In at least two complete paragraphs, explain the humor behind the importance of being earnest, quote at least two examples from the text to support your explanation, and fully explain what in society Wilde is critiquing with this wordplay.
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde is a satirical comedy that employs wordplay and irony to critique the hypocritical and shallow aspects of Victorian society. One of the main sources of humor in the play lies in the dual identities assumed by the characters. The protagonists, Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, create alter egos named Ernest in order to escape societal constraints and pursue their romantic interests. The irony arises when they fall in love with women who insist on marrying someone named Ernest. This creates a comical situation as both men desperately try to maintain their fictitious identities, leading to absurd misunderstandings and farcical situations.
An example of this humor can be seen in Act II when Algernon, pretending to be Ernest, proposes to Cecily. She says, "But I don't like German. It isn't at all a becoming language. I know perfectly well that I look quite plain after my German lesson" (Wilde, 1895). This line is amusing because it highlights the superficiality and societal expectations of the Victorian upper class. Cecily's concern is not about the character or values of her potential suitor but rather the suitability of their name and the language they speak. Through this wordplay, Wilde satirizes the absurdity of judging people based on external factors rather than their true nature.
Another example can be found in Act III when Jack, as Ernest, confesses to Lady Bracknell that he has a younger brother, also named Ernest. Lady Bracknell retorts, "A gross deception has been practiced on both of us" (Wilde, 1895). The humor arises from the fact that Lady Bracknell is outraged not by the deception itself but by the fact that she has been deceived. This highlights the hypocrisy of the upper-class society, who pretend to uphold principles and maintain a facade of respectability while being willing to overlook moral transgressions as long as their own reputation remains intact. Wilde's wordplay serves as a critique of the shallowness and hypocrisy prevalent in Victorian society.
In conclusion, The Importance of Being Earnest makes use of humor through wordplay to critique the shallowness and hypocrisy of Victorian society. Through the characters' dual identities and comedic situations, Wilde exposes the superficiality of judging individuals based on their name, language, and societal expectations. The play serves as a satirical commentary on the upper-class society of the time, revealing their obsession with appearances and their willingness to overlook moral transgressions as long as their reputation remains unscathed.