhood as a practice is linked to women’s experiences as potentially empowering to females and can be a resource of power. The researcher refers to her own mothering experiences and encourages other women to do so in order to describe the real world of motherhood. Rich speaks of the uniquely powerful connection between a mother and her children. She argues that what women need is not liberation from motherhood but liberation from male domination of motherhood.
Therefore, through the application of this theory to the analysis of Mrs. Arbuthnot and Gerald’s relationship makes it clear that the absence of a child’s father in people’s lives enabled a woman to fully create a really strong bond with her son, which allowed her to gain real power (Smith-Rosenberg page no. 79). Thus, motherhood as an institution, referring back to a patriarchal society, did not affect females. As a consequence, it is essential to note that the woman loved her son very much and was able to raise him to be a decent man, despite being a deep believer and aware of her sin. Even the fact that Gerald elicited admiration and respect from those around him indicated that women had the strength and ability to raise a child on their own, even in that society.
Accordingly, in this case it is possible to highlight the power and self-sufficiency of women and the understanding that the patriarchal order of society could be changed. In turn, the highly significant influence of females is evident in Gerald’s embrace of his espoused principles. Despite the fact that he immediately wanted to ask Lord to marry his mother after she explained to him why she did not want to marry him, her son listened to it (Smith-Rosenberg page no. 79). At the same time, his bride, Hester Worsley, also greatly influenced his worldview when she agreed to marry a simple bank worker.
Thus, the patriarchal maternity that existed at the time was not concerned with raising Mrs. Arbuthnot’s son; he was raised according to Adrienne Rich’s theory. Accordingly, this suggests that it is the powerful bond between son and mother that will help women liberate themselves from male domination of motherhood. Consequently, properly raised sons will begin to respect and value women not only in the internal sphere, but also allow them to exercise authority in the external sphere. Such behavior will make the double standard in British society disappear, and sexuality will no longer be a woman’s only available tool for expressing her power.
Conclusion
In Oscar Wilde’s play “A Woman of No Importance” the representation of female power and sexuality is an underlying issue that developed in 19th century Britain. It is significant to note that society at that time was patriarchal, so men had considerable authority in the public sphere, while women belonged to the private arena. Thus, British and American theories of male and female power influenced the development of the plot in the play. Most of the women’s characters and the men’s ones are entirely consistent with 19th-century ideas of sexuality and power. That is, women expressed power only through the instrument of sexuality. At the same time, Mrs. Arbuthnot and Mrs. Hester Worsley changed with the development of the plot and were characterized by the beginnings of feminist views. Accordingly, in the 19th-century, men fully manifested authority, and women could only influence them in the private sphere by using their sexuality.
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