Man and Wife · Question
How does Man and Wife develop the theme of Hypocrisy of Society?
Answer
Man and Wife by Wilkie Collins develops Hypocrisy of Society across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Victorian society is shown as hypocritical, valuing appearances and propriety over genuine morality. Characters like Lady Lundie and Mr. Vanborough maintain social respectability while engaging in cruel or dishonest behavior.
Societal double standards are exposed as characters judge Anne while ignoring Geoffrey's faults.
Vanborough's public success and charitable acts contrast sharply with his private treachery, highlighting societal hypocrisy.
Society rewards Delamayn's success while Vanborough, though wealthy, is isolated and disliked, revealing the superficiality of social acceptance.
Evidence in the book
- Man and Wife
Societal double standards are exposed as characters judge Anne while ignoring Geoffrey's faults.
- V
Vanborough's public success and charitable acts contrast sharply with his private treachery, highlighting societal hypocrisy.
- VII
Society rewards Delamayn's success while Vanborough, though wealthy, is isolated and disliked, revealing the superficiality of social acceptance.
- The Owls
The owls' defense of the 'Constitution' and their resistance to change satirize human institutions that cling to outdated traditions, mirroring societal hypocrisy in resisting progress.
- III: The Discoveries
Sir Patrick criticizes society's glorification of physical strength over moral character, pointing to a growing hypocrisy that values brute force while ignoring inner virtue.
- The Suitor
Lady Lundie's public politeness masks her private hostility toward Anne, and Sir Patrick's jocular demeanor conceals his strategic avoidance of family conflict.
- VIII: The Scandal
Lady Lundie's professed 'moral responsibility' masks her vindictive desire to expose Anne's secrets, highlighting societal double standards.
- IX: Anne
Mistress Inchbare's 'savagely-respectable' demeanor and her refusal to accommodate Anne under the guise of protecting the inn's reputation exemplify societal hypocrisy.
