Miss Prism, a character in Oscar Wilde’s play “The Importance of Being Earnest,” harbors romantic feelings for Dr. Chasuble, the local reverend. This unrequited love adds a layer of complexity to her character and serves as a source of humor and irony in the play.
Key Facts
- Miss Prism is in love with Dr. Chasuble.
- Dr. Chasuble is the local reverend.
- Miss Prism’s love for Dr. Chasuble is not openly admitted, but it is implied.
- Miss Prism and Dr. Chasuble have a romantic relationship, despite Miss Prism’s disapproval of Cecily’s methods to bring them together.
- Miss Prism is attracted to Dr. Chasuble and often finds excuses to spend time alone with him.
- Miss Prism and Dr. Chasuble are portrayed as comic and slightly grotesque caricatures in the play.
- Miss Prism is a creative writer and a parody of “a woman with a past”.
- Miss Prism is the guardian of Cecily’s education and virtue.
- Miss Prism and Dr. Chasuble both have hidden desires and a hedonistic streak beneath their surface.
- Miss Prism and Dr. Chasuble serve as symbols of Wilde’s commentary on Victorian religion and respectability.
Evidence of Miss Prism’s Affection for Dr. Chasuble
Miss Prism’s attraction to Dr. Chasuble is evident in several instances throughout the play. She often finds excuses to spend time alone with him, engaging in conversations that reveal her admiration for his intellect and moral character. Despite her disapproval of Cecily’s methods to bring them together, Miss Prism cannot resist the allure of Dr. Chasuble’s company.
The Comic and Grotesque Portrayal of Miss Prism and Dr. Chasuble
Wilde portrays Miss Prism and Dr. Chasuble as comic and slightly grotesque caricatures. Their exaggerated mannerisms and preoccupation with social conventions highlight the absurdity of Victorian morality. Miss Prism’s prim and proper demeanor contrasts with her hidden desires, while Dr. Chasuble’s absent-mindedness and tendency to spout moral platitudes make him a figure of fun.
Miss Prism as a Symbol of Victorian Respectability and Religion
Miss Prism represents the strict moral code and social expectations of Victorian society. As the guardian of Cecily’s education and virtue, she embodies the values of propriety and conformity. However, her secret attraction to Dr. Chasuble exposes the hypocrisy and superficiality of these values, suggesting that beneath the veneer of respectability, human nature is prone to desire and passion.
Conclusion
Miss Prism’s unrequited love for Dr. Chasuble adds depth and humor to her character. Wilde uses this romantic subplot to satirize Victorian social conventions and explore the complexities of human nature.
Sources
- https://study.com/academy/lesson/miss-prism-in-the-importance-of-being-earnest-analysis-quotes.html
- https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/earnest/character/miss-prism/
- https://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/i/the-importance-of-being-earnest/character-analysis/rev-chasuble–miss-prism
FAQs
Who is Miss Prism in love with?
Miss Prism is in love with Dr. Chasuble, the local reverend.
How is Miss Prism’s love for Dr. Chasuble portrayed in the play?
Miss Prism’s love for Dr. Chasuble is not openly admitted, but it is implied through her actions and conversations. She often finds excuses to spend time alone with him and expresses admiration for his intellect and moral character.
Why is Miss Prism’s love for Dr. Chasuble considered ironic?
Miss Prism’s love for Dr. Chasuble is ironic because she is a strict moral guardian who disapproves of Cecily’s romantic pursuits. Her own hidden desires contradict her outward appearance of propriety.
How does Miss Prism’s love for Dr. Chasuble contribute to the play’s humor?
Miss Prism’s unrequited love for Dr. Chasuble adds a layer of humor to the play. Her attempts to conceal her feelings and her awkward interactions with Dr. Chasuble create comedic moments.
What does Miss Prism’s love for Dr. Chasuble reveal about her character?
Miss Prism’s love for Dr. Chasuble reveals that she is not as prim and proper as she appears to be. Her hidden desires and secret romantic life add depth and complexity to her character.
How does Miss Prism’s love for Dr. Chasuble comment on Victorian social conventions?
Miss Prism’s love for Dr. Chasuble satirizes the strict moral code and social expectations of Victorian society. Her secret desires challenge the notion of propriety and respectability, suggesting that human nature is more complex than social norms allow.
What is the significance of Miss Prism’s eventual union with Dr. Chasuble?
Miss Prism’s eventual union with Dr. Chasuble provides a satisfying resolution to the play’s romantic subplot. It also symbolizes the triumph of love over social conventions and the hypocrisy of Victorian morality.
How does Miss Prism’s love for Dr. Chasuble contribute to the play’s overall themes?
Miss Prism’s love for Dr. Chasuble contributes to the play’s themes of love, morality, and social hypocrisy. It explores the complexities of human nature and the tension between societal expectations and personal desires.