Abstract The paper describes how in "The Clerk's Tale" and "The Second Nun's Tale," Chaucer depicts two women, Grisildis and Cecilie, who seem to be powerless over their harsh destinies and rulers. The paper shows, however, how Grisildis' and Cecilie's emotional, spiritual and intellectual power over themselves and others allows them to determine their own fates.
From the Paper "In both The Clerk's Tale and The Second Nun's Tale, Grisildis and Cecilie are heroines who are seemingly powerless, both due to their commitments to others; in Grisildis' case, Walter; and in Cecilie's case, Christ. Yet, it is on account of their power and self-mastery that those commitments are possible; both Grisildis' commitment to her husband (to never deny or contradict him in word or action) and Cecilie's commitment to her God, Christ, require constant self-mastery and self-denial. Both heroines are also introduced as possessing these very abilities."
From the Paper " This study will examine the role of the diary of the character of Cecily Cardew in Oscar Wilde's play The Importance of Being Earnest, and the relationship of that diary to the story and Cecily's relationship with Ernest. The diary is merely another piece of utter nonsense and deception, especially self-deception, in a play composed of little but deception and nonsense.
Cecily creates in her diary a make-believe world in which she fantasizes a relationship with Ernest. In fact, the relationship she fantasizes is not with the real "Ernest," who is in fact Jack, but rather with Algernon, who she believes to be Jack's brother, who is not actually his brother. In fact, Jack has no brother, and in any case, Cecily had never even met "Ernest" (Algernon) before she had composed the bulk of her.."
Abstract This paper examines the theme of double lives in the play "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde. The paper looks specifically at the lives of three characters; Algernon Moncrieff, Jack (Ernest) Worthing and Cecily Cardew, all of whom lead double lives.
From the Paper ""The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde explores the depth of dual identity in Victorian society. Classical-Themes: This trait is most apparent in Algernon and Jack in their episodes of Bun burying which Algernon defines as the practice of creating an elaborate deception so that one can misbehave while at the same time appearing to live up to the highest standard of duty and responsibility."
Abstract This paper examines how Oscar Wilde's famous play, "The Importance of Being Earnest", is a humorous tale of the misunderstandings and gaffes of the upper class. It also discusses how the play is Wilde's jab at the upper class of society, satirizing their value of education.
From the Paper "Another character that Wilde uses liberally to show his disdain for the upper class and the lack of emphasis they put on education is Jack's niece and ward, Cecily. Throughout the play, Cecily exhibits a strong sense of dislike for education, dreading her lessons with the kindly but uninteresting Miss Prism. She herself speaks sarcastically of education, saying, "I wish Uncle Jack would allow that unfortunate young man, his brother, to come down here sometimes. We might have a good influence over him, Miss Prism. I am sure you certainly would. You know German, and geology, and things of that kind influence a man very much (1714)." Wilde's own satirical personality comes out in this statement, as Cecily is subtly making fun of the idea of learning when she feels her time would be much better suited to writing in her diary and using her imagination."
