Victorian Drama

Comparing dramas from different cultures can offer insight into the relationship between a literary work and its historical and cultural context. In this topic, you explored Oscar Wilde's most famous play The Importance of Being Earnest and identified key plot elements. You also considered some of its important themes that revolved around Victorian social norms, examining how Wilde utilized dialogue in order to develop these themes.

In comparison to an exemplary British play, you also studied Arthur Miller's award-winning tragedy Death of a Salesman. Set more than fifty years after The Importance of Being Earnest, Death of a Salesman effectively incorporates poignant dialogue to develop themes about American culture and family relationships. Miller's play also takes advantage of a modified plot structure to build tension and suspense, which culminates in an emotional and tragic climax.

Although the tones and themes between the two plays differ, these dramatic works demonstrate how playwrights can admirably use dramatic elements to produce entertaining and thought-provoking plays.