THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST CHARACTER STUDYLADY BRACKNELLManner of Speech

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST CHARACTER STUDY

LADY BRACKNELL

Manner of Speech

Lady Bracknell's untiring set of rules and standards and her overuse of “should” and “must” are characteristic of the voice of English authority. Her dialogue and aggressive, masculine control (“You can take a seat, Mr. Worthing”) are unbelievable, and therefore comical and hilarious.

Although Lady Bracknell's haughty tone, pace, and manner in offering advice to Gwendolyn and Jack about how, whom, and when to marry seem normal, her “mons...