The Captivating Works of Oscar Wilde
The Picture of Dorian Gray (1890), A House of Pomegranates (1891), Ravenna (1878), The Sphinx (1894), and The Ideal Husband (1883) are just a few of the captivating works by the prodigious English author Oscar Wilde. He also wrote plays like The Duchess of Padua (1883) and The Ideal Husband. (1895).
Choosing "The Importance of Being Earnest"
Since I have been such a devoted admirer of Oscar Wilde's writings, when I carefully considered the selection of texts provided for the assignment, I did not hesitate to choose his satirical and debatably pertinent play, The Importance of Being Earnest. (1895).
Highlighting Societal Issues
His writings are entertaining and funny, but they also play a significant role in highlighting various societal issues that still plague contemporary society. After reading the play, the different themes highlighted by Wilde such as living multiple lives, pretense, anonymity, and greed sparked an interest in undertaking a critical review of the play from different sources in order to comprehend their perception towards it. Consequently, I embarked on identifying the different secondary sources from reviews by authoritative news publishers such as The Chicago Tribune, The SVG Tribune, to different journal articles that would provide the required information. Among the sources reviewed, Reid and Nicholson were the most significant in furthering the research study. However, all sources provided significant perceptions into Wilde's play and helped identify main themes easily.
Themes in the Play
Wilde, in the primary source, meticulously presents the play in three acts, each running for two series. From the first act, important quotations are seen. For instance, when Algernon and Jack are discussing on the notion of being "Bunburyists", that is, people who lead double lives, the latter informs that he will no longer require to lead such a lifestyle upon his marriage to Gwendolen and he suggests that the former desist from such a lifestyle upon marriage. In response, Algernon quips "...if you ever get married, which seems to me extremely problematic, you will be very glad to know Bunbury. A man who marries without knowing Bunbury has a very tedious time of it.". In this, Algernon suggests to Jack that upon marrying, the need to lead double lives will increase significantly that it will be his only way out of his predicament. A significant issue is also raised by Lady Bracknell as she asserts to Jack "...The whole theory of modern education is radically unsound. Fortunately, in England, at any rate, education produces no effect whatsoever." A statement that informs a reader of the current education system in the country which, if it had an effect, would lead to the overthrowing of existent conventions and established orders.
A Satirical Tale
Nicholson's review of the play sees him term it as a tale that is "silly yet one that sheds so much light on pomposity and rigid morality". With this assertion, Nicholson brings to mind the notion that the title selected for the play does not reflect in any way how being earnest is of significance to any character. As such, it can be argued that the name selected by Wilde was merely a satirical one. Nicholson further points out that the play "makes fun of the class system" and hence it is "difficult to kill". Upon closer scrutiny, the actions portrayed by Algernon and Jack in leading multiple lives are seen. With the former, he was seen to often use deception to escape from his house by creating an imaginary friend, Bunbury, that he would often "visit" yet it was a ploy to run away from reality. Similarly, with the latter, he created a fictional brother, Ernest, a character he would assume as he went about his frivolous actions in London. Nicholson's argument regarding the notion of not being able to "kill" the play translates to its relevance in modern society, where themes such as living pretentious lives and assuming different personas are still prevalent social issues.
The Shallow Dignity of Upper Society Classes
Reid, on the other hand, points out that the play hints at the "shallow dignity of upper society classes". Deeper scrutiny reveals that Reid's source of motivation for the statement arises from the theme of marriage that Wilde meticulously brings out. Wilde illustrates the shallow aspect of marriage in the play at the last scene where, over a span of minutes, all couples are seen to be happily engaged without having any deep love for one another rather, as a result of considering economic or social gains that result from the different marriages. Reid hints at the shallowness of society by pointing out the ease with which Lady Bracknell changes her perception towards the marriage of Jack to Gwendolen upon receiving the news that Cecily is bound to inherit a huge sum of money as stipulated in her father's will. She is seen to give immediate consent yet she had vehemently refused the relation on the basis of Jack's social status. The aspect of superficial decision-making is brought out easily in the last scene.
Modernist and Postmodernist Irony
Tom (23-28) takes the analysis further as he explores the evolution of "modernist and postmodernist irony" which has gone beyond its role in providing satire to one that acts as an "enemy of genuine open-mindedness". While Tom's analysis is deeper and considers a more application-oriented approach to the teachings gained from the play, an exploration of modernist irony is easily seen in the play. An aspect of irony seen is in the multiple lives led by Algernon and Jack who seem to create different personas in their quest to be free. It appears ironical for individuals to seek after marriage so vehemently only to create multiple lives once they become married in their quest to be free. Marriage that would seem to offer them the much sought after freedom seems inefficient in achieving this function.
A Masterful Play by Oscar Wilde
By reviewing the critical analysis of different authors, the questions formulated upon reading the play have been answered. The exposition of themes such as pretense leading to living multiple lives has been reiterated by all authors. Wilde masterfully captures the irony and shallow nature of high society and the pretense that different individuals seem to engage in on a daily basis as they seek freedom. I have understood the different teachings Wilde had in mind in his satirical presentation. Though his approach took a comic aspect by poking fun at current societal issues, he skillfully combines satire and the different lessons to bring out an excellent play.
Works Cited
Nicholson, Frances Baum. "Review: A Noise Within Entertainingly Shows ‘The Importance Of Being Earnest’ – San Gabriel Valley Tribune." Sgvtribune.com. N.p., 2014. Web. 11 Nov. 2017.
Reid, Kerry. "REVIEW: 'The Importance Of Being Earnest' At Oak Park Festival." chicagotribune.com. N.p., 2014. Web. 11 Nov. 2017.
Tom, O'Brien. "The Importance Of Being Earnest." Arts Education Policy Review 108.5 (2007): 23-28. Print.
Wilde, Oscar. Importance of Being Earnest. Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1999. Print.
