Miss Prism Importance Of Being Earnest

The Importance of Miss Prism

In Oscar Wilde’s play The Importance of Being Earnest, the character of Miss Prism is wholly underestimated, as she exemplifies points of stereotypicality in Victorian society just as well as other characters do, and acts as the story’s deus ex machina.

Miss Prism, as considered one of the seldom older characters in the play, does have the traits of the old-fashioned Victorian lady. Such is the case when speaking of Cecily’s schoolwork, “... you will read your political Economy in my absence. The chapter on the Fall of the Rupee you may omit. It is somewhat too sensational. Even these metallic problems have their melodramatic side (Wilde 23).” The key words here are “sensational” and “melodramatic” as they fit

Chasuble possibly being married. “Maturity can always be depended on. Ripeness can be trusted. Young women are green. [Dr. Chasuble starts.] I spoke horticulturally. My metaphor was drawn from fruits… (Wilde 26).” Although not intentional, Miss Prism is basically saying, “As an older woman, I can be trusted. You should marry me.” How this relates to her old fashioned character-build is due to the simple fact that Miss Prism is a governess, a station which is neither of the low class nor the high class, and although not explicitly stated, many woman in this time period generally married for wealth and social class. Dr. Chasuble, as a doctor, would have a wealth beyond what Miss Prism possesses, and would give her the opportunity to rise in social class. However, her desire to marry Dr. Chasuble is a difficult one. “[With a scholar’s shudder]. Believe me, I do not deserve so neologistic a phrase. The precept as well as the practice of Primitive Church was distinctly against matrimony (Wilde 25-26).” As a celibate, Dr. Chasuble can never marry, and yet Miss Prism still has a clear idea in her head to marry him. Though her reasons are unexplained, it could be a possibly be due to her desire for more wealth as the era and Wilde himself often

After explaining the significance of the handbag after having been returned to her, Wilde went on to write, “JACK [In a pathetic voice]. Miss Prism, more is restored to you than this hand-bag. I was the baby you placed in it. MISS PRISM [Amazed]. You? JACK [Embracing her]. Yes… Mother (Wilde 52)!” Wilde also had Miss Prism say, “Mr. Worthing, there is some error. [Pointing to Lady Bracknell.] There is the lady who can tell you who you really are (Wilde 53).” They then elaborate into the story of his unnamed father, and it is because of this that Miss Prism acts as the deus ex machina, a rhetorical device that transforms the outcome of the play from dismal to wholly euphoric. She saves the end from a tragic display of heartbreak and undestined romance for the main characters such as Jack and Gwendolen, who, without this sudden revelation of heritage never would have been able to marry. Miss Prism is the ultimate catalyst for change, and becomes the single most important piece of the puzzle due to this fact. Without her, Jack never would have learned who he really is or who his parents are, but she is also the reason behind his