Question

The Importance of Being Earnest is effective because of its witty dialogues and absurd situations. Discuss.

Answer 1

The Importance of Being Earnest, A Trivial Comedy for Serious People is a play by Oscar Wilde. First performed on 14 February 1895 at the St James's Theatre in London, it is a farcical comedy in which the protagonists maintain fictitious personæ to escape burdensome social obligations. Working within the social conventions of late Victorian London, the play's major themes are the triviality with which it treats institutions as serious as marriage, and the resulting satire of Victorian ways. Contemporary reviews all praised the play's humour, though some were cautious about its explicit lack of social messages, while one considered it the culmination of Wilde's artistic career so far. Its high farce and witty dialogue have helped make The Importance of Being Earnest Wilde's most enduringly popular play.

Answer 2

'The Importance of Being Earnest' is humorous because Oscar Wilde has created absurd situations, and characters who respond to these situations in inappropriate ways due to lack of insight. They respond in a manner which is either too serious or too flippant.

For instance, Lady Bracknell was preoccupied with her own parties and lacked sympathy for invalids. She reacted in a ridiculously cold manner to Bunbury's illness. She said that it was high time that Mr. Bunbury decided whether he was going to live or die. She wanted Mr. Bunbury to be kind enough not to have a relapse on Saturday. Instead of having pity for the sick person she was more concerned about her music arrangements.

Oscar Wilde includes succinct, witty sayings in the play which are often general reflections on life. For instance, he says that all women become like their mothers which is their tragedy. While no man does and that is his tragedy.

He mocks the most traditional romantic covenant of marriage. According to him in married life, three is company and two is none.