Throughout our reading of the play we have examined Oscar Wilde’s use of word play and seen how he uses words with double meanings to create humor. Even the title, The Importance of Being Earnest, has a double meaning as ‘earnest’ is a synonym of ‘honest’ (The Importance of Being Honest). In at least two complete paragraphs, explain the humor behind this title, 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 humor behind the title "The Importance of Being Earnest" lies in Oscar Wilde's clever play on words and the ironic contrast it creates. On the surface, the title seems to emphasize the significance and virtue of sincerity and seriousness. However, upon closer examination, it becomes evident that Wilde is using the term "earnest" not in its conventional meaning of honesty, but rather as a name of a character who is anything but honest. This deliberate ambiguity creates a sense of irony, as the characters in the play are far from earnest in their intentions and actions.
One example that showcases this irony is when Algernon, one of the main characters, discusses his fictional friend Bunbury with his friend Jack. Algernon explains that he created Bunbury so that he could escape from dull social obligations by pretending to attend to his sick friend. He states, "Bunbury is perfectly invaluable. If it wasn't for Bunbury's extraordinary bad health, for instance, I wouldn't be able to dine with you at Willis's tonight" (Act 1). Here, Algernon's use of Bunbury as a means of avoiding social responsibilities exposes his lack of earnestness. He is manipulative and insincere, using deception to fulfill his own desires.
Another example of the play's humor can be seen in the character Jack's dual identity. Jack pretends to have a brother named Ernest in the city, whom he uses as an excuse to escape to London. When his beloved Gwendolen declares that she could only love a man named Ernest, Jack feels compelled to take on the persona of his imaginary brother. This leads to humorous confusion and misunderstandings, as Jack becomes entangled in a web of lies and must maintain his false identity in order to win Gwendolen's heart. By highlighting the importance placed on a name, Wilde is satirizing the societal obsession with superficial qualities and appearances.
Through this wordplay and ironic title, Wilde critiques the societal expectations of Victorian England. He mocks the obsession with formality, appearances, and adherence to social norms, exposing the superficiality and hypocrisy of the upper classes. The characters' lack of earnestness serves as a commentary on the disingenuous nature of society, where individuals often conform to societal expectations rather than being true to themselves. Wilde's use of wordplay not only creates humor but also serves as a means of critiquing the values and customs of his time.