The importance of being Earnest represents the Victorian era

Name :- Kumkum V. Hirani

Sem :- M.A. sem - 1

Paper :- 104

Subject :- Literature of the Victorian 

Roll No :- 14

College:- Smt. G. B. Gardi College , Department of English 

Email id :- kumkumhirani6@gmail.com

ASSIGNMENT 

 How Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest Represents the Victorian Era

Introduction :-

     Oscar Wilde’s play, The Importance of Being Earnest, is one of the greatest works of satire in English literature. Written in 1895, the play mocks the values, behavior, and rigid norms of Victorian society with humor and wit. Wilde focuses on themes such as marriage, class, identity, and the obsession with appearances, all of which were deeply significant during the Victorian era. By presenting absurd scenarios and playful dialogue, Wilde highlights the hypocrisy, superficiality, and contradictions of his time.

      This essay will explore how The Importance of Being Earnest reflects the Victorian era, focusing on society’s values, morality, social class, and gender roles. 

Oscar Wilde :-

      Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) was an Irish poet, playwright, and author, best known for his sharp wit, flamboyant style, and critiques of society. He became one of the most prominent figures in English literature during the late 19th century. Wilde's works are characterized by their clever use of language, satirical humor, and exploration of social norms.

Early Life and Education :-

     Wilde was born in Dublin, Ireland, and showed an early talent for writing and art. He attended Trinity College in Dublin and later studied at Oxford University, where he became well-known for his academic achievements, sharp intellect, and participation in the Aesthetic Movement. This movement emphasized "art for art's sake" and rejected the idea that art should serve a moral or political purpose.

Major Works :-

    Wilde's literary output included poetry, essays, and plays. Some of his most famous works include:

The picture of Dorian gray 

The importance of being earnest 

The Canterville Ghost

De Profundis

The Importance of Being Earnest Represents the Victorian Era :-

1 ) Victorian Society and Its Values :-

      The Victorian era (1837–1901) was a time of great social change and industrial progress in Britain. However, it was also a time of strict moral codes and an obsession with propriety. Victorian society valued respectability, modesty, and adherence to social norms. People were expected to follow certain rules of behavior, especially in public.

     In The Importance of Being Earnest, Wilde captures this fixation on respectability through his characters. Lady Bracknell, for instance, represents the Victorian obsession with status and appearances. When she learns that Jack was found in a handbag as a baby, she is horrified and dismisses him as unsuitable for her daughter, Gwendolen. For Lady Bracknell, lineage and social standing are more important than personality or character. This reflects how Victorians judged people based on their family background rather than their individual qualities.

2) The Name “Ernest” and the Victorian Ideal of Earnestness :-

     The title of the play, The Importance of Being Earnest, is a clever pun on the word “earnest.” In Victorian society, to be “earnest” meant to be serious, sincere, and morally upright. These qualities were highly valued, and people who appeared earnest were considered respectable.

     Wilde, however, uses the name “Ernest” to mock these ideals. Both Jack and Algernon lie about their identities and pretend to be someone named “Ernest” in order to escape social obligations or win the affection of their love interests. Ironically, they are anything but earnest in their behavior. This contrast highlights the hypocrisy of Victorian society, where people often pretended to be virtuous while hiding their true selves.

      Gwendolen and Cecily, the two female protagonists, are infatuated with the name “Ernest” and believe that it guarantees moral integrity. Gwendolen even says, “The moment Algernon first mentioned to me that he had a friend called Ernest, I knew I was destined to love you.” This shows how superficial Victorian values could be, as Gwendolen values a name over the actual character of the person she loves.

3)  Marriage and Social Expectations :-

       Marriage was an important institution in Victorian society, but it was often treated as a social contract rather than a romantic union. Families arranged marriages based on wealth, status, and convenience rather than love. Wilde critiques this approach to marriage through Lady Bracknell’s character.

      Lady Bracknell’s interrogation of Jack is a comical yet scathing critique of Victorian attitudes toward marriage. She asks Jack questions about his income, property, and background to determine whether he is suitable for Gwendolen. Her focus on material wealth and social status reflects how marriage was often a means of securing financial stability and maintaining social class.

        Moreover, Wilde pokes fun at the absurdity of Victorian marriage customs. For example, Lady Bracknell’s statement, “An engagement should come on a young girl as a surprise, pleasant or unpleasant as the case may be,” highlights the lack of agency women had in choosing their partners.

4 ) The Duality of Public and Private Lives :-

       One of the most significant aspects of Victorian society was the divide between public appearances and private behavior. People were expected to maintain a facade of respectability in public, even if their private lives were far from virtuous. Wilde explores this duality through the concept of “bunburying.”

       In the play, Algernon invents a fictional friend named Bunbury, whom he uses as an excuse to escape social obligations. Similarly, Jack creates an imaginary brother named Ernest, allowing him to lead a double life. These deceptions symbolize the way Victorians often hid their true selves behind a mask of respectability.

    Wilde uses these humorous scenarios to critique the hypocrisy of Victorian morality. By showing how characters like Jack and Algernon manipulate the system to suit their desires, Wilde suggests that the rigid moral codes of the era were not only unrealistic but also encouraged dishonesty.

5 ) Social Class and Hierarchies:-

     The Victorian era was characterized by strict class divisions. Aristocrats, like Lady Bracknell and Algernon, were at the top of the social hierarchy, while the middle and working classes were considered inferior. Wilde critiques this class system by exposing its absurdities and contradictions.

        Jack’s ambiguous origins serve as a satire of the Victorian obsession with lineage. Although he is wealthy and well-mannered, his lack of noble birth makes him unacceptable as a suitor for Gwendolen. However, by the end of the play, it is revealed that Jack is actually the son of aristocrats, and his social status is immediately elevated. This twist mocks the idea that one’s worth is determined by birth rather than merit.

        Wilde also highlights the frivolity of the upper class through characters like Algernon, who spends his time indulging in trivial pursuits. Algernon’s lack of responsibility and obsession with food (as seen in the scene with the cucumber sandwiches) reflect the idleness and self-indulgence of the aristocracy.

6 ) Gender Roles and Expectations:-

     Victorian society placed strict expectations on men and women. Men were expected to be providers and protectors, while women were confined to domestic roles. Wilde challenges these gender norms through his portrayal of strong female characters.

      Lady Bracknell, for instance, is a powerful figure who dominates the men around her. She decides who can marry her daughter and exercises control over social situations. Her authority challenges the traditional patriarchal structure of Victorian society.

      Gwendolen and Cecily, too, display agency and independence. Gwendolen is assertive and confident, while Cecily defies her guardian’s rules and takes charge of her romantic life. Through these characters, Wilde critiques the limited roles available to women and suggests that they are just as capable as men of making decisions.

7 )Wilde’s Use of Humor and Satire:-

      One of the reasons The Importance of Being Earnest is so effective as a critique of Victorian society is Wilde’s use of humor and satire. He employs witty dialogue, absurd situations, and clever wordplay to highlight the contradictions and hypocrisies of the era.

       For example, Wilde’s epigrams, or witty one-liners, often expose the absurdity of societal norms. Lines like “The truth is rarely pure and never simple” challenge the rigid moral codes of Victorian society. The play’s humor makes the critique more palatable, allowing Wilde to address serious issues without alienating his audience.

8) Relevance to Modern Audiences:-

      Although The Importance of Being Earnest was written over a century ago, its themes remain relevant today. The play’s exploration of identity, societal expectations, and the pressure to conform resonates with modern audiences. Wilde’s critique of performative morality is especially pertinent in the age of social media, where people often present curated versions of themselves to the world.

Conclusion :-

        Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest is a masterful satire that brilliantly captures the essence of Victorian society. Through its witty dialogue, clever plot, and sharp critique of societal norms, the play exposes the contradictions and hypocrisies of the era. Wilde’s use of humor and irony makes his critique both entertaining and thought-provoking, ensuring the play’s enduring appeal.

   By addressing themes such as marriage, class, morality, and gender roles, Wilde not only reflects the values of the Victorian era but also challenges them. His work encourages audiences to question societal norms and embrace authenticity, making The Importance of Being Earnest a timeless classic.

Refference :-

• Wilde, O. (1895). The importance of being earnest. Methuen. Retrieved fromhttps://www.methuen.com
• Ellmann, R. (1988). Oscar Wilde. Knopf. Retrieved fromhttps://www.knopf.com
• Raby, P. (Ed.). (1997). The Cambridge companion to Oscar Wilde. Cambridge University Press. Retrieved fromhttps://www.cambridge.org