Mrs. Erlynne Exercises the Prerogative of a Gran
The narrative revolves around themes of morality, societal expectations, and the complexities of human relationships. The central character, a woman of high social standing, grapples with the implications of her husband's alleged infidelity. As she confronts the possibility of betrayal, she is torn between her love for her husband and the societal pressures that dictate her response. A pivotal figure in the story is a woman with a troubled past, who serves as a foil to the protagonist. She embodies the consequences of societal judgment and the stigma attached to women who deviate from accepted norms. Her experiences highlight the harsh realities of being an outcast and the emotional toll it takes on individuals. The dialogue is rich with emotional intensity, as the characters navigate their feelings of love, betrayal, and the desire for redemption. The narrative explores the idea of sacrifice, particularly in the context of motherhood, emphasizing the responsibilities that come with raising a child. The protagonist is urged to prioritize her child's well-being over her own emotional turmoil, reflecting the societal expectation that women must endure personal suffering for the sake of their families. As the story unfolds, the characters confront their pasts and the choices that have led them to their current situations. The themes of forgiveness and understanding emerge, as the protagonist learns to reconcile her feelings towards her husband and the woman who has inadvertently influenced her life. Ultimately, the work serves as a critique of societal norms, particularly regarding gender roles and the moral expectations placed on women. It challenges the reader to consider the complexities of love, loyalty, and the sacrifices made in the name of family. The resolution of the narrative leaves the characters at a crossroads, prompting reflection on the nature of forgiveness and the possibility of redemption in a world that often punishes those who stray from the path of virtue.
By Oscar Wilde · First published 1893 · Genre: Drama, Social Commentary, Tragedy · 616 words
First lines
Lady Windermere, before Heaven your husband is guiltless of all offence towards you! And I -- I tell you that had it ever occurred to me that such a monstrous suspicion would have entered your mind, I would have died rather than have crossed your life or his -- oh! died, gladly died! Believe what you choose about me. I am not worth a moment's sorrow. But don't spoil your beautiful young life on my account! You don't know what may be in store for you, unless you leave this house at once. You don't know what it is to fall into the pit, to be despised, mocked, abandoned, sneered at -- to be an outcast! to find the door shut against one, to have to creep in by hideous byways, afraid every moment lest the mask should be stripped from one's face, and all the while to hear the laughter, the horrible laughter of the world, a thing more tragic than all the tears the world has ever shed. You don't know what it is. One pays for one's sin, and then one pays again, and all one's life one pays. You must never know that. -- As for me, if suffering be an expiation, then at this moment I have expiated all my faults, whatever they have been; for to- night you have made a heart in one who had it not, made it and broken it. -- But let that pass. I may have wrecked my own life, but I will not let you wreck yours.
What this Textopian page supports
Mrs. Erlynne Exercises the Prerogative of a Grandmother is listed on Textopian as a play by Oscar Wilde, dated 1893 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Play
- Author: Oscar Wilde
- Date: 1893 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Drama, Social Commentary, Tragedy, Comedy, Romance
- Length: 616 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Mrs. Erlynne Exercises the Prerogative of a Grandmother by Oscar Wilde
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Mrs. Erlynne Exercises the Prerogative of a Grandmother?
- How does this play by Oscar Wilde fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Drama first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Past One At Rooneys by O. Henry
- When Lovely Woman Stoops To Folly by Oliver Goldsmith
- The Admirable Bashville by George Bernard Shaw
- The Model Millionaire A Note Of Admiration by Oscar Wilde
- October And June by O. Henry
- The Conscious Lovers by Richard Steele
Genres
- Drama — The work features intense emotional conflicts and character interactions typical of dramatic literature.
- Social Commentary — The themes explore societal norms, morality, and the roles of women, reflecting Wilde's critique of Victorian society.
- Tragedy — The narrative includes elements of personal suffering and moral dilemmas, characteristic of tragic literature.
- Comedy — Wilde's use of wit and humor, along with social satire, aligns with comedic elements.
Tags
Social Satire · Comedy of Manners · Family Drama · Marriage · Love Triangle · Deception · Morality · Class Conflict · Ego · Pride · Shame · Reputation