In The Importance of Being Earnest, Wilde uses food to symbolize the idea of social class and the differences between the upper and lower classes. For example, when Algernon and Jack are discussing their respective engagements, Algernon remarks that he is "not at all in love with Gwendolen, but I am very much in love with her cucumber sandwiches." This is a reference to the fact that cucumber sandwiches are a staple of upper-class tea parties, and thus symbolizes the idea that Algernon is more interested in Gwendolen's social status than in her as a person. Similarly, when Jack and Algernon are discussing Jack's engagement to Cecily, Algernon remarks that he "can't eat muffins in an agitated manner. The butter would probably get on my cuffs." This is a reference to the fact that muffins are a staple of lower-class tea parties, and thus symbolizes the idea that Algernon is more interested in Cecily's social status than in her as a person.
