Analyzing Earnest's 'Parent Meddling'

Analysis of Parent Meddling
Through analysis of Earnest Act I, the excerpt from Kiss and Tell, and “Psychologists thought meddling parents were good for couples- they were wrong” , I came to a logical consensus regarding parent meddling in romantic relations. Relationship results rely heavily on affirmation or negation of the parent’s ideals. Firstly, Earnest Act 1 Victorian age ideals oppose intellectually stimulating and emotionally-driven modern love. Marriage revolved around class structure, style, and prosperity. Parents practiced complete control over romantic relationships in the Victorian era. Epitomization of this includes Lady Bracknell’s conversation with Gwendolen over Earnest’s proposal.
“Lady Bracknell: Pardon me, you are not
engaged to any one. When you do become engaged to some one, I, or your father, should his health permit him, will inform you of the fact. An engagement should come on a young girl as a surprise, pleasant or unpleasant, as the case may be. It is hardly a matter that she could be allowed to arrange for herself . . . And now I have a few questions to put to you, Mr. Worthing.” (Wilde 511-519)
Furthermore, in Kiss and Tell, negative light casts on over-involved, overbearing parents. embarrassment and discontent regarding her parents presence within the theatre plagues The protagonist as she accompanies her date. She observes her parents small behaviors and quirks. She attempts to alleviate an awkward situation.
‘She’s talking to someone. Can you see?’
‘Phew, it’s my dad. He must have gone off to buy programmes. And he’s about to sneeze. Look, there
15 we go, aaahhtchooo. Out comes his red handkerchief (Botton 12-17).
The play’s duration focuses on the parental antagonists rather than the romantic relationship, speaking on the overall message a child’s romantic relationships are rendered insignificant. Lastly, “Psychologists thought meddling parents were good for couples, - they were wrong” disproved the Romeo and Juliet effect. Conducted studies solidified the claim
“when one’s family and friends do not accept or approve of one’s relationship, the health of the partners and the quality of the relationship tends to suffer.
Specifically, when people perceive that their romantic relationship is marginalised, not only do they report worse physical and psychological health and less commitment to their relationship, but they also have an increased likelihood of breaking up in the next year.” (Lehmiller) “The study offered an alternative, opposing the Romeo and Juliet Effect. Results were as follows
The results shows that the more parental approval reported at beginning, the more love and commitment was reported four months later. This was true for both dating and married couples.” Concluded, Parental oversight and involvement in their child’s romantic relationship clearly have a vivid impact. However relationship results rely heavily on affirmation or negation of the parent’s ideals. Earnest Act 1 related social class and status. Kiss and Tell touched upon marginalization. and “Psychologists thought meddling parents were good for couples- they were wrong” disputed the Romeo and Juliet effect, proposing torn apart family interactions don’t strengthen the young lovers bond, in fact, the
contrary.