While some critics contend that The Importance of Being Earnest is completely fanciful and has no relation to the real world, others maintain that Oscar Wilde's 'trivial comedy for serious people' does make significant comments about social class and the institution of marriage. These observations include the prevalent utilization of deceit in everyday affairs. Indeed the characters and plot of the play appear to be entirely irreverent, thus lending weight to the comedic, fanciful aspect. However, this same factor also serves to illuminate the major points that Wilde tries to convey about the English society in which he lived.
Throughout the course of the play, Wilde portrays each of the main characters in a way that reflects his views of the English aristocracy. Algernon Moncrieff and Jack(Ernest) Worthington represent the prototypical male bachelors. In the opening act, set in Algernon's flat, the two meet and display what appears to be their usual daily activities.
English: Still photograph from Act 1 of the origin...
Ernests Gulbis
Ernest BorgnineNeither is employed, and it is apparent that their only occupation is the pursuit of leisure activities and social matters, subjects of major importance to them. When Algernon inquires as to the purpose of Ernest's visit to town, Ernest replies, 'Oh pleasure, pleasure! What else should bring anyone anywhere? Eating as usual, I see Algy!'. Algeron and Ernest are characterized by their extravagance, a luxury affordable only because of the money accrued from family inheritance. Neither displays any notion of an appreciation for money. In fact, when Algernon's butler hands him bills that have just arrived in the mail, Algernon simply rips them up.
Wilde's conception of deceit as an accepted custom in English aristocracy is also existent in this scene. The practice of 'Bunburying' is established, an act where each man lies to his family about an imaginary invalid friend present somewhere else,
Importance of being Ernest
This was an interesting and well written essay which highlights the hippocracy which Wilde exposes in society of that time. It always interested me that we never can be entirely sure that the book does revealk his name to be Ernest.
2 out of 2 people found this comment useful.