The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde

This blog task is assigned by Megha Trivedi Ma'am (Department of English, MKBU).

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Q.-1.|Wilde originally subtitled The Importance of Being Earnest as “A Serious Comedy for Trivial People” but changed that to “A Trivial Comedy for Serious People.” What is the difference between the two subtitles?

Ans.

1. Introduction

Oscar Wilde’s 'The Importance of Being Earnest' first appeared with the subtitle “A Serious Comedy for Trivial People.” Later, Wilde revised it to “A Trivial Comedy for Serious People.” This change in subtitle shifts not only the audience’s expectations but also underlines the play’s critique of Victorian society. Each subtitle emphasizes a different aspect of Wilde's satire, creating unique lenses through which the play's themes, characters, and social critiques can be viewed.

2. The Serious in the Trivial and Vice Versa

The initial subtitle, “A Serious Comedy for Trivial People,” implies that Wilde’s comedy, while humorous, serves to expose the triviality of Victorian society. Through characters such as Algernon and Lady Bracknell, Wilde highlights how society takes superficial matters—like lineage and wealth—very seriously, even at the expense of genuine qualities. For instance, Lady Bracknell embodies this mindset as she interrogates Jack on his “origins,” declaring,

“To lose one parent... may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness.”

This focus on trivial concerns mocks how Victorian society often places more importance on appearances than on deeper, substantive qualities.

Conversely, the revised subtitle, “A Trivial Comedy for Serious People,” suggests that Wilde’s comedy, though seemingly lighthearted, has underlying themes for the thoughtful audience. In this reading, the play uses triviality as a vehicle to address serious societal issues. Wilde’s clever wordplay and satirical elements are crafted for a discerning audience who can appreciate the humor yet understand the critique. Algernon’s statement,

“The truth is rarely pure and never simple,”

embodies Wilde’s philosophy that serious issues often lie beneath trivial facades.

3. Key Characters as Vessels of Satire

The characters in 'The Importance of Being Earnest' exemplify the triviality that Wilde critiques. Algernon and Jack, who both assume fake identities to escape societal duties, expose the play's theme of duplicity. By pretending to be “Ernest” to win affection, they mock how superficial preferences often shape romantic choices in Victorian society. As Gwendolen confesses to Jack,

“My ideal has always been to love some one of the name of Ernest,”

underscoring how appearances, even names, can supersede genuine connections. This fixation on trivialities by serious people humorously yet incisively questions the integrity of societal values.

4. Irony and Satire: Wilde’s Weapon Against Victorian Morals

Wilde’s sharp use of irony and satire throughout the play reflects the absurdity of the period's customs. Victorian society prided itself on moral propriety and social conformity, yet Wilde uses characters like Lady Bracknell and the absurd situations they find themselves in to expose contradictions in these values. Lady Bracknell’s disapproval of Jack's lack of respectable family origins, contrasted with her quick acceptance of Cecily’s wealth, satirizes the era's materialistic and classist mindset. The use of “bunburying” as a means of escaping societal expectations serves as a critique of the duplicity inherent in Victorian propriety.

5. Contemporary Resonance

The shift in Wilde’s subtitle continues to resonate today. In an age where social media can lead to similar superficial judgments, Wilde’s commentary on appearances and authenticity remains relevant. Just as his characters wrestle with identity and societal expectations, modern audiences can relate to the performance of identity in public versus private life. Wilde’s subtitle invites audiences—serious or otherwise—to laugh at these foibles while reflecting on their deeper implications.

6. Conclusion

Wilde’s decision to change the subtitle from “A Serious Comedy for Trivial People” to “A Trivial Comedy for Serious People” encapsulates the complexity of his satire. Each version frames the play differently, yet both serve to highlight Wilde’s enduring critique of Victorian society's trivial pursuits and moral contradictions. Through irony, wit, and carefully crafted characters, Wilde’s play invites us to question our own values, suggesting that what society deems “important” or “earnest” may not be as sincere as it appears.

Q.-2.|Which of the female characters is the most attractive to you among Lady Augusta Bracknell, Gwendolen Fairfax, Cecily Cardew, and Miss Prism? Give your reasons for her being the most attractive among all.

Ans.

1. Introduction

Oscar Wilde’s 'The Importance of Being Earnest' offers a satirical portrayal of Victorian society through characters who embody wit, superficiality, and ambition. Among the play’s memorable women—Lady Bracknell, Gwendolen Fairfax, Cecily Cardew, and Miss Prism—Cecily Cardew stands out as the most attractive character. Her innocence, imagination, and humor contrast with the superficiality of the others, capturing both her charm and Wilde’s critique of societal norms.

2. Cecily’s Unique Charm and Idealism

Cecily’s romantic innocence sets her apart. Unlike Gwendolen, who is attracted to the name “Ernest” merely for its sound, Cecily creates elaborate fantasies around her “engagement” to Algernon, writing letters to him before they’ve even met. She declares,

“I keep a diary in order to enter the wonderful secrets of my life,”

showing her imaginative spirit. This blend of innocence and fantasy makes Cecily a more layered and charming figure than the socially calculating Gwendolen.

3. Humor and Social Critique

Through Cecily, Wilde critiques societal expectations of love and identity. Her humor and willingness to break from norms expose the superficial values of her society. For example, her fixation on the name “Ernest” mirrors Gwendolen’s, but she carries it with a sense of playful irony, remarking,

“I am very fond of being looked at”

when Algernon observes her beauty. Wilde uses Cecily’s humor to gently mock the expectations placed on women and to highlight her individuality within a world obsessed with appearances.

4. Conclusion

Cecily’s unique charm, imagination, and humor make her the most attractive female character in 'The Importance of Being Earnest.' Her innocence and playful resistance to societal norms reflect Wilde’s critique of Victorian superficiality. In a society where identity is often defined by social conventions, Cecily’s blend of innocence and wit presents a refreshing alternative.