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A women of no importance HELP

The last quote in the play 'Oh! no one. No one in particular. A man of no importance.' - what effect or device is used in this quote? Or is there none at all? And how would you analyse it?

Also the quote in the play when Hester says to Mrs Arbuthnot 'Come out with us to the garden' - is this biblical imagery used? How would you analyse it?

Reply 1

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Reply 2

fallingdown

The last quote is used for irony and also as a statement for the power shift that has just occurred. Obviously, Mrs Arbuthnot is initially the "woman of no importance" as described by Lord Illingworth earlier on in the poem. After having an argument with lord Illingworth and refusing to marry him, the tables have turned and now she is the one in power. you can link this to context and talk about how woman had little power in the Victorian Era. Their main aim was to get married and have a respectable position in society- by refusing his proposal it was unheard of and quite scandalous.
And I don't really think the other quote is of biblical importance- by having Hester and Gerald out in the garden it allows Mrs Arbuthnot and Lord Illingworth to have their conversation. Wilde used this as a dramatic device as it was a play and they had to be off stage.

I hope this helps, and good luck with what you're doing!