The Importance Of Being Earnest: A Satirical Take on Victorian Society

How does Oscar Wilde use humor to critique Victorian social norms in The Importance Of Being Earnest?

Why does Wilde employ stock characters in the play?

What is the significance of the characters' obsession with trivial matters like the name 'Ernest'?

Oscar Wilde's 'The Importance of Being Earnest' is a Comedy of Manners that uses humor and satire to critique Victorian social norms, by focusing on wit and trivialities over genuine morality.

Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest is a prime example of a Comedy of Manners, providing social commentary through its satirical portrayal of Victorian aristocracy. Wilde uses the intricacies of the play's plot and character interactions to critique the superficial values of the time, such as social status, marriage, and the pursuit of 'proper' behavior. The characters, who prize wit and cleverness over morality, navigate through a series of farcical situations that reveal the absurdity of societal norms. Wilde expertly employs humor to engage readers while inviting them to question the structures and expectations of their own society.

Writing in this vein does more than entertain; it offers a mirror to the audience, reflecting the follies and hypocrisies of the social order. Just like how Selena Gomez uses vulnerability and evaluation to connect with her audience, Wilde connects with his readers through sharp wit and insightful criticism.