Choose one of the following questions to respond to. Your response should be at least two paragraphs long. Respond in a well-organized essay written in complete sentences.
a. Explain the significance of the full title of the play: The Importance of Being Earnest (A Trivial Comedy for Serious People). Discuss the meaning of the word earnest and the name Ernest as well as how Wilde communicates his message regarding trivial and serious matters. Use examples from the play.
The full title of Oscar Wilde's play, The Importance of Being Earnest (A Trivial Comedy for Serious People), holds significant meaning in conveying the central message of the play. The word "earnest" has a dual connotation, referring both to a serious and sincere demeanor, as well as a name, Ernest, which serves as a central plot device in the play. Wilde cleverly utilizes these linguistic nuances to illustrate the theme of appearances, masks, and the contrast between triviality and seriousness.
Firstly, the word "earnest" signifies a serious and solemn disposition. In the play, characters such as Gwendolen and Lady Bracknell place great importance on the concept of being earnest in both their attitudes and prospective partners. The sincere and respectable qualities of sincerity and seriousness, as denoted by the term "earnest," are prized by these characters. However, Wilde artfully exposes the hypocrisy and folly of these characters' obsession with appearances and societal expectations. The characters often prioritize superficial matters over genuine emotions and relationships. For instance, Lady Bracknell dismisses Jack as a potential suitor for her daughter Gwendolen because he lacks a proper lineage, despite his genuine love for Gwendolen. Wilde thus satirizes the Victorian obsession with appearances and social stature, highlighting the absurdity and triviality of such concerns.
Moreover, Wilde uses the name Ernest, which sounds similar to earnest, to further explore the theme of deception and facades. Jack Worthing assumes the false persona of Ernest when in the city, allowing him to lead a double life and escape his responsibilities in the country. Similarly, Algernon, in order to escape boring dinners, creates a fictional invalid friend named "Bunbury." These false identities and fabricated stories create farcical situations and reveal the characters' willingness to engage in deceit to achieve their desires. However, as the play progresses, the characters are forced to confront the consequences of their deceptions and recognize the importance of true honesty and earnestness in their relationships.
In summary, the title of The Importance of Being Earnest (A Trivial Comedy for Serious People) effectively communicates Oscar Wilde's message about the superficiality and hypocrisy of Victorian society. The word "earnest" not only refers to sincerity but also connects to the name Ernest, which is used as a deceitful guise by the characters. Through satirical humor and witty dialogue, Wilde exposes the triviality of societal expectations and the importance of genuine emotions. He reminds us that it is the sincere and earnest connections between people that truly matter, while superficial facades and trivial concerns ultimately lead to chaos and misunderstanding.