39 pages • 1 hour read
Oscar WildeA Woman of No Importance
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1893A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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.