Final answer:
In 'The Importance of Being Earnest,' Algernon views marriage as tedious, while Lady Bracknell sees it as a strategic social move. Today's values often prioritize love over social and economic benefits in marriage, reflecting both continuity and change in societal norms.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Oscar Wilde's play, 'The Importance of Being Earnest', the characters Algernon and Lady Bracknell have distinct attitudes towards marriage. Algernon sees marriage as an often tedious end to an otherwise enjoyable bachelor life, while Lady Bracknell approaches it as a means for social positioning and securing economic stability. Lady Bracknell's views on marriage reflect the Victorian importance of wealth, status, and propriety over affection. In contrast, contemporary values typically prioritize love and personal compatibility over economic benefits when considering marriage.
While the value of marriage as a social institution remains relevant, today's approach is more flexible and diverse, with individuals seeking different things from a partnership including love, companionship, or for creating a family unit. The romanticized ideals of marriage seen in literature and media portray various expectations and societal norms from different eras. Therefore, there is both continuity and change in how marriage is viewed and valued across different periods.