1. Social Issues in Pygmalion and The Importance of Being Earnest.Both plays emphasize issues with class during the turn of the century. What sort of statements could these plays be making?
2. Classify The Merchant of Venice
How do you think that we should view this play? Is it really a comedy?
Is there any way to argue that it is a tragedy?
3. Gender Issues in Pygmalion and The Importance of Being Earnest: Describe Eliza in Shaw’s play, and discuss how Eliza is treated by others within the play.
Does she appear to be marginalized?
What about the portrayal of the female characters in Wilde’s play?
Do these plays reflect issues that women may have faced during this time period?
4. Satire in The Importance of Being Earnest:
Why does Wilde satirize the viewers who will be buying the tickets?
What kind of reaction might he be aiming to evoke in his audience?
