In the Importance of being Earnest by Oscar Wilde, the use of puns and satire cause the reader to contemplate and ponder the behavior of various characters. The humor provides a philosophical point on the reason why humans behave in such ways. Humor throughout the importance of being earnest usually is used to degrade and belittle others. By using humor to lower someone else, Lady Bracknell elevates herself. Satire points out the flaws and foibles of the Victorian society, specifically that of Cecily and Gwendolyn. The satire lowers them while critiquing upper class society. The use of thoughtful humor reveals the author’s satiric barbs against the upper class elites. The play’s humor reveals humanity and their search to increase rank and tendency to be elitist by laughing at those beneath them.…show more content… The reader is forced to ponder the message and humor that is being presented. In the interrogation of Jack, Lady Bracknell utilizes puns and wordplay to mock Jack and his mysterious upbringing. “Until yesterday I had no idea that there were any families or persons whose origin was a Terminus”, Lady Bracknell mocks Jack’s childhood by using ‘terminus’ to describe his birthplace. By mocking Jack, Lady bracknell creates a humorous scene that elevates her socially. She belittles Jack and through her puns feels better about herself. One form of comedy derives itself from lowering someone else’s rank and thus increasing a person’s own esteem in person. Lady Bracknell, obsessed with appearances and ancestry, utilizes humor to degrade the appearances and ancestry of others around