Evaluation:
Published: 09.04.2003.
Language: English
Level: Secondary school
Literature: n/a
References: Not used
  • Essays '"The Importance of Being Earnest." by Oscar Wilde', 1.
Extract

The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde, beyond any reasonable doubt, makes noteworthy comments about the Victorian era. In this "trivial comedy for serious people," Wilde makes some very interesting comments about everyday interaction during 1895. To effectively convey these comments, humorous characters and comical situations are used.
Throughout the play, Wilde brings out numerous observations on the Victorian era in different characters. In the first couple of acts, Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff (Algy) are introduced with no jobs; smoking is their "only occupation" in life. The first act also sets up the concept of "Bunburying", where each man makes up an imaginary friend, whom they visit constantly. This lets the English bachelors get out of their households, and allows them to spend time following a life "entirely of pleasure". …

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