51 OSCAR WILDE AND BERNARD SHAW

Aestheticism

A literary and artistic movement that emphasizes art for art's sake, valuing beauty above moral or social function.

Victorian Era

A period of British history during Queen Victoria's reign (1837-1901), marked by strict social norms and rules.

Edwardian Era

A period in British history (1901-1910) that followed the Victorian era, characterized by significant cultural and social change.

Comedy of Manners

A theatrical genre that satirizes the manners and affectations of a social class, often through witty dialogue.

Socialism

A political and economic theory advocating for social ownership and democratic control of the means of production.

Witty Paradox

A form of expression used by playwrights like Bernard Shaw, combining humor with an apparent contradiction to expose deeper truths.

New Drama

A movement in late Victorian theatre characterized by realism and a focus on societal issues, moving away from the morality of previous eras.

Lady Windermere's Fan

A play by Oscar Wilde that critiques Victorian notions of morality through the analysis of familial and social convention.

The Importance of Being Earnest

Oscar Wilde's final play, a satirical comedy that critiques Victorian social pretensions and the institution of marriage.

Fabian Society

An organization founded in 1884 promoting socialism through gradual reforms rather than revolutionary means.

Mrs. Warren's Profession

A play by George Bernard Shaw that explores the complexities of prostitution and the economic factors underpinning women's roles in society.

Pygmalion

A play by George Bernard Shaw that examines social class and language, following the transformation of Eliza Doolittle by Professor Higgins.

Belle Époque

A period in Western European history characterized by cultural flourishing and significant social changes, overlapping with the Edwardian era.

Homosexual Affair

A relationship or liaison between individuals of the same sex; in Wilde's case, this led to his imprisonment.

Trivial Plays for Thinking People

A description by Oscar Wilde of his plays, highlighting their social critique delivered through humor and wit.

Collusive Concealment

A narrative technique used by Wilde, where characters maintain secrets that, when revealed, suggest a critical view of societal expectations.

Art for Art’s Sake

A doctrine asserting that art's value lies in its beauty and emotional resonance, rather than its utility or moral message.

St. Joan

A play by George Bernard Shaw that portrays Joan of Arc's story, infused with modern sensibilities and concerns.

Playwright

A person who writes plays, particularly for the theatre; notable examples here include Oscar Wilde and George Bernard Shaw.

Cultural Shift

The transformation in societal values and beliefs that occurred around the turn of the 20th century, influencing literature and arts.

Individualism

A social theory favoring freedom of action for individuals over collective or state control; a theme in Wilde and Shaw's works.

Radical Play

A work that challenges societal norms and conventions, often through provocative content and themes, exemplified in Wilde's works.