The Importance of Being Earnest

By Oscar Wilde

What is the value of identity? What makes people want to escape the

world they live in to be someone else? What are the effects of using humor and

satire to expose humanity’s foibles? How does Wilde use subtext to ridicule the

self-righteous hypocrisy of Victorian society?

Does this type of hypocrisy still exist in our modern society? How and where?

Essential Questions

Hypocrisy vs. Sincerity – Wilde wrote the play to show his contempt for the self-righteous moralism and superficiality he saw in Victorian society.

The Nature of Marriage The Societal Constraints on Morality The Idleness and Leisure of the Upper Class

Themes in the Play

Born in Ireland in 1854 Entered Trinity College in Dublin at 17 Won a poetry prize at 24 at Oxford Published a volume of poems Went to London to earn a living as a writer Became an “aesthete” and was his own

best publicity agent 1883 went on a speaking tour of America Married at 30 and had 2 sons

Oscar Wilde

Remarkable ability to produce spontaneous sparkling conversation and witty remarks

Engaging conversationalist that people loved to listen to.

Remarks and responses always new and fresh no matter what the topic.

Considered a “dandy” wearing velvet collars, fur greatcoats, velvet breeches, silk hose, and patent dancing shoes.

Went to jail in 1895 for 2 years Moved to Paris where he died-near his death

at a hotel in Paris he quipped that he or the wallpaper would have to go.

Wilde’s Wit

Life was structured with individuals fitting into their own social class.

Presumably everyone accepted his station in life and was happy in his level of society

More restriction on behavior than in English life today.

Young men of the upper classes received an education, but spent their later lives in leisure pursuits.

First sons had little to worry about. 2nd and 3rd sons could go into the clergy or military.

(the law of primogeniture)

The Late Victorian Age

Young women were okay if they managed to marry well. If not, they usually became maiden-aunt members of the family.

Women might inherit wealth, but seldom controlled their own finances.

They enjoyed pleasurable pursuits – parties, balls, riding, fox hunting, croquet.

Young girls were taught to supervise a household –consult with the housekeeper and cook.

Free time often spent painting china pitchers, plates, cups, and saucers or needlework. Some enjoyed music and literature and many enjoyed writing poetry.

A daily tradition was the four o’clock tea time. All activities stopped at tea time.

Rituals of tea time included a silver tea service or china tea pot with the lady of the house gathering everyone together.

Delicate sandwiches and sweets such as tarts, petit fours, or biscuits (cookies) were served on fancy trays.

Tea time was an important part of the day and the evening meal was served at 8:00 or later.

Family members and guests often dressed up for tea.