thesis statement for the importance of being earnest

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• The Comedy of “The Importance of Being Earnest” Words: 1829
• Marriage Theme in “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde Words: 612
• The Importance of Being Earnest: Play Movie (2002) Words: 840
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• Literature Studies: “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde Words: 824
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• Victorian Society & Identity in Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” Words: 962
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• “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde Words: 287

“The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde

Welcome to our The Importance of Being Earnest essay sample! Here, you’ll find the analysis of the story’s main themes and comedy elements. Get ideas for your essay on The Importance of Being Earnest with our essay sample.

The Importance of Being Earnest Essay Thesis Statement

The importance of being earnest essay introduction, morality and marriage, why a comedy, the importance of being earnest essay conclusion, works cited.

Oscar Wilde had written during the Victorian time which was an era that laid much emphasis on moral values. It can be contended that The Importance of Being Earnest is in essence a play on morality since the major argument surfacing after its reading relates to honesty as being the best policy.

Although the learning from the play strengthens the values as prevailing during the period, there is quite a lot in the play that is not as per convention. The primary reason for Wilde’s success was that he was able to narrate an appealing story that further strengthened the prevailing social values. This he was able to do by making use of the untraditional relationships and images.

The Importance of Being Earnest was the last play written by Oscar Wilde and it undoubtedly became the most celebrated. George Bernard Shaw and H G Wells considered the play amongst the funniest that were ever written and to this day the play continues to absorb and entertain theatre lovers through out the world.

The play makes fun of the literary world, the aristocratic society and the customs and mannerisms of the British, while at the same time questions the concept of identity. The plans of the different characters in the play are seen to be going topsy-turvy due to the occurrence of unexpected developments. Wilde has skilfully taken up the issues of romantic gamesmanship, social ambitions and class pretensions through wit sharpened dialogues.

A major reason for the play’s success is the large number of spicy epigrams used by Wilde. Although some of the succinct and inconsistent statements relate to contemporary happenings, most of them are general manifestations of beauty, classes, women and men.

Most of the statements are being quoted to this day and keep on delighting the audience with their mix of absurdities and sophistication. Other than revealing the beauty, the play is a masterpiece in depicting Victorian styles as prevalent during the time, especially in relation to morality and marriage.

For long, marriage had been a significant issue and Wilde had depicted its scheming use as a social instrument of progression. Other than Miss Prism, all the ladies in the play are seen as having hidden motives in regard to romance. Wilde has convincingly criticized the superficial ways of politeness as practiced by society and has outlined the nature of the shallow masks that were worn by aristocratic Victorians.

A major source of humour in the play is the confused source of values as displayed by the characters. In this regard, Wilde had commented about the play as being “exquisitely trivial, a delicate bubble of fancy, and it has its philosophy that we should treat all the trivial things of life seriously, and all the serious things of life with sincere and studied triviality,” (Oscar Wilde, 2005).

Wilde had impressed upon his actors to speak out their words very seriously so that the audience did not think that they were joking. Although in essence the play is a comedy that relates to protocol, it has openly used ridiculous means to minimize its significance. Fortunately the audience is ever willing to ignore the inconsistency and indiscretions in the play.

Within the structure of the play one can feel the allusions of homosexuality implied in the male characters. It is known that while he was writing this play, Wilde was leading a twin life of a married man as also of a homosexual.

The original audiences of the play were utterly shocked at the reference of such a culture in the play and unfortunately for Wilde, the success of the play was not carried too further as his well known trial began after the opening night of the play and his career began to get loose.

There are two major issues forming the critique of The Importance of Being Earnest. Firstly, although the play was very well received by audiences when it opened for the first time, critics during the time openly questioned the moral aspects pertinent in the play.

The play was attacked by George Bernard Shaw for its “real degeneracy” (Bob Nelson, 1993), and described the playwright’s word play as being rather hateful and sinister. The second issue relates to the dramatic framework of the play in exhibiting aspects of parody, comedy of manners and mockery. Critics have been unable to come to a conclusion in regard to what category the play belongs to.

Critics are divided on the issue of morality in The Importance of Being Earnest. According to Edouard Roditi, who wrote the book Oscar Wilde, the playwright’s comedy did not rise higher than “the incomplete or the trivial” (Edouard Roditi, 1947).

Roditi felt that the play did not have ethical perspectives since no character saw through other characters nor criticized their values. Eric Bentley also felt the same way and concluded that “because of its ridiculous action, the play fails to break… into bitter criticism of serious issues” (Eric Bentley, 1987).

Otto Reinert has opined that Wilde’s comedy has had the effect of “an exposure both of hypocrisy and of the unnatural convention that necessitates hypocrisy” (Otto Reinert, 1956). Consequently there was a superficial cover up of the white lies that maintained politeness in the so called polite society, which alone was able to give the plot a moral meaning.

This is exemplified by the instance in the play when Algernon is criticized by Lady Bracknell for having taken care of his make believe friend, Bunberry who was supposed to make a decision whether he was going to die or live. In criticizing him she voices her conservative belief that “illness in others is always faked [and]… consequently sympathy with invalids is faked also” (Oscar Wilde, 2005)

Although Lady Bracknell is portrayed as respecting convention she is believed to have had no illusions about “the reality her professed convention is supposed to conceal” (Otto Reinert, 1956). She presumes that both Bunberry and Algeron are “bubburying” and she behaves in a way that “exposes the polite cynicism that negates all values save personal convenience and salon decorum” (Otto Reinert, 1956).

The lady’s behaviour is in the nature of exposing the polite cynicism in negating all desired values except salon decorum and personal convenience. Lady Bracknell is not protected from her own shortcomings in being extra earnest.

She disapproves of marriages amongst mercenaries and admits that when she had married Lord Bracknell she did not have any fortune, which implied that she was opposed to marrying for money, and that she was not in possession of much wealth at the time she married a wealthy man.

According to Reinert, “this position is neither cynical nor funny. It represents… [a] compromise between practical hardheadedness and conventional morality” (Otto Reinert, 1956).

In all, the play has not endorsed social dishonesty and for some time it makes a mockery of respectability. The use of paradoxical morality by Wilde has served as an evaluation of the “the problem of manners.”

This is so because Algeron, in trying to escape the pretence of conventions, becomes a hypocrite himself when he pretends to be a person that he actually is not. Wilde has conveyed that the so called Victorian morality forced people to lead a life of double standards, one that was frolicsome and another that was respectable, none of them being solemn.

A critical issue in the play relates to the categorization of the play. It has been described as a “farce that represents the reality that Victorian convention pretends to ignore” (Otto Reinert, 1956). The characters have not been ironic enough by way of saying something but meaning something else.

In fact they really mean what ever they state, which is evident from the fact that Algernon does not wish to attend lady Bracknell’s dinner party since she will invariably make him sit near Mary Farquhar who is in the habit of flirting while sitting with her own husband.

Reinert has written in this regard that, “Algernon is indignant with a woman who spoils the fun of extramarital flirtation and who parades her virtue. He is shocked at convention. And his tone implies that he is elevating break of convention into a moral norm,” (Otto Reinert, 1956). This makes things conventional out of unconventional situations.

Wilde’s comedy is seen as working through a caricature in transforming the techniques of comedy, plot situations and the characters.

The play has been defended against the charge that it was just a mockery because mockery “depends for its effects upon extremely simplified characters tangling themselves up in incongruous situations, as in Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors or Goldsmith’s She Stoops to Conquer.

Instead, the comedy of Earnest subsists, for the most part, not in action or situation but in dialogue, which is too witty and intellectual to be described simply as a farce,”(Forster, 1956).

Instead of being a comedy of manners or a mockery, Forster believed that Wilde used characters and familiar plot devices satirizing the Victorian community. The relationship that Jack has with Gwendolen symbolizes the problems faced by lovers in being forced to stay away from getting married due to class differences.

Wilde found a novel solution by establishing Jack’s patrimony in being the child at the railway station. A common feature of romantic literature pertains to falling in love at first sight which too is demonstrated by Wilde in total contrast when Cecily falls in love with Algernon, not at first sight but simply because she is under the impression that his name is Everest.

Although Algernon is depicted as being cynical, but there is evidence in indicating that such cynicism is shallow since after he met Cecily, “Algernon is engaged to be married and reconciled to getting christened,” (Forster, 1956).

In appearing to be innocent and protected, Cecily conveys that it would become a hypocritical situation if Algernon tries to be good while trying to project himself as being fiendish. According to Forster, “The moral of Wilde’s parody: the rake is a fake, girlish innocence is the bait of a monstrous mantrap, the wages of sin in matrimony,” (Forster, 1956).

In essence the dramatic troubles as identified by some critics in the play, are seen as being its strengths. Forster emphasizes that the whole point of the play lies in the machinations of its plot and the convenience outlined behind the numerous coincidences that are neatly placed in its resolutions.

Bob Nelson, The Importance of Being Earnest , A study Guide.

Edouard Roditi, Oscar Wilde, 1947, Norfolk: New Directions

Eric Bentley, The Playwright as Thinker, 1987, Harvest Books Foster, Richard. “Wilde as Parodist: A Second Look at The Importance Of Being Earnest.” October, 1956, College English

Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest, 2005, Prestwick House Inc

Reinert, Otto. “Satiric Strategy in The Importance Of Being Earnest.” October, 1956, College English

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The Importance of Being Earnest: Brief Overview and Thorough Analysis

If you're intrigued by the wit and whimsy of 'The Importance of Being Earnest,' then settle in for a delightful journey through this literary gem. In an era when seriousness reigned supreme in literature, Oscar Wilde's eccentric comedy breathed fresh life into British society of the late 1800s.

At first glance, one might dismiss it as mere frivolity, but that would be a mistake. Behind every comedic flourish lies a profound layer of meaning waiting to be unearthed. Let this article be your guide to The Importance of Being Earnest analysis as we delve into the depths of Wilde's wit, offering a unique perspective and perhaps even a touch of inspiration for your own scholarly pursuits and custom research paper .

Shortly about Oscar Wilde

Born on October 16, 1854, in Dublin, Ireland, Oscar Wilde was destined for literary greatness from the start. With a razor-sharp wit and a penchant for drama, he dazzled those around him from an early age.

After receiving an education at Trinity College, Dublin, Wilde set sail for England, where he quickly became a literary sensation. His plays, novels, and essays captured the essence of Victorian society with a sharpness and humor unparalleled in his time.

Wilde's magnum opus, 'The Importance of Being Earnest,' stands as a testament to his comedic genius and satirical prowess. With its biting wit and clever wordplay, the play remains a staple of English literature, captivating audiences with its timeless humor.

However, behind Wilde's public persona lay a life rife with scandal and controversy. His relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas, known as 'Bosie,' sparked outrage and condemnation in Victorian society, ultimately leading to Wilde's downfall.

In 1895, Wilde faced a series of trials that culminated in his conviction for 'gross indecency' and subsequent imprisonment. Despite the adversity he faced, he maintained his irrepressible spirit, penning one of his most famous works, 'De Profundis,' during his time in prison.

The author's legacy endures not only in his literary works but also in his unapologetic embrace of individualism and defiance of societal norms. His famous aphorisms, such as 'I can resist anything except temptation' and 'We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars,' continue to resonate with readers around the world, reminding us to live life with wit, style, and unyielding authenticity.

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Before we dive into the The Importance of Being Earnest analysis, let's take a moment to familiarize ourselves with the play and briefly review the main characters.

Jack Worthing

A gentleman of wealth and property, Jack leads a double life. In the city, he goes by the name Ernest, while in the countryside, he is Jack. He is responsible, well-meaning, and deeply in love with Gwendolen Fairfax. However, his tangled web of lies threatens to unravel as the play progresses.

Algernon Moncrieff

Jack's close friend and charming bachelor, Algernon, is known for his wit and love of pleasure. He adopts the identity of Ernest to pursue his romantic interests, leading to humorous misunderstandings and complications. Algernon's carefree demeanor contrasts sharply with Jack's more serious nature.

Cecily Cardew

Jack's ward and a charming young woman, Cecily, is sheltered yet spirited, with a penchant for romantic fantasies. She falls deeply in love with the idea of Ernest before even meeting him, setting the stage for a series of comedic misunderstandings with Algernon.

Gwendolen Fairfax

The sophisticated and determined love interest of Jack, Gwendolen, is enamored with the name Ernest and believes it to be a vital prerequisite for a husband. She is headstrong, witty, and unapologetically romantic, determined to marry a man by that name regardless of any obstacles.

Lady Bracknell

Gwendolen's formidable and snobbish mother, Lady Bracknell, is the epitome of Victorian societal expectations. She is determined to secure a suitable match for her daughter and is highly critical of anyone who does not meet her exacting standards, including Jack.

Cecily's governess, Miss Prism, is a well-intentioned but absent-minded character with a mysterious past. She becomes entangled in the romantic entanglements of the other characters, inadvertently revealing secrets that have long been buried.

Rev. Canon Chasuble, D.D.

The local rector, Canon Chasuble, is a somewhat oblivious clergyman who becomes embroiled in the romantic escapades of the other characters. He provides a source of comic relief with his peculiarities and misunderstandings.

First performed in 1895, the play revolves around mistaken identities, societal conventions, and the absurdities of romance in Victorian England.

The story begins with Algernon Moncrieff, a charming bachelor, and his friend Jack Worthing. Jack leads a double life, presenting himself as Ernest in the city and Jack in the country. Algernon, intrigued by Jack's mysterious past and his beautiful young ward, Cecily Cardew, decides to visit Jack's country estate.

Meanwhile, Jack is in love with Gwendolen Fairfax, Lady Bracknell's sophisticated and determined daughter. Gwendolen shares Jack's passion, particularly for the name 'Ernest, believing it to be the epitome of masculine charm.

As the plot unfolds, mistaken identities abound. Algernon masquerades as Jack's fictitious brother, Ernest, to court Cecily, who quickly falls in love with the idea of being engaged to someone named Ernest.

The arrival of Gwendolen at Jack's country estate further complicates matters when she discovers that Jack's real name is not Ernest, as she had believed. Nevertheless, both Gwendolen and Cecily remain determined to marry a man named Ernest.

Amidst the chaos, Lady Bracknell arrives, determined to ensure that her daughter marries into a suitable family. However, she is appalled by Jack's mysterious parentage and refuses to consent to his marriage to Gwendolen.

In the end, secrets are revealed, misunderstandings are resolved, and true love triumphs. Jack learns of his true parentage and his real name, Ernest. Lady Bracknell relents, giving her blessing to the marriages of both Jack and Algernon to Gwendolen and Cecily, respectively. The play concludes with a humorous twist as Jack reflects on the absurdity of his own story and the importance of being earnest in matters of both love and social etiquette.

The Importance of Being Earnest Essay Sample

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The Importance of Being Earnest Analysis

The playwright masterfully dissects the hypocrisies and absurdities of the Victorian upper class through a lens of satire and humor. Let's delve deeper into the analysis of The Importance of Being Earnest and examine the key elements of this timeless play:

• Dual Identities and Deception: Wilde explores the theme of dual identities and deception through the characters of Jack and Algernon, who adopt false personas ('Ernest') to navigate social expectations. This theme highlights the disconnect between appearance and reality, exposing the superficiality of societal norms.
• Social Class and Marriage: The play satirizes the rigid social hierarchies and expectations surrounding marriage in Victorian society. Characters like Lady Bracknell embody the aristocratic disdain for those deemed beneath their station, while the pursuit of marriage becomes a farcical endeavor driven by wealth and status rather than genuine affection.
• Morality and Hypocrisy: Wilde exposes the hypocrisy and moral decay lurking beneath the veneer of respectability. The characters engage in deceitful behaviors and moral relativism, challenging conventional notions of virtue and propriety.

2. Characters:

• Jack Worthing (Ernest): Jack serves as a representative of the upper-middle class grappling with societal expectations and personal desires. His adoption of the persona 'Ernest' reflects his desire to escape the constraints of his social identity while also highlighting the absurdity of societal conventions.
• Algernon Moncrieff: Algernon embodies the dandyish charm and hedonistic tendencies prevalent among the aristocracy. His pursuit of pleasure and romantic conquests masks a deeper sense of ennui and disillusionment with societal norms.
• Gwendolen Fairfax: Gwendolen represents the prototypical Victorian woman constrained by societal expectations of femininity and marriage. Her obsession with the name 'Ernest' symbolizes her desire for romantic fulfillment and escape from her stifling existence.
• Cecily Cardew: Cecily embodies youthful innocence and romantic idealism, eagerly awaiting her own romantic hero in the form of 'Ernest.' Her sheltered upbringing and penchant for melodrama serve as a foil to the cynicism of the adult characters.
• Lady Bracknell: Lady Bracknell personifies the aristocratic disdain for social mobility and the pursuit of personal happiness. Her interrogation of potential suitors highlights the absurdity of marriage as a transactional arrangement driven by wealth and lineage.

3. Satirical Techniques:

• Epigrams and Paradoxes: Wilde's use of epigrams and paradoxes infuses the dialogue with wit and irony, challenging conventional wisdom and exposing the contradictions inherent in Victorian society.
• Exaggeration and Farce: The play employs exaggeration and farce to heighten the absurdity of its characters and situations, eliciting laughter while also provoking reflection on deeper societal issues.

4. Resolution:

• Revelations and Irony: The resolution of the play sees the unraveling of deception and the revelation of the characters' true identities. However, the irony lies in the fact that despite the chaos and absurdity, the characters ultimately conform to societal expectations, underscoring the entrenched nature of Victorian values.

As we continue Importance of Being Earnest analysis, let's examine some of the central themes explored in the play that offer insight into the Victorian upper class while challenging traditional norms.

Earnestness

At the heart of the play lies the theme of earnestness, or the lack thereof, among the characters. Wilde examines the contrast between those who take life seriously and those who adopt a more carefree attitude. Characters like Jack and Algernon grapple with their responsibilities, while others, such as Algernon's butler, Lane, exhibit a nonchalant approach to life's obligations.

Responsibility

Wilde explores the notion of responsibility through the actions of his characters. While some, like Jack, exhibit a strong sense of duty towards their societal obligations, others, like Algernon, shirk their responsibilities in favor of pleasure-seeking. This theme highlights the tension between individual desires and societal expectations.

Religion serves as a backdrop against which Wilde critiques the superficiality and hypocrisy of the upper class. The characters' shallow attitude towards religious rituals reflects a broader skepticism towards traditional institutions and moral values. Wilde suggests that religion is often used as a facade to maintain appearances rather than a genuine expression of faith.

Marriage emerges as a central theme in the play, with Wilde satirizing the institution and the societal expectations surrounding it. Despite the characters' aversion to the idea of matrimony, they find themselves entangled in a web of engagements and proposals. Wilde highlights the tension between societal pressure to marry and the desire for personal freedom, particularly among the male protagonists.

Freedom and Individuality

Wilde subtly critiques the constraints placed on individuals by Victorian upper classes, particularly in terms of gender roles and social expectations. Characters like Cecily and Gwendolen assert their independence and agency in pursuing their romantic interests, challenging traditional notions of femininity and passivity.

Social Class

Social class plays a significant role in the play, with characters like Lady Bracknell embodying the aristocratic disdain for those deemed beneath their station. Wilde exposes the absurdity of class distinctions and the superficiality of societal hierarchies, suggesting that one's worth should not be determined by birth or wealth.

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The Importance of Being Earnest Symbols

What are some symbols in The Importance of Being Earnest? They appear throughout the play, bringing additional meaning to the scenes. Let's examine the major figures:

Ernest and Bunbury

Undeniably, both 'brother Ernest' and 'friend Bunbury' are fundamental to the play. 'Ernest' is the fictional alter ego created by Jack and Algernon to escape the constraints of their everyday lives. He represents the desire to break free from societal expectations and indulge in frivolity. Similarly, 'Bunbury' symbolizes the fabricated excuses and deceitful practices employed by the characters to evade responsibility and pursue their desires.

Big city and countryside

The contrast between the bustling city life of London and the tranquil countryside serves as a symbolic reflection of societal attitudes and class distinctions. The characters' discussions about their preferences for city living versus country living highlight their aspirations for social status and cultural refinement. The city represents sophistication and wealth, while the countryside is associated with simplicity and lower social standing. Wilde uses this symbolism to critique the superficiality of societal judgments based on geography and class, challenging the notion that one's worth is determined by one's surroundings.

Food and Dining

Scenes set around the dining table are often accompanied by witty banter and social commentary, highlighting the performative nature of Victorian etiquette. Food becomes a symbol of status and refinement, with characters using elaborate dinner parties and tea ceremonies to assert their social superiority. However, beneath the veneer of civility lies a world of deception and hypocrisy, as characters engage in verbal sparring and manipulation over tea and cucumber sandwiches.

The Importance of Being Earnest Movie

While you can relish Oscar Wilde's play on stage, you can also savor 'The Importance of Being Earnest' movie from the comfort of your home. Unlike the works of George Bernard Shaw, Charles Dickens, or Jane Austen, Wilde's comedic genius creates an atmosphere that is both cozy and humorous, a vibe that shines through in the 2002 film adaptation.

The movie boasts high-quality set decorations and costumes that transport viewers to the England of Queen Victoria. The attention to detail helps recreate the opulence and elegance of the Victorian era, providing a visually stunning backdrop for the witty banter and comedic antics of the characters.

In terms of success, the film achieved impressive financial returns, raking in over seventeen million dollars in revenue worldwide. This widespread success speaks to the enduring appeal of Wilde's timeless humor and the universal themes explored in the play.

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The Importance of Being Earnest Quotes

Oscar Wilde is renowned for his unforgettable quotes, and 'The Importance of Being Earnest' is brimming with brilliant lines that capture the essence of its characters.

Take, for example, Lady Bracknell's infamous line, 'To lose one parent may be regarded as a misfortune… to lose both seems like carelessness.' This quip not only showcases Wilde's razor-sharp humor but also characterizes Lady Bracknell as a woman lacking in empathy and understanding.

Similarly, Cecily Cardew's remark, 'I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read on the train,' speaks volumes about her shallow and melodramatic nature. It's a witty observation that perfectly encapsulates Cecily's penchant for romantic fantasy and self-absorption.

Throughout the play, Wilde's dialogue is peppered with clever and incisive lines, each tailored to the character uttering them. Whether it's Algernon's irreverent wit or Jack's earnest sincerity, every character's voice rings true, adding depth and humor to the narrative.

As we conclude The Importance of Being Earnest analysis, the phenomenal comedy by Oscar Wilde shook the conservative empire that got used to Charles Dickens, George Bernard Shaw, and Jane Austen. Comedic elements, exaggerations, and different literary devices entertain the audience while reminding them of an important trait like honesty. This author was truly ahead of his time, as the play still wins people's hearts today.

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What Literary Devices Does Oscar Wilde Use in The Importance of Being Earnest?

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The Importance of Being Earnest Oscar Wilde

The Importance of Being Earnest essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Importance of Being Earnest.

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The Importance of Being Earnest Essays

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In Oscar Wilde’s, The Importance of Being Earnest , satire is used to emphasize the triviality and absurdity of certain conventions within Victorian society. The play’s main characters epitomize Victorian high society; thus, the criticism that...

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The interpretation that “we should treat all the trivial things of life seriously, and all the serious things of life with sincere and studied triviality” greatly applies to the Importance of Being Earnest. The Importance of Being Earnest is a...

Beyond Farce Anonymous 12th Grade

Richard Foster states that The Importance of Being Earnest has a “multivalent nature”[1] and thus implies that a farce or comedy of manners are not particularly urbane genres and are therefore ‘unsuitable’ for The Importance of Being Earnest ....

The Importance of Being Frugal: Oscar Wilde’s Condemnation of Upper Class Society Anonymous College

Honesty is an important trait that is conveyed throughout society. It is the foundation for a long-lasting and meaningful relationship, and it is expected to be practiced in almost every social interaction. Much like today, the Victorian Era...

The Comic Aspects of Algernon in 'The Importance of Being Earnest’ Anonymous 12th Grade

Algernon is a comic to a contemporary audience because of his dandyism, his enjoyment of self-gratification, his inverted morals and his double life. Wilde presents Algernon as a dandy figure who is more concerned with style over substance;...

Ordinary People Create Drama: A Comparison of All My Sons and The Importance of Being Earnest Anonymous 12th Grade

Traditionally, drama has been an outlet for the extraordinary; only fairly recently with more modernist plays have the focus been shifted onto more ordinary lives. Greek tragedy follows the fall of a noble protagonist; by comparison, domestic...

Feminism in Wilde's World: Empowered Women in 'The Importance of Being Earnest' Amanda Abere College

Throughout history, women were perceived as inferior to men socially, economically, and intellectually. In modern society, the majority of people would call out this statement for its blatant misogyny and inequality. However, such a claim would...

Drama as an Instrument of Social Critique Anonymous College

Social critique has long been at the heart of drama, whether through satire, allegory or more direct devices, enabling dramatists to comment on the state of the world as they see it, to pose their own idealized version of society or to put forward...

Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Ernest and The Satire on The Establishment of Social Elite in Early Modern England Anonymous College

Composed by Oscar Wilde to be first played at the St. James Theatre of London in the year of 1895, The Importance of Being Ernest has since named itself one notable satire among the blooming era of comedies that dwell on the hypocrisy of the upper...

Breuer's and Craft's Readings of Wilde: Antinomy in The Importance of Being Earnest Anonymous College

The frequent use of antinomy in Oscar Wilde’s play, The Importance of Being Earnest , has often been interpreted as a literary device that serves as a “jubilant celebration of male homosexual desire,” as analyzed by Christopher Craft.[1] Other...

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The Importance of Being Earnest

Oscar wilde.

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The Art of Deception: Fact v. Fiction

As a leader of the Aesthetic movement, Wilde was especially interested in the relationship between life and art, pondering the eternal question, “Does art imitate life, or life imitate art?” Wilde explores this relationship in The Importance of Being Earnest through the conflict that arises when fact collides with fiction. The conflict between fact and fiction is driven by Algernon and Jack’s lies about their respective identities, specifically the fictional personas they create in order…

The Pursuit of Marriage

The pursuit of marriage is a driving force behind much of the play’s action. Similar to many Victorian novels of the period, the play reads as a marriage plot, documenting the errors in social etiquette and romantic upheavals that come about as Jack and Algernon stumble towards the altar. Jack pursues Gwendolen’s hand, while Algernon pursues Cecily . Because Jack and Algernon are willing to go to such outlandish lengths to appease Gwendolen and Cecily’s…

Cash, Class, and Character

The Victorian society in which Wilde lived was concerned with wealth, family status, and moral character, especially when it came to marriage. Lady Bracknell’s interrogation of Jack’s proposal to marry Gwendolen demonstrates the three “Cs”—cash, class, and character. First she asks him about his finances and then his family relations, a measure of his class. That Jack has none—no family relations, or family name, reflects poorly on his character. Upon finding that Jack has no…

Name and Identity

Through Jack’s search for his origins and family name, Wilde satirizes the Victorian Era’s intense scrutiny of cash, class, and character. Wilde subversively prods this question through the name of “ Ernest ,” a Christian name, or given name, as opposed to a family name. The name of “Ernest” comes to symbolize different things for different people. For Gwendolen and Cecily it “inspires absolute confidence” but also symbolizes the ideal husband/ lover. For Jack, “Ernest”…

Hypocrisy, Folly, and Victorian Morality

A witty wordsmith, Wilde exposes the hypocrisy of the Victorians’ strict social mores through puns, paradoxes, epigrams, and inversions in the characters’ actions and dialogue. For instance the characters often say and do the opposite of what they mean, or intend. Gwendolen flips “style” and “sincerity” when she says, “In matters of grave importance, style, not sincerity is the vital thing.” One would expect that “sincerity” should take precedence over “style” in “matters of grave…

Men and Women in Love

In the game of love that Wilde plays throughout The Importance of Being Earnest , Jack and Algernon , who strive for love, are pitted against the fickleness of the women they desire. Even though Wilde assigns stereotypical gender roles to each sex—Jack and Algernon are suave dandies , while Cecily and Gwendolen are vapid beauties—when it comes to marriage and love, he places women in a position of power because they are able to…

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The Importance of Being Earnest - Free Essay Examples And Topic Ideas

The Importance of Being Earnest is a comedic play by Oscar Wilde that satirizes the Victorian social norms and aristocratic pretenses. Essays on this play might explore Wilde’s witty dialogue, the social commentary embedded within the humor, or the characters’ quest for personal freedom amidst societal expectations. Other angles might include examining the play’s influence on later literary works, or dissecting the relevance of its satire in today’s social scenario. A vast selection of complimentary essay illustrations pertaining to The Importance of Being Earnest you can find at PapersOwl Website. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

The Importance of being Earnest Analysis

The Importance of Being Earnest was a play first performed in London 1895, written by Oscar Wilde. If one takes this play face value this play is just a humorous play, but it has a darker meaning. It is truly mocking the Victorian Society of the time. This play is a horatian satire, which are happy and joyful, but seeks to correct foolishness with laughter. But all the while also attacks the characteristics of Victorian time. Oscar Wilde wrote this […]

Title: the Importance of being Earnest

Characteristics of the Genre: “The Importance of Being Earnest” is a mix of genres: satire and comedy of manners. Comedy of manners is shown in the play through the flamboyant characters, Algernon and Jack, and their witty conversations with each other. The satirical dialogue in the play has elements of sexual jokes and puns, this is significant as it conveys the purpose of the play which is to mock the ways of the Victorian society and people’s mindset towards marriage. […]

The Hidden Truth of Victorian Marriage between the Lines of Oscar Wilde’s Poetry

During the Victorian era, Victorian girls were well trained and groomed by their mothers to become the perfect wives and mothers. Relationships between a man and female, in this era, often led to marriage. Before marriage, physical contact between a woman and man was looked down upon. Individuals, within the Victorian era, married within their same level of class and the woman become the devoted housewife. In the Victorian weddings, a white dress indicated leisure and innocence of pre-marriage sexual […]

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Marriage in the Importance of being Earnest

The importance of being earnest employs satire in mocking the Victorian age mindset of, love and social norms of marriage. This comic play ironically expounds on the theme of manners by portraying social conventions in making its audience laugh. Triviality is another theme the play is trying to bring out. Oscar Wilde through that play shows how trivial matters are given more attention by people instead of earnest matters through the relationships and marriages in the play. The importance of […]

“The Importance of being Earnest” : Centuries & Marriage

Throughout the years marriage has evolved in many ways. Women now have more rights and privileges, love plays a major role in the matrimonies that take place, an engagement is entered into and neither person has to approach it like it is a business deal, and people do not have guidelines or rules to follow. Courtship was cruel to both men and women, it did not allow them to get to know other people. Now, couples can test compatibility before […]

Idea of Marriage in Oscar Wilde’s Book

"In the book, The Importance of being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde, mentions the ideals of marriage between the characters and their situations. The Importance of Being Earnest focuses on two main couples, Jack (Ernest) and Gwendolen and Algernon and Cecily. However, Lady Bracknell, Gwendolens mother, plays a key role in the plot of satire that is being used regarding marriage ideals, as her ideals sum the ridiculous standards of the Victorian Age. Oscar Wilde uses satire to ridicule the cultural […]

Gender Roles and Love in “The Importance of being Earnest”

“The Importance of Being Earnest” is a trivial comedy for serious people written by Oscar Wilde. Wilde expresses comedy through purposely criticizing the aristocratic. In “The Importance of Being Earnest,” Oscar Wilde treats humorously serious issues and conflicts, such as class structure, marriage and courtship, as if they are a joke to the Victorian Society. In the Victorian Society and even in today’s society, the world is extremely stereotypical against gender. Wilde views the females in the play stereotypically. For […]

Deception and Irony in “The Importance of being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde

To be earnest usually means to be sincere and honest. As it is mentioned in the title, the first impression that the reader gets is that the main figures are implementing these ideas. But why then are they exactly the opposite and act in such mischievous and misbehaviour ways? And here comes the irony which follows along through the whole piece. The figures create false deceitful images which lead to ""comedy of manners"". Are they used for good or bad? […]

Algernon sees marriage as an undesirable burden in life. He is doubtful about the true happiness and love that can come with marriage and therefore has his concerns about living the rest of his life in an unhealthy relationship. In Act I, as Algernon is talking to his butler Lane, Lane says “I often observed that in married households the champagne is rarely of a first rate brand,” and Algernon responds by saying “is marriage so demoralizing as that?” (Wilde, […]

The Era of Class and Play of Satire

The victorian Era is remembered as an era of class, structure, and matrimony. It is a time in which men and women had certain duties society had expected them to follow. The years between 1835 and 1900, the Victorian Era, was a time of great change. The society of England represented various classes, rules, and lifestyles. Furthermore, both men and women had their own ettiquetes. Although a respectable era, it is brought up in several plays and novels of literature […]

Character’s Personas in a Play Jack Worthing

In the play, Jack Worthing, a member of England’s upper class, has two different personas. In the town, he goes by Ernest, but in the country, where he is placed in a position of guardianship, he goes by his given name, Jack. In Act 1, he admits to a fellow Bunburyist, Algernon, that “in order to get up to town [he] pretend[s] to have a younger brother of the name Ernest, who lives in the Albany, and gets into the […]

Entertainment and Criticisms of the Victorian Era

At first glance, Oscar Wilde’s Importance of Being Earnest, appears to be a witty comedic work. When one takes a closer look, however, it becomes apparent that Wilde was issuing a variety of criticisms about the Victorian period. The characters are perceived as having power and wealth, and the very idea having said power causes the characters to behave in a way that they believe to be worthy of that power. They will stop at nothing to keep up this […]

Trivialization in the Victorian Era

Oscar Wilde trivializes serious aspects of life and makes it look like they are of lesser importance. In the fictional play, “The Importance of Being Earnest”, published in 1898, author Oscar Wilde, characters are used to make fun at the upper class and criticize their ways of life to make them look like they are of lesser importance. Oscar Wilde uses characters such as Algernon, Lady Bracknell, and Cecily to trivialize society and show how aspects of life such as […]

The Irony of being Earnest

When Oscar Wilde's play, The Importance of Being Earnest, opened in London, England, in 1895, its author was in vogue and quite prominent in the literary and social columns. “To some readers it may also have suggested - or confirmed - the impression that there was a less positive side to Wilde's notoriety” (Jackson 161). While his use of the descriptive word "earnest" in the title denotes a certain element of sincerity and honesty, Wilde cleverly employs this as a […]

Jack Worthingis a Fashionable Young Man

"Jack Worthingis a fashionable young man who lives in the country with his ward, Cecily Cardew. He has invented a rakish brother named Ernest whose supposed exploits give Jack an excuse to travel to London periodically to rescue him. Jack is in love with Gwendolen Fairfax, the cousin of his friend Algernon Moncrieff. Gwendolen, who thinks Jack’s name is Ernest, returns his love, but her mother, Lady Bracknell, objects to their marriage because Jack is an orphan who was found […]

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead

The importance of being Earnest relates to the notion that The plotline of an absurdist drama, if any exists, generally ends up where it started— nothing has been accomplished and characters are the same at the end of the play as they were at the start in the same way that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead does. While the importance of being Earnests plotline ends off where it begun with only slight changes, Earnest still being Earnest yet not fooling […]

Hypocrisy in Charles Dickens and Oscar Wilde Works

"The topic I will be covering for this paper is the similarities and differences in regards to hypocrisy displayed in Charles dickens novel, “Hard times,” and Oscar Wilde’s play, “The importance of being Earnest.” Each author portrayed the impact hypocrisy could have on those involved, both indirectly and directly and the consequences of it. After reading “Hard times,” I felt that Charles Dickens view may have been more realistic and geared towards reality. Not only were the events in his […]

History : the Victorian Era

The Victorian era takes place during the reign of Queen Victoria. Looking up to her majesty and her morals, the British population at the time was greatly concerned with the expectancy to adhere to her personality traits. These traits include the following; strong ethics, responsibility, abstaining from indulgence, self-discipline, and most importantly, the aspect of honesty. Oscar Wildes’ play, “The Importance of Being Earnest” is written after the reign of Queen Victoria, during the modern era. Many people of this […]

A Study of Irony in Oscar Wilde’s the Importance of being Earnest

Oscar Wilde’s classic play, "The Importance of Being Earnest," offers a piercing examination of Victorian society through a humorous and critical lens. This enduring comedy captures the essence of social expectations, the intricacies of personal deceit, and the quest for love and personal truth. Employing sharp wit and satire, Wilde provides a profound critique of the duplicity and folly within the upper echelons of his era, all while celebrating the virtue of genuineness and sincerity in personal connections. At the […]

The Importance of being Earnest Full Play Summary

"The Heart of Earnestness," crafted by the brilliant pen of Oscar Wilde, stands as an enduring monument to the human experience, resonating through the corridors of time with its unparalleled wit, intricate plot twists, and subtle societal observations. Within its pages, Wilde deftly threads together a tapestry of existential musings and social commentary, inviting readers on a journey through the labyrinthine depths of his creation. As the curtains part, we are transported into a world of Victorian charm and duplicity, […]

Importance of being Earnest: Comparing Film and Play

"The Importance of Being Earnest," originally a play by Oscar Wilde, has delighted audiences with its satirical wit and incisive portrayal of Victorian society since its premiere in 1895. The play has been adapted into several films, each offering a unique interpretation of Wilde's text. This essay explores the 2002 film adaptation directed by Oliver Parker, comparing it to the original play to understand how the medium transition from stage to screen influences the portrayal of characters, the setting, and […]

Themes and Irony in the Importance of being Earnest

In a world where sincerity often feels like a scarce commodity, the enduring relevance of Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest" shines through like a beacon of authenticity amidst a sea of pretense. With its razor-sharp wit and clever satire, Wilde's masterpiece not only entertains but also provokes profound reflection on the significance of honesty and genuineness in a society often obsessed with appearances. Set against the backdrop of Victorian England, a time marked by strict social norms and […]

Plot Summary for the Importance of being Earnest

The importance of being earnest : protagonist.

In Oscar Wilde's timeless classic, "The Importance of Being Earnest," the characters take center stage in a theatrical masterpiece of wit, satire, and societal critique. Embedded within the fabric of Wilde's narrative is the concept of the protagonist, traditionally seen as the driving force behind the plot. However, Wilde skillfully subverts this conventional notion, presenting a paradox that challenges typical character archetypes. Through a fresh lens on this paradox, we embark on an exploration of the multifaceted protagonism exhibited by […]

The Importance of being Earnest Film Analysis

"The Importance of Being Earnest," directed by Oliver Parker, is a vibrant adaptation of Oscar Wilde's beloved play of the same name. The film captures the essence of Wilde's acerbic wit and satirical commentary on the Victorian society, bringing to life the play’s intricate humor and timeless themes. This essay delves into the cinematic elements that Parker employed to enhance Wilde’s narrative, exploring how the film’s direction, acting, set design, and thematic portrayal contribute to its success as both a […]

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How to Write an Essay About The Importance Of Being Earnest

Understanding 'the importance of being earnest'.

Before writing an essay about Oscar Wilde's 'The Importance of Being Earnest,' it is crucial to understand the play's context, themes, and characters. This comedic play, first performed in 1895, is known for its satire of Victorian social norms and commentary on the triviality with which society treats serious institutions like marriage. Begin your essay by outlining the plot, which revolves around the protagonists Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, who adopt fictitious identities to escape societal obligations. Discuss the main characters, including Gwendolen Fairfax and Cecily Cardew, and the role they play in the narrative. Address the historical and cultural context of Victorian England, which is pivotal for understanding the play's themes, including the critique of social conventions and the concept of 'double lives.'

Developing a Thesis Statement

A strong essay on 'The Importance of Being Earnest' should be centered around a clear, concise thesis statement. This statement should present a specific viewpoint or argument about the play. For instance, you might analyze the play's treatment of hypocrisy and deception, explore its satirical take on Victorian society, or discuss the use of irony and wit in character development and dialogue. Your thesis will guide the direction of your essay and provide a structured approach to your analysis.

Gathering Textual Evidence

To support your thesis, it's essential to gather evidence from the text. This involves close reading to find relevant quotes, dialogues, and scenes that support your argument. For example, if discussing the theme of deception, identify key moments in the play that highlight the characters' use of deceit and the resulting comedic situations. Use these examples to build your argument and provide depth to your analysis.

Analyzing Wilde's Techniques and Themes

Analyze how Oscar Wilde uses literary techniques to develop the play's themes and characters. Discuss his use of wit and irony, the play’s structure, and Wilde's unique style of dialogue. For example, explore how the concept of 'bunburying' serves as a tool to critique societal norms and expectations. This analysis should demonstrate a deep understanding of the text and how Wilde communicates his critique of society.

Concluding the Essay

Conclude your essay by summarizing your main arguments and restating your thesis in light of the discussion. Your conclusion should tie together your insights into 'The Importance of Being Earnest,' emphasizing the significance of your findings. Reflect on the broader implications of the play, such as its enduring relevance and its place in the canon of English literature.

Reviewing and Refining Your Essay

After completing your essay, review and refine it for clarity and coherence. Ensure that your arguments are well-structured and supported by textual evidence. Check for grammatical accuracy and ensure that your essay flows logically from one point to the next. Consider seeking feedback from teachers or peers to help improve your essay. A well-written essay on 'The Importance of Being Earnest' will not only demonstrate your understanding of the play but also your ability to engage critically with literary texts.

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Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest

Oscar Wilde.

Library of Congress

  “[The Importance of Being Earnest] is exquisitely trivial, a delicate bubble of fancy, and it has its philosophy…That we should treat all the trivial things of life very seriously, and all the serious things of life with sincere and studied triviality.” — Oscar Wilde, from a January 1895 interview with Robbie Ross, published in the St. James Gazette

Introduction

Oscar Wilde’s play The Importance of Being Earnest derives much of its comedic and thematic heft from the way in which it inverts the values of everyday life. The play constantly pokes fun at conventionally serious topics like love, death, and religion, while simultaneously handling trivialities (e.g., which teatime snacks are trendy this season) with the utmost seriousness. This irreverence takes its most perfect form in the dozens of epigrams and witticisms that make up so much of the play’s dialogue.

In this Launchpad, you will have the opportunity to analyze the language, characters, and structure of The Importance of Being Earnest . Links are given to a few additional resources that offer the option to extend your study of Wilde, uncovering more about the play’s themes, as well as relevant aspects of Victorian society.

Students may access the David Price, 1915 Methuen and Co. edition eBook version of the entire play online at Project Gutenberg.

The print version used is The Importance of Being Earnest . Cambridge. Cambridge University Press, 1999. (1985)*

Questions for Close Reading

After completing the entire reading of The Importance of Being Earnest, observe your teacher’s directions for answering the following questions. Be sure to refer to the text of the play and provide evidence from it in order to inform and support your responses.

• Why does Jack establish two different identities for himself? What does this decision say about Jack and the society in which he lives?
• What do we make of Gwendolen’s obsession with marrying a man named Ernest? Why would Wilde give his characters such strange ideals?
• What do you think Algernon means when he says, “the very essence of romance is uncertainty?” Is he being ironic? In what ways does the action of the play support this statement?
• Reflect on Jack’s relationship with Algernon; they are best friends, and yet Algernon did not even know Jack’s real name! Moreover, neither seems all that troubled by this fact. Should they be? Are you?
• Based on Lady Bracknell’s conversation with Jack, what sort of person do you think she is?
• Lord Bracknell, Lady Bracknell’s husband, is often mentioned but never appears in the play. What kind of man do you think he is? What sort of relationship do you think he has with Lady Bracknell?
• Compare and contrast Jack’s interactions with Cecily and Ms. Prism in the country and his interactions with Jack and Gwendolen in the city.
• What does the conversation between Ms. Prism and Gwendolen reveal about their characters? What role do you think Ms. Prism will play in the story?
• Compare Cecily and Gwendolen’s diaries with Jack and Algernon’s secret identities. Why do the characters seek these little escapes from reality?
• What can we infer about Jack’s views on religion from his hasty decision to be re-baptized? What about society’s views on religion?
• How do Cecily and Gwendolen act differently once Merriman enters the room? Why do you think they act this way?
• The end of Act II sees the two couples fractured by Jack and Algernon’s deceptions, and yet the tone of the play remains light and silly. How does Wilde accomplish this?
• When Algernon tells Cecily that he lied so that they could meet, she declares, “I don’t [believe him.] But that does not affect the wonderful beauty of his answer.” What is Wilde’s opinion about honesty?
• Why does Lady Bracknell finally allow Gwendolen to marry Jack? What do you think would have happened if she had not allowed the marriage?
• Think back to Algernon’s claim that marriage dooms relationships because “the very essence of romance is uncertainty.” Does the play prove or disprove Algernon’s point? Do you think these marriages will succeed after the end of the play?
• The last line of the play is Jack declaring that he has just realized the “vital importance of being earnest.” Is he being ironic? Has anyone in the play really learned any sort of moral lesson?

Questions for Further Consideration

Follow your teacher’s directions to respond to the following prompts as optional expository writing activities. Be sure to include evidence from the play in your responses.

• All of the characters in Earnest are ridiculous in their own unique ways, and yet we always laugh with them, never at them. What is the difference between the two, and why does it matter?
• Importance of Being Earnest lampoons the affects and idiosyncrasies of Victorian high society, and yet it was enormously popular, especially among those whom it parodies. How do we account for this? What about the play’s language and characters make it so enjoyable for the Victorians? What makes it so enjoyable for us today?
• George Bernard Shaw, Oscar Wilde’s friend and fellow playwright, did not like Earnest, calling it Wilde’s “first really heartless play.” Do you agree with this critique? What does it mean for a work of art to have “heart?” Does a work of art need heart to be good?

Resources for Further Research

In a conversation with Andre Gide, Oscar Wilde declared, “I put all my genius into my life; I put only my talents into my works.” The following resources can be tapped to discover more about the fascinating life and work of Oscar Wilde and to place the play in its broader context.

• This overview of Wilde’s life and work from the Poetry Foundation devotes special attention to the mid-1890s, when The Importance of Being Earnest and most of his plays were published.
• British Library article “ Gender roles in the 19th century ” explores societal attitudes towards gender in Victorian Britain, which Wilde parodies in The Importance of Being Earnest .
• British Library article, “ Aestheticism and Decadence ” speaks to the key features of this unconventional period that shocked the Victorian establishment by challenging traditional values, foregrounding sensuality, and promoting artistic, sexual, and political experimentation. As one of the leaders of Aestheticism, an art movement that propounded “art for art’s sake,” Wilde believed that artists should be more concerned with making art that is beautiful, rather than art that is politically or morally meaningful.

*Note to Teachers: The Importance of Being Earnest is a CCSS exemplar for grades 11-CCR. The activities in this resource align with the following CCSS Standards:

CCSS.ELA-Literacy. RL. 11-12.2: Determine two or more themes or central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of the text, including how they interact and build on one another to produce a complex account; provide an objective summary of the text.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy. RL. 11-12.4: Determine the meanings of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including words with multiple meanings or language that is particularly fresh, engaging, or beautiful.

About the Author: Conor McVarish, a spring 2016 intern at EDSITEment, attends American University in Washington D.C. and is pursuing a double major in literature and political science. 

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Marriage in the Importance of Being Earnest: Analysis

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What are Algernon’s and Lady Bracknell’s views on marriage? Find the answer here! This essay analyzes the themes of love and marriage in The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde.

Introduction

• Algernon’s View on Marriage
• Lady Bracknell’s Views on Marriage

Works Cited

The concept of marriage has been given preeminence in Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. Love is the thing that people of any social class aspire to, and marriage can be the logical consequence of it.In the play, marriage is discussed in the context of plot progression and as a subject for theoretical assumption and discussion. All throughout The Importance of Being Earnest, marriage is present as the main topic, thus demonstrating the importance that society accorded this matter.

Although there are varying views on the subject among various characters, it is evident from reading the play that the matrimony institution was held in high esteem at that time. While there is a division on whether marriage is pleasant or unpleasant, all the characters agree that love and marriage are essential parts of life. (Wilde 5)

What Is Algernon’s View on Marriage?

To underscore the importance of matrimony, the author introduces the subject in the opening part of the play. It is used in a discussion between Algernon and his servant, Lane. Once the subject is introduced, it becomes a recurring concept in the entire play. First, the butler insinuates that married households usually lack a sense of taste to a point where they cannot purchase “first-rate” champagne. Then he observes that the champagne in a bachelor establishment is of higher quality, and that is the reason why servants tend to over drink. This makes Algernon wonder if the marriage has become so demoralizing to a point where people lack a sense of taste. Despite the butler’s failed marriage, he still thinks that love and marriage is a pleasant experience that anyone should endeavor to have. (Wilde 6)

Although Algernon’s view on love and marriage is not known during the conversation with his butler, we get to know his thoughts on the subject in a monologue where he claims that marriage is an institution that has “absolutely no sense of moral responsibility.” (Wilde 5) In the ensuing conversation with Jack, Algernon’s thoughts on marriage come out on the surface. During the pleasantries, Jack claims that he decided to travel from the country to town purposely for pleasure.

As the conversation with Algernon continues, Jack claims that he has come to propose to Gwendolen, the girl he has been flirting with. This throws his friend Algernon aback since he believes that a proposal is more of a business venture than pleasure. According to him, marriage kills the excitement of being in love and leads to uncertainty. (Raby 26)

Algernon Moncrieff has such a negative mentality on marriage to a point where he vows to “forget the fact” that he is married the moment he does so. This mentality, according to Jack, is what led to the formation of Divorce Courts, but Algernon disagrees and claims, “Divorces are made in Heaven.” (quoted from Wilde 7) Defending his position, Algernon claims that most married people do not value their marriages, and most of them are even capable of flirting with other men while their husbands are sitting right across the dinner table.

Although Algernon is opposed to the idea of his first cousin Gwendolen getting married to Jack, he advises him that he will have to lie occasionally to be able to get away from his wife. This clearly shows that Algernon Moncrieff thinks that all marriages are unpleasant an opinion that Jack and Lane do not share. (Raby 28)

What Is Lady Bracknell’s View on Marriage?

On her part, Lady Bracknell addresses the issue of marriage by claiming, “An engagement should come on a young girl as a surprise, pleasant or unpleasant, as the case may be.” By looking at the set of questions that Lady Bracknell subjects Jack, it is clear that she has a distorted view on love and marriage.

By looking at the list of bachelors and the prepared script that Lady Bracknell addresses Jack from, it is apparent that the social class on which the story is based viewed marriage in terms of social standing, income, and character of the participants. Indeed, Lady Bracknell does not seem to have respect for the marriage institution, and that is why she tries to pair Algernon with Mary, who is already married. (Wilde 11)

Although Algernon is cynical about marriage institution and thinks that people’s opinions on the topic are “somewhat lax,” his views on marriage and divorce change once he meets and falls in love with Cecily. On his part, Jack is a romantic who believes that having the right attitude towards marriage is the ingredient that makes it last.

Although he believes the truth “isn’t quite the sort of thing one tells to a nice, sweet, refined girl,” (Wilde 91), he ends up telling Gwendolen the truth once he realizes that it is not in his nature to lie. Once Jack apologizes to Gwendolen, her reaction becomes a clear pointer that she was also cynical about men and the marriage institution in general. (Wilde 148)

This essay analyzed the concept of marriage in The Importance of Being Earnest. y. In summary, Wilde has brought out the nature of marriage in the morality of Victorian society. As shown by the quotes from the text, the characters are divided into those who believe that marriage is pleasant (that is Algernon’s view on marriage) and those who believe that it is unpleasant (that is Lady Bracknell’s view on the theme). Even among those who believe marriage is unpleasant, something happens at the end that restores their faith in love and the marriage institution as a whole.

Raby, Peter. The Cambridge Companion to Oscar Wilde , 1997. Cambridge University Press. 25-41. Print.

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IvyPanda. (2018, September 21). Marriage in the Importance of Being Earnest: Analysis. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-concept-of-marriage-in-the-importance-of-being-earnest/

"Marriage in the Importance of Being Earnest: Analysis." IvyPanda , 21 Sept. 2018, ivypanda.com/essays/the-concept-of-marriage-in-the-importance-of-being-earnest/.

IvyPanda . (2018) 'Marriage in the Importance of Being Earnest: Analysis'. 21 September.

IvyPanda . 2018. "Marriage in the Importance of Being Earnest: Analysis." September 21, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-concept-of-marriage-in-the-importance-of-being-earnest/.

1. IvyPanda . "Marriage in the Importance of Being Earnest: Analysis." September 21, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-concept-of-marriage-in-the-importance-of-being-earnest/.

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IvyPanda . "Marriage in the Importance of Being Earnest: Analysis." September 21, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-concept-of-marriage-in-the-importance-of-being-earnest/.

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A Feminist Marxist and Psychoanalytic Analysis of The Importance of Being Earnest

2023, Unveiling Layers of Wilde's Masterpiece: A Feminist, Marxist, and Psychoanalytic Analysis of "The Importance of Being Earnest”

Oscar Wilde's enduring comedic masterpiece, "The Importance of Being Earnest," initially perceived as a lighthearted farce, conceals profound layers of meaning and social commentary. This essay employs three prominent literary theories-Feminism, Marxism, and Psychoanalysis-to unravel the complexities within Wilde's work. From a Feminist perspective, the play critiques Victorian gender norms, revealing how women like Gwendolen and Cecily navigate societal constraints while exhibiting moments of agency. The Marxist lens exposes the superficiality of upper-class values, illustrating the characters' obsession with titles and lineage, and highlighting class-based exploitation. Psychoanalytic scrutiny unveils repressed desires and motivations, particularly seen in Algernon's adoption of the "Ernest" persona and the women's fixation on the name, reflecting a yearning for unconventional love. Despite societal limitations, Wilde's characters challenge norms, presenting opportunities for feminist analysis. The Marxist critique lays bare the materialistic nature of Victorian upperclass marriage, while the psychoanalytic lens delves into characters' hidden desires, providing a comprehensive understanding of societal dynamics. In conclusion, "The Importance of Being Earnest" transcends its era as a timeless masterpiece. This essay demonstrates how literature serves as a rich source for commentary on gender, class, and human psychology, inviting readers to reflect on the profound truths embedded in seemingly trivial comedies.

Related Papers

Maroof Ahmed

This paper attempts to present how reality and fiction intersect in Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest to challenge, if not subvert, social obligations and perception of identity in Victorian society. In so doing, the paper critically attempts to touch upon the concepts of duality and appearance as they possess the utmost importance for the Victorian sense of morality. The article also strives to show how Wilde undermines the basis of the truthful representation of gender identity instead of the Victorian perception of the term. In the play, as the paper argues, Wilde hints at the idea that there is a difference if we can call it a duality of identity between the appearance and what is hidden beneath. In the case of the fictional characters, they wear fake identities or imagine a view of identity to suit the public's expectations, challenging the perception of stable autonomous identity that the Victorian believed. However, the inner and outer worlds of the characters are pretty different from inside and outside, so that they constantly +vacillate in-between these identities. The paper concludes that, as Wilde hints, it is impossible to define a person fully when they display various identities simultaneously as in the modern sense.

This essay discusses how Wilde addresses the very nature of being. In repressive Victorian society, he chronicles the emergence of a self that is hidden and double and thus must exist at the margin, if not in the shadows. The result in Wilde’s private life is an identity in flux that reveals him as an identity migrant, who at one moment is the Victorian father and husband, and at another, the homosexual lover of Lord Alfred Douglas.

Modern Drama

Sarah Balkin

Oscar Wilde’s “The Portrait of Mr. W.H.” (1889) and The Importance of Being Earnest (1895) both centrally feature imaginary persons. In “The Portrait of Mr. W.H.,” Wilde’s narrator says that “all Art” is “to a certain degree a mode of acting, an attempt to realise one’s own personality.” The Importance of Being Earnest assigns actors’ bodies to the imaginary person of the title. My essay examines what it meant to realize a personality on the late-nineteenth-century stage in light of recent scholarship on character, stage properties, and materiality. I argue that – because theatre shows the constructedness of material and corporeal being, because farce renders male identity a matter of genre, and because Wilde unifies the characters’ desires under one name – The Importance of Being Earnest uniquely locates personality in a living human body.

Yakaiah Kathy

Caroline Lee

Facta Universitatis (Series Linguistics and …

Magdalena Nigoevic

Akshay Kumar Roy

Adilah Zabir

HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe)

Svetlana Bochman

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The Importance of ‘Being Earnest’

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Benjamin Schnieder, The Importance of ‘Being Earnest’, The Philosophical Quarterly , Volume 57, Issue 226, January 2007, Pages 40–55, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9213.2007.467.x

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Reference to properties is normally achieved by the use of nominalizations of predicative expressions. I examine the relation between different kinds of these: while, traditionally, the terms ‘wisdom’ and ‘the property of being wise’ were thought to be co‐referential, in certain contexts they do not seem to be interchangeable salva veritate . Observing this, Friederike Moltmann claims that abstract nouns such as ‘wisdom’ do not refer to properties. I argue that her theory is flawed and that the existence of the problematic contexts should be explained in non‐referential terms.

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The Social Class in The Importance Of Being Earnest

Updated 25 October 2023

Subject Identity

Downloads 60

Category Social Issues ,  Sociology

Topic Social Class

The Importance of Being Earnest and the Issue of Social Class

The Importance of Being Earnest is a play authored by Oscar Wilde. The most dominant theme in the play is the issue of social class. Apparently, three categories of classes are portrayed in the play, though only two of them direct the main focus of the drama. That is, the upper class and the lower class. Wilde depicts the two classes through behavior and setting of the respective characters. Based on the scenes in the play, it is ostensible that social class does not only affect the characters but also the setting in the play. For instance, Algernon's sentiment manifests the disparity in the two classes by stating, "Lane's views on marriage seem somewhat lax. Really, if the lower orders don't set us a good example, what on earth is the use of them? They seem, as a class, to have absolutely no sense of moral responsibility" (Wilde and Gladden 35).

The Contrasting Behaviors of Upper and Lower Classes

The author points out how different people of lower class behave as compared to those of upper class. In this play, members of the upper class are the paragons of pretense and pride. Grounded in Wilde's view, these individuals feel that they are inherently entitled to higher social position and wealth. Besides, these group are synonymous to maintenance of status quo to an extent that they can hastily squash any sign of rebellion. The author seems to satirize the hypocrisy and arrogance of the aristocracy. In connection to this, he portrays the lower class as more humble and pretentious as opposed to their counterparts in the upper class. Even so, they are equally good at cracking jokes.

The Victorian Class System and Marriage

Besides, the Victorian class system, where marriage is only meant for members of the same class, perpetuates the gulf between the lower and the upper classes. Moreover, the aristocratic attitudes preserve the distance between these two groups. In the play, Jack views himself as a Liberal Unionist who has no politics since his home lies on the "unfashionable side" of London (Wilde and Gladden 530). Lady Bracknell reiterates that Jack comes from the "unfashionable" side of the Belgrave Square. Lady Bracknell goes further to approve of the ignorance of the lower class. She confirms this disparity by stating, "The whole theory of modern education is radically unsound. Fortunately, in England, at any rate, education produces no effect whatsoever" (Wilde and Gladden 500)

The Aristocrats' Attitudes and Reform

In The Importance of Being Earnest, one might hope that the aristocrats would be cognizant of their erratic ways and be more virtuous in terms of their morality. Even so, they believe they have the most virtuous attitudes and that the 'other' classes should follow their footsteps. In fact, they believe that the other category should see their own errors. For instance, when Miss Prism apparently chides the lower classes for bringing up so many children to christen, she perceives it as a thrift concern. In her statement in Act 11, she claims that, "I have often spoken to the poorer classes on the subject [of christenings]. But they don't seem to know what thrift is" (Wilde and Gladden 255). According to the Victorians, reform is maintaining the current socio-economic system by perpetuating the virtues and economy of the upper class.

Wilde, Oscar, and Samuel L. Gladden. The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People. Peterborough, Ont: Broadview Press, 2010. Internet resource.

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