In Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest,” Miss Prism emerges as a multifaceted character embodying the themes of hypocrisy, moral judgment, and the rigidity of Victorian society.
Key Facts
- Hypocrisy and Moral Judgment: Miss Prism is a metaphor for the hypocrisy of modern society. She demands a level of proper behavior from others that she cannot maintain herself. She is quick to judge others as good or bad based on their actions.
- Rigid Morality: Miss Prism has a rigid perspective on right and wrong. She believes there is a clear difference between the two and expects others to adhere to her moral standards. She oversees Cecily’s upbringing and takes her task very seriously, wanting Cecily to become a respectable person like Jack Worthing.
- Irony and Flaws: Despite her claims of being an upstanding and moral woman, Miss Prism is easily flustered by a love interest, just like Cecily. She is attracted to Dr. Chasuble, the local reverend, and often finds excuses to spend time alone with him. This irony reveals that Miss Prism is not as virtuous as she presents herself to be.
- Neglectful Caretaker: In a surprising twist, it is revealed that Miss Prism was the one who left baby Jack in a handbag at the railway station. This revelation exposes her as a neglectful caretaker who misplaced a child due to her preoccupation with writing a novel.
Hypocrisy and Moral Judgment
Miss Prism personifies the hypocrisy prevalent in Victorian society. She demands a level of proper behavior from others that she herself cannot maintain. Quick to judge others as either good or bad based on their actions, she fails to recognize her own moral shortcomings.
Rigid Morality
Miss Prism adheres to a rigid perspective on morality, believing in a clear distinction between right and wrong. She expects others to conform to her moral standards and takes her role as Cecily’s guardian very seriously. She desires Cecily to become a respectable individual like Jack Worthing, exemplifying the societal pressures to conform to established norms.
Irony and Flaws
Despite her claims of being an upstanding and moral woman, Miss Prism is susceptible to the same temptations and desires as others. She is attracted to Dr. Chasuble, the local reverend, and often seeks opportunities to spend time alone with him. This irony reveals that Miss Prism’s outward appearance of virtue masks a more complex and flawed inner self.
Neglectful Caretaker
In a surprising twist, it is revealed that Miss Prism was responsible for leaving baby Jack in a handbag at the railway station. This revelation exposes her as a neglectful caretaker who, preoccupied with writing a novel, misplaced a child under her care.
Through the character of Miss Prism, Wilde satirizes the hypocrisy and moral rigidity of Victorian society, highlighting the gap between outward appearances and inner realities.
Works Cited
- “Miss Prism in ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’: Analysis & Quotes.” Study.com, Study.com, 11 Feb. 2023, www.study.com/academy/lesson/miss-prism-in-the-importance-of-being-earnest-analysis-quotes.html.
- “Miss Prism Character Analysis in The Importance of Being Earnest | SparkNotes.” SparkNotes, www.sparknotes.com/lit/earnest/character/miss-prism/.
- “Rev. Chasuble & Miss Prism.” CliffsNotes, www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/i/the-importance-of-being-earnest/character-analysis/rev-chasuble–miss-prism.
FAQs
Who is Miss Prism in literature?
Miss Prism is a fictional character in Oscar Wilde’s play “The Importance of Being Earnest.” She serves as a governess to Cecily Cardew, the ward of Jack Worthing, one of the play’s main characters.
What is Miss Prism’s role in “The Importance of Being Earnest?”
Miss Prism plays a significant role in the play as both a comedic character and a catalyst for the story’s events. She is responsible for a secret that drives much of the plot’s conflict and serves as a source of comic relief through her eccentricities and wit.
What does Miss Prism symbolize in “The Importance of Being Earnest?”
Miss Prism is often seen as a symbol of moral and social hypocrisy in the play. Her character represents the rigid Victorian values and the double standards of the society depicted in the play. She embodies the contrast between appearances and reality, as she herself has a secret past that contradicts her outwardly proper and moral demeanor.
How does Miss Prism contribute to the theme of identity in the play?
Miss Prism’s character contributes to the theme of identity in “The Importance of Being Earnest” through her involvement in the creation of false identities. Her secret past and the misplaced baby (which she accidentally switches with a handbag) highlight the theme of mistaken and hidden identities that permeates the play.
What are Miss Prism’s notable characteristics?
Miss Prism is depicted as a strict and pedantic governess with a penchant for morality and literature. She is often portrayed as absent-minded and scatterbrained, prone to making mistakes and indulging in her own fantasies. Her intellectualism and love for books are notable characteristics that add depth to her character.
How does Miss Prism’s relationship with Cecily Cardew evolve?
Initially, Miss Prism is shown as Cecily’s governess, responsible for her education and upbringing. However, as the play progresses, their relationship evolves into a more complex dynamic. Miss Prism’s secret past, which involves a misplaced baby, becomes intertwined with Cecily’s romantic pursuits, leading to humorous and dramatic situations.
What comedic elements are associated with Miss Prism?
Miss Prism brings comedic elements to the play through her absent-mindedness, eccentricities, and humorous dialogue. Her intellectual pretensions, coupled with her tendency for mistaken identities and witty remarks, create comedic situations and add to the overall humor of the play.
How does Miss Prism’s character contribute to the resolution of the play?
Miss Prism’s secret past and her involvement in the mix-up of identities play a crucial role in the play’s resolution. The revelation of her past and the clarification of the mistaken identities help untangle the complicated web of deceit and ultimately lead to the play’s resolution, where truth and genuine love triumph.