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
In The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde utilizes setting, juxtaposition, and satire to highlight the importance of the physical journey that Jack and Algernon embark upon to find the love they desire, social acceptance, and an opportunity to actually become earnest individuals. The play is set in both the city and country. This is significant because in the opening of the play, Algernon and Jack are speaking in Algernon's home, but Algernon believes he is speaking to Ernest. When Jack is
faults of the society comically. Wilde expressed that people were dishonest and deceitful but also characterless and cowardly. In the societies described in The Importance of Being Earnest and Lady Windermere’s Fan, insincerity causes damage to the value of marriage and created societal pressure in relationships. In The Importance of Being Earnest characters lie about their names in order to please women and get married. Algernon and Jack do not think that marriages require honesty or trust. Lady
marriage. I think Oscar Wilde’s play was original in its day, and the story line is not predicable. While reading the play I thought that Jack and Gwendolen would not get married but would have an affair especially after Gwendolen’s remarks in act 1. “Ernest, we may never be married. From the expression on mamma’s face I fear we never shall.” (Wilde Act) Wilde does not seem to consider the English to be decent people, it would seem he considers them to be pretentious, gullible, and shallow. Mrs. Bracknell