How does Wilde use a literary device to convey a social commentary? Write a paragraph response that cites textual evidence to support your response.
The importance of being Earnest
Answers
Oscar Wilde creates a comedic tone using puns, situational irony, dramatic irony, satire, and epigrams.
Puns: A play on words so that a single word can have multiple meanings, puns not only reveal characters’ cleverness but also suggest Wilde’s own opinions on certain topics.
Situational irony: An outcome that is different than expected, situational irony along with dramatic irony—the audience knows something about a character that hasn’t been revealed—emphasize important scenes and sustain the audience’s interest.
Epigrams: Brief, humorous statements divulging a truth about humankind, epigrams along with Wilde’s use of satire—making fun of someone or something to expose corruption—most distinctly reveal Wilde’s criticism of the upper classes.