39 pages • 1 hour read
A Woman of No Importance
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Book Brief
96
Play • Fiction
England • 1890s
1893
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
A Woman of No Importance by Oscar Wilde is a play that scrutinizes the mores and restrictions of upper-class British society in the late 19th century. The story unfolds at Lady Hunstanton’s estate, where Gerald Arbuthnot is offered a prestigious position by Lord Illingworth. Tension arises when Gerald's mother, Mrs. Arbuthnot, unveils a shocking secret connecting her and Lord Illingworth. Themes of moral hypocrisy and gender inequality are explored as characters navigate issues of reputation, parentage, and societal judgment. This play includes adult themes and discussions of gender-based societal punishment.
Contemplative
Humorous
Emotional
Romantic
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
15,705 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Oscar Wilde's A Woman of No Importance tackles societal hypocrisy and gender roles with sharp wit and compelling dialogue. Critics praise Wilde's incisive critique of Victorian society and his poignant, layered characters. However, some feel the play's moralizing can be heavy-handed, and its plot predictable. Overall, it remains a powerful, thought-provoking work.
Who Should Read A Woman of No Importance?
A reader who enjoys A Woman of No Importance by Oscar Wilde likely appreciates witty dialogue, social satire, and complex characters. Fans of Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest or Shaw's Pygmalion may find this play appealing. These readers are often drawn to works critiquing Victorian society and exploring themes of gender and class.
15,705 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Mrs. Arbuthnot
Mrs. Arbuthnot
A deeply devoted mother living a modest life in the countryside, whose past relationship with Lord Illingworth influences her present circumstances and character relationships.
Gerald Arbuthnot
Gerald Arbuthnot
Mrs. Arbuthnot's earnest and sincere son, who finds himself at a pivotal point in his life due to an attractive career opportunity and his aspirations to marry his love interest.
Hester Worsley
Hester Worsley
A young and wealthy American woman visiting England, known for her strong moral convictions and developing relationships with other key characters in the narrative.
96
Play • Fiction
England • 1890s
1893
Adult
18+ years
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