During class, we read the play aloud in groups of 3. One interesting analysis of my table and I came up with was the representation of Merriman. We were discussing that although he is a representation of the lower class and is seen as less significant compared to the other main characters, Wilde contradicts this representation by adding his own interpretations. He presented Merriman to have the power to restrain Gwendolen and Cecily, showing that he has more power than how he is seen. Therefore, in my practice essay for Act 2, this was my response.

The feedback I received on my writing helped me become more aware of what I had to improve. For the most part, I think I need to work on my wording and use of technical language. I noticed that I tend to ramble on hence not be able to effectively convey the main ideas that I want to state. In order to improve this, I should look at how good essays are written, and utilizes phrases such as “the notion of”, “this is Wilde’s way of”, or even just using more apostrophes to make it more coherent.

To improve on my analysis, I could have added the symbolism and significance of courtesy and table manners for the Aristocrats as well as the symbolism behind the remarks that Cecily retorted back at Gwendolen.