Stase Diresttons and Settinsa:

Before any of the play's charscters speak.The grandeur of the room in which the party and finst act are set communicates that the bosts are wealthy.The setting also includes a valuable and undoubtedly expensive tapestry, proof of the Chilterms' general taste and wealth.A tapestry portrays an image on one side, which is visible, while its reverse may conceal something or someone from view.Wilde uses stage directions to highllight important aspects of the play for the audience.In this way the tapestry symbolizes the play's central conflict: the love between Sir Robert and his wife is evident, but in Act.When the audience learms about Sir Robert's financial crimes later in the play, the entire set will serve as evidence of them.Its larger function, though, is to comment on the play as a whole.Cheveley.The meaning of this setting will soon change.Private assessments matter.