The Importance of Being Ernest by Oscar Wilde: An overview Essay Example

know what to talk to him about." (Act 2)

The play is characterized by a series of puns, nonsensical dialogue, farcical events, and comical twists. Throughout the action, the main characters, including John Worthing (Ernest), Algernon Moncrieff, Gwendolen Fairfax, Lady Bracknell, and Merriman, display simple-mindedness, lack of moral strength, and a lack of seriousness as they pursue their own petty self-interests. This is exemplified in the deceptive identities adopted by both Worthing and Moncrieff, which highlight their lack of integrity in their thoughts, actions, and overall characters. However, these deceptions are not meant to be malicious; instead, they are playful, trivial, or nonsensical in nature. A famous quote from the play perfectly illustrates this idea: "I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train." (Act 2)

Oscar Wilde employs his writing as a weapon to critique and challenge the cherished virtues and values of Victorian society. Through the use of humor, Wilde provides a social commentary, highlighting the flaws that are inherent within this era. Even in the names he gives to his characters, such as The Honorary Gwendolen Fairfax, The Reverend Canon Chasuble, and Mr. Algernon Moncrieff, Wilde intentionally selects aristocratic-sounding surnames, thereby making a comment and offering criticism simultaneously.

In Act 3 of The Importance of Being Earnest, Lady Bracknell expresses her viewpoint on Algernon, stating, "He has nothing, but he looks everything. What more can one desire?" (Wilde, 1899, p. 2332). Lady Bracknell's words suggest that the importance of appearances outweighs reality. It is seen as desirable for an individual to deceive others into believing they possess more than they actually do. How does Wilde utilize this

idea in the play to satirize the Victorian emphasis on propriety and morality?

The play titled The Importance of Being Ernest is regarded as one of the most amusing theatrical productions to have debuted during the early 1900s. Oscar Wilde, one of its last creators, earned widespread admiration for his inclusion of farcical humor and clever conversations. Critics, both contemporary and modern, consistently classify it as both a "farce" and a "social satire," a categorization that accurately captures its essence. The play primarily centers around individuals who possess street-smart qualities.