A short analysis of ‘The importance of Being Earnest’

The title ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ already gives the reader something to think about; with an ambiguous title the reader is already questioning the motive of the play. Whether the definition of Earnest is to be sincere or whether it is possibly someone’s name. The title alone is intriguing but with the added sub title: ‘A trivial comedy for serious people’ the reader can make assumptions on what the play will entail. Clearly this play is a light-hearted one that should be enjoyed by everyone including ‘serious people’.  

As mentioned before the pluralistic title will probably lead the reader to check the cast list to find out whether there is a character who goes by the name Earnest. Although no ‘Earnest’ is on the character list, the characters that are written clearly show that there is a status divide within the play. With some characters given Christian names such as ‘John Worthing’ and ‘Algernon Moncrieff’ where as others are merely known by their last names: ‘Lane’ and ‘Merriman’ there is clearly a distinct difference in how these characters will interact in the play. Also some characters are given titles along with their names, such as: ‘Lady Bracknell’ and ‘Hon Gwendolen Fairfax’ these names suggest that they are of a high status within the play. The cast list allows the reader to make a judgement on the characters before they have been introduced.

Through the opening dialogue from Act 1 Scene 1 Oscar Wilde explores status through the use of dialogue. The way in which higher and lower class interact can be clearly seen. Algernon Moncrieff is clearly of a higher status then that of Lane. He is the one who is in control of this conversation as he is the one putting questions forward as well as demands: “have you got cucumber sandwiches cut for Lady Bracknell?” he is also using discourse throughout the conversation compared to Lane who only ever answers Algernon’s questions in short, precise answers without using discourse. In fact the only point at which Lane does develop on a question, in this case marriage, Algernon is quick to tell him that he is not interested in his personal affairs. It can be seen that Algernon does not want to break down the barriers between the different social classes. In my opinion this has more to do with keeping up a reputation then of not caring. Algernon’s monologue after Lane has been dismissed suggests that he does care about his opinion as he is questioning it afterwards: “Lane’s views on marriage are somewhat lax.”  Algernon seems to be putting up a front in order to protect his higher status and also to some degree his pride. Oscar Wilde has already left the readers questioning the title, the characters and the idea of social status within the opening page of dialogue.