The Importance of Being Earnest
How is Victorian education mocked?
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All Acts
One example of the way education is mocked can be seen in the character of Lady Bracknell. Lady Bracknell's belief that the members of the upper class are more educated that the lower class is based purely on status. She disapproves of educating the lower classes because she sees their education as a threat to her own place in society.
“The whole theory of modern education is radically unsound. Fortunately in England, at any rate, education produces no effect whatsoever. If it did, it would prove a serious danger to the upper classes, and probably lead to acts of violence in Grosvenor Square.” (pg. 13)
Ironically, we come to learn that Lady Bracknell's education is sorely lacking, particularly in contrast with Miss Prism's (working class governess) obvious intelligence.
The Importance of Being Earnest