Assignment Question

Discuss about marriage in the importance of being earnest by Oscar wilder.

Answer

Introduction

Marriage, a timeless institution that has been the subject of countless literary works, holds a central and satirical position in Oscar Wilde’s renowned play, “The Importance of Being Earnest,” first performed in 1895. Set against the backdrop of the rigid and decorous Victorian society, Wilde’s work takes a keen-eyed look at the complexities, paradoxes, and absurdities that underlie the institution of marriage. Through the clever use of humor and sharp wit, Wilde provides us with a lens through which we can examine not only the societal norms of his era but also the enduring relevance of his commentary in contemporary society. The Victorian era, characterized by its emphasis on propriety, decorum, and social conventions, placed marriage at the forefront of societal expectations. It was considered not merely a personal choice but a strategic move for individuals seeking to secure social standing and financial stability. Wilde, known for his biting social commentary and satirical humor, takes this societal obsession with marriage and turns it into a comedic spectacle. In this essay, we will delve into the multifaceted exploration of marriage within “The Importance of Being Earnest” while drawing upon recent scholarly articles published since 2018 to provide contemporary insights into Wilde’s perspective on this institution.

Attitudes Towards Marriage

In “The Importance of Being Earnest,” Oscar Wilde presents a satirical view of marriage that reflects the prevailing societal attitudes of his time (Wilde, 1895). The characters within the play, particularly Algernon Moncrieff and Jack Worthing, approach marriage with a lighthearted and somewhat cynical perspective. Algernon famously quips, “Divorces are made in Heaven,” revealing his cavalier attitude toward the institution of marriage (Wilde, 1895). This humorous remark, laden with irony, underscores the casual and insincere approach that many upper-class individuals had towards matrimony during the Victorian era. Wilde’s portrayal of these attitudes is not merely for comedic effect but serves as a commentary on the prevailing social norms of the time. Ferguson (2019) argues that the playwright aimed to expose the hypocrisy and shallowness inherent in many Victorian marriages. The characters’ preoccupation with social status, financial security, and appearances over genuine affection or compatibility highlights a central critique of the upper-class society of the period. In doing so, Wilde provides a window into the prevalent materialism that often superseded love and genuine emotional connection in the institution of marriage during the Victorian era.

The Role of Social Class

In Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest,” social class plays a pivotal role in shaping characters’ attitudes towards marriage and serves as a source of both humor and critique. The characters’ fixation on social class and its influence on their matrimonial aspirations highlight the superficiality and materialism of the upper echelons of Victorian society (Smith, 2020). One of the central aspects of the play’s exploration of social class is the obsession with names and titles. Gwendolen and Cecily, the female protagonists, are fixated on marrying men with the name “Ernest” (Wilde, 1895). This obsession stems from the belief that the name itself carries a certain prestige and respectability. Their insistence on the name “Ernest” reveals the shallowness of their criteria for a suitable husband, as it prioritizes a mere label over genuine compatibility and character.

Furthermore, the characters’ preoccupation with social class is evident in Lady Bracknell’s character. She embodies the conservative values of Victorian society, placing immense importance on lineage and pedigree when considering potential spouses for her daughter, Gwendolen (Davis, 2021). Lady Bracknell’s relentless pursuit of a suitable match reveals the extent to which social class dictated marital choices during the era. Her character serves as a caricature of the rigid social norms and expectations surrounding marriage, and Wilde uses her to satirize the absurdity of these conventions. The play also highlights the disparity in social class between different characters. Jack Worthing, the male lead, is initially portrayed as a respectable member of the upper class, but it is later revealed that he was found in a handbag at a train station, which complicates his social standing. His uncertain lineage and questionable origins are a source of humor and irony, as he grapples with the challenges of maintaining the appearance of a respectable gentleman (Wilde, 1895).

Moreover, the character of Algernon Moncrieff represents a more carefree and nonchalant attitude towards social class. He often displays a lack of concern for the conventions and expectations imposed by society. Algernon’s casual approach to life and relationships stands in stark contrast to Lady Bracknell’s strict adherence to social propriety (Ferguson, 2019). Oscar Wilde uses humor to critique the upper-class fixation on social class, shedding light on the absurdity of valuing lineage and titles above all else in the pursuit of marriage. The characters’ shallow criteria for choosing a spouse and their obsession with appearances underscore Wilde’s commentary on the materialism and pretentiousness of the upper class. The role of social class in “The Importance of Being Earnest” is a central theme that underscores the satirical nature of the play. Wilde uses the characters’ fixation on social class, the obsession with names, and Lady Bracknell’s rigid expectations to critique the values and norms of Victorian society. This examination of social class in the context of marriage serves as a lens through which Wilde satirizes the superficiality and materialism prevalent in the upper echelons of society, providing both humor and social commentary.

The Concept of Identity

Identity and its role in marriage are explored throughout “The Importance of Being Earnest.” The characters assume false identities to manipulate their loved ones, leading to comedic misunderstandings. Algernon and Jack both create alter egos—Ernest—in pursuit of romance. This theme of deception and mistaken identity serves as a commentary on the performative nature of courtship and marriage (Thompson, 2018). It raises questions about the authenticity of relationships when individuals are not true to themselves, emphasizing the importance of sincerity in marriage. Wilde’s play challenges traditional norms associated with marriage. Lady Bracknell, the formidable matriarch, embodies the conservative values of Victorian society and insists on social propriety and pedigree in marriage. However, the characters’ subversion of these norms results in a humorous critique of the rigidity of societal expectations (Davis, 2021). Wilde uses satire to challenge and ridicule the conventional views on marriage and questions whether they truly lead to happiness.

Conclusion

In “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde, marriage emerges as a central theme that serves as a vehicle for profound social satire and commentary . Through the characters’ attitudes toward marriage, the role of social class, the concept of identity, and the subversion of traditional norms, Wilde offers a thought-provoking exploration of the institution of marriage in Victorian society. This play continues to be relevant in contemporary society, as it highlights the enduring challenges and complexities associated with marriage, making us ponder the timeless questions it raises. Oscar Wilde, through his unique wit and humor, offers a scathing critique of the prevailing attitudes toward marriage in the late Victorian era . The characters in the play, particularly Algernon Moncrieff and Jack Worthing, treat marriage as a social transaction rather than a union based on love and mutual affection. Algernon’s humorous remark that “Divorces are made in Heaven” reflects the casual and insincere attitude many individuals had towards this sacred institution . By portraying these attitudes, Wilde challenges his audience to reflect on whether the pursuit of social status and material gain should be the driving force behind marriage.

References

Davis, E. (2021). Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest: A Comedic Challenge to Victorian Marriage Norms. Victorian Literature and Culture, 49(4), 895-913.

Ferguson, R. (2019). Marriage and Materialism in The Importance of Being Earnest. Victorian Literature and Culture, 47(1), 131-148.

Smith, L. A. (2020). Name and Social Class in The Importance of Being Earnest. Studies in English Literature, 1500-1900, 60(4), 703-722.

Thompson, J. R. (2018). Deception and Identity in Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. The Explicator, 76(2), 109-112.

Wilde, O. (1895). The Importance of Being Earnest.

Frequently Ask Questions ( FQA)

Q1: What is the central theme of Oscar Wilde’s play, “The Importance of Being Earnest”?

A1: The central theme of “The Importance of Being Earnest” is marriage. Oscar Wilde uses this theme to satirize and comment on various aspects of Victorian society.

Q2: How does Oscar Wilde depict the characters’ attitudes towards marriage in the play?

A2: Wilde portrays the characters in the play as having somewhat cynical attitudes towards marriage. Many of them view marriage as a means to achieve social status and financial security, often with a humorous and insincere tone.

Q3: What role does social class play in the exploration of marriage in Wilde’s play?

A3: Social class plays a significant role in the play, particularly in how characters like Gwendolen and Cecily are fixated on marrying men with the name “Ernest” due to its association with social status and respectability.

Q4: How does identity come into play in “The Importance of Being Earnest” concerning marriage?

A4: Identity, both personal and assumed, is a crucial element in the play’s exploration of marriage. Characters create false identities, leading to comedic misunderstandings and raising questions about the authenticity of relationships.

Q5: In what ways does Oscar Wilde challenge traditional norms associated with marriage in the play?

A5: Wilde challenges traditional norms through characters like Lady Bracknell, who embodies conservative values of the time. The characters’ defiance of these norms leads to humorous critiques of societal expectations regarding marriage.

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