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.
b. How is the consumption of food used as a symbol in the play? What does food stand for in the play? How does Oscar Wilde use symbolism in his social commentary? Use examples from the play to support your answer.
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The Importance of Being Earnest (A Trivial Comedy for Serious People) is a play by Oscar Wilde that explores the themes of identity, sincerity, and societal expectations. The full title of the play is significant as it sets up the contrast between the words "earnest" and "trivial" and highlights the satirical nature of the work.
The word "earnest" has a double meaning in the play. On one hand, it refers to the idea of being sincere, serious, and honest. Wilde critiques the Victorian societal expectation of acting with decorum and always being serious. Throughout the play, the characters constantly deceive each other and create false identities in order to escape the constraints of their social roles. For example, Jack Worthing invents a brother named Ernest in order to escape to London and lead a wilder life. This shows the characters' desire to break free from societal expectations and be more honest about their true selves.
On the other hand, the name "Ernest" serves as a play on words. In the context of the play, "Ernest" sounds similar to "earnest" and represents the seriousness and integrity that the characters strive for. However, the name is also used ironically, as many of the characters are anything but earnest in their actions and intentions. For instance, Algernon Moncrieff pretends to be Jack's brother, Ernest, in order to pursue his love interest, Gwendolen. This irony highlights the gap between appearance and reality, emphasizing Wilde's critique of the superficiality and hypocrisy of society.
Wilde also communicates his message regarding trivial and serious matters through the characterization of the play's central figures. The characters are often preoccupied with trivial matters, such as fashion, social status, and appearance. Their obsession with these superficial concerns is contrasted with the more serious issues that underlie the play, such as identity, morality, and love. For example, Lady Bracknell is primarily concerned with finding a suitable husband for her daughter, Gwendolen, and is dismissive of anyone who does not meet her societal standards. This obsession with trivial matters reflects Wilde's commentary on the shallow nature of Victorian society.
In conclusion, the full title of The Importance of Being Earnest effectively conveys Wilde's satirical critique of Victorian society and its obsession with appearance and societal expectations. The word "earnest" and the name "Ernest" are used to explore the themes of sincerity and identity, while the contrast between the words "earnest" and "trivial" highlights the superficiality of many of the characters' concerns. Through the play's characters and their actions, Wilde effectively communicates his message regarding the importance of being true to oneself and the hollowness of societal appearances.