The “Importance of Being Earnest” written by Oscar Wilde is a ridiculous comedy whose protagonist as depicted in this play maintains a fabricated personality as a way of breaking away from onerous social obligations (Thacker 21). Apparently, throughout this play, Oscar Wilde the writer of this play makes apparent the themes of the play using appropriate and effective styles to capture the audience attention. Considering that man themes are brought to light in this essay, this essay will essentially analyse the major themes that are well established throughout the play.
Manners and sincerity is a theme that is well brought to light in this play. Apparently, Wilde criticises the hypocrisy that has since being created by the society (Oscar 42). Apparent from the play is the fact that; the participants of Victorian society conducted themselves in a way that depicted excessive sincerity and politeness while, on the other hand, acted contrary to what they pretend to be. In essence, the participants of the Victorian society were hypocritical in the sense that, they harboured manipulative attitudes while, on the contrary, acted in polite and overly sincere ways hence contradicting their ethical stance. Apparently, this theme is brought to light in many instances of the play. Some instances of the play that make apparent the aforementioned theme include instances when Gwendolen and Cecily conduct themselves in front of the servants. And the instance when Lady Bracknell behave towards Cecily upon ascertaining that she is rich.
Another theme well presented in this play is the theme of marriage. Apparently, upon reading the title of this play, one is predisposed to relating the same with marriage. Apparently, this play seeks to establish whether marriage is a social duty or pleasurable on the flip side. As established in this poem, marriage as perceived by the old generation is a way of bettering one’s life (Oscar 31). In essence, when one aspires to get married, he or she ought to state his or her financial status and the social class he or she belongs. By approaching marriage from this perspective, Wilde in his play establishes the fact that marriage as perceived by the older generation as platform to better one’s social and financial stance. The theme of marriage from the perspective above is well established in the play owing the fact that the participants of Victorian society in the end marry the type of partners the society expects them to marry. Marriage as perceived in this poem is reputable as a means to an end.
Another theme epitomised in this play is the theme of class. Issues of class difference are well established in the play by Wilde in the sense that she uses the characters of the Victorian society as exemplars (Thacker 23). Apparently, Wilde is particularly concerned with the status of the married people particularly their background and wealth. Throughout the play, class difference is made apparent through many apparent ways and instances. Numerous instances where Algernon and the Lane a master and a servant show class differences are well defined. In one instance, Lane steals champagne from Algernon a fact that the two differ in the classes they belong. Many other themes that include morality are brought to light in the play. Wilde criticises the hypocritical nature of the Victorian society. In addition, other themes that include idleness of the high-class people, dual identities, and farce are well established.
In conclusion, Wilde makes use appropriate writing styles to depict the major themes of the play and appeal to its audience the plot and the outline of the play. The major themes brought to light in this case include marriage, manners and sincerity, class difference, double identity, and farce.
Works Cited
Oscar, Wilde. "The Importance of Being Earnest." (2010).
Thacker, S. "Oscar Wilde’s Dandy Play: The Importance of Being Earnest." Retrieved from
[Link] (2011).
