Lady Bracknell (in "The Importance of Being Earnest")

Lady Bracknell is a character in Oscar Wilde’s play "The Importance of Being Earnest," known for her aristocratic demeanor and sharp wit. She embodies Victorian social values, often emphasizing the importance of status, lineage, and propriety. Her dialogues highlight her role as a gatekeeper of social acceptability, especially in matters of marriage and class. Despite her sometimes humorous and exaggerated manner, she reflects the societal norms and superficial priorities of her era, using her authority to uphold class distinctions and tradition, often through humorous or sarcastic commentary.