Language on the Loose

Victorian writers came to realize that language fails to secure meaning and quickly moved onto new beliefs of language, associated with the Modernist period. One such writer went so far as to prove that language can lead individuals on a wild journey. In The Importance of Being Ernest, by Oscar Wilde, language is mocked as being unable to fully secure meaning and ultimate failing and providing any truth.
Wilde uses the name Ernest to show readers that words are only as meaning full as the individual who is presenting them. In Act I, Jack presents himself as Mr. Ernest Worthing; however, we quickly come to find out that Mr. Ernest Worthing is really named Jack. Algernon in shock and disbelief then goes into a dialogue about his certainty that Jack’s name is Ernest:

You have always told me it was Ernest. I have introduced you to every one as Ernest. You answer to the name of Ernest. You look as if your name was Ernest. You are the most earnest-looking person I ever saw in my life. It is perfectly absurd your saying that your name isn’t Ernest. It’s on your card. (5)


This rather comical diatribe between the two men forces readers to consider that language when told in jest or untruth is only as true as the individual presenting it. Victorians come to understand through writings such as Wilde’s that language allows only minimal room for truth. When taken into consideration that all history is written in symbols/language and claimed to be truth, one must then question if there is any reality to be found in language or if we must simply accept what is presented to us as truth. These ideas of language as a false means of achieving truth, leads individual of the Victorian era to disregard beliefs that everything exists within language and that language is the ultimate truth. In disregarding these ideas, the Modernist movement begins.

Shaping an Individual

In Face Of an Angel, Denise Chavez is able to form a rich novel focused on varied aspects of culture. Chavez addresses how an individual’s identity forms out of interactions from within ones perceived culture. Chavez uses the main character, Soveida Dosamantes to establish a relationship with readers. The novel flows so smoothly that it’s easy to forget that mixed in with the text is a book being written by the protagonist – “The Book of Service”. “The Book of Service” is used as a key tool by Chavez to focus the formation of Soveida’s identity, while the surrounding chapters tell the story of identity formation.
A prime example of Chavez’s use of “The Book of Service” can be found in chapter eight. Here, Soveida is writing about tips and ways to ensure that a waitress receives a good tip. Soveida’s identity shines through when she writes “Few people really care what a waitress thinks. What matters is how we look and act” (313). Soveida has come to believe that opinions don’t matter, thoughts don’t matter, what speaks loudest are looks and actions. The cliché, actions speak louder than words, has become a philosophy towards how to interact with others in Soveida’s life.
Concern can be raised when considering that Soveida believes looks to be more valued in society than opinions. Soveida finds herself surrounded by strong male characters that often value an individual based on their physical attributes, as seen by her father – Luardo and her first husband - Ivan. These, perhaps subconscious, actions of those around Soveida have come to influence the way that she perceives herself.
Chavez uses “The Book of Service” to focus Soveida’s development throughout the novel. As Soveida grows and learns from life, she is shaped through cultural interactions from throughout society. Soveida’s philosophies towards life and service, shows readers identity formation as it correlates to everyday life.