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  • Essay / Algernon and Food in the Symbolism of Oscar Wilde - 1123

    This period was characterized by social and political changes as England experienced industrialization, but by intellectual discoveries (Joshi ). Charles Darwin's The Evolution of Species, Sigmund Freud's Psychoanalysis, and Karl Marx's Communism were all published during this period, creating tensions in Victorian beliefs. These ideas challenged “all pre-existing Victorian values” regarding “creationism, self-centeredness, and socio-political hierarchy” (Joshi). With the rise of steam engines, manufacturing, and economic laissez-faire, came an influx of literature with the general theme of change, or upheaval ("Victorian literature"). Many writers believed that "the fundamental changes taking place in the world meant progress" and were a source of hope and optimism. Others chose to directly address the pressing social issues of the time with the intention of changing them ("Victorian literature"). In the play, Algernon mocks the volume of literary ideas and their quality in phrases such as “Oh! it is absurd to have an absolute rule about what to read and what not to read. More than half of modern culture depends on what not to read” (Wilde 1.291). He also expresses his doubts about the validity of these claims: “The truth is rarely pure and never simple. Modern life would be very boring if it were, and modern literature would be totally impossible! (1.294). The press suffers his criticism when he says: “Literary criticism is not your strong point, my dear. Don't try. You should leave that to people who have never attended a university. They do it so well in the daily newspapers” (1.294). Algernon even uses rapid scientific developments to support his claims for his own benefit. When Jack says, "You said yourself that a severe cold wasn't hereditary," Algernon sarcastically responds, "It wasn't before, I know, but I dare say it.".