The major theme of this play is the satire of the upper classes. This is a particularly appropriate theme for Wilde to choose because of his experience among upper class people. Wilde's leisurely setting-the country, where almost no action takes place-is a perfect backdrop, because it insinuates that the wealthy do nothing with their time. He characterization is also clever. None of the upper class characters have any real depth, which suggests a onedimensional nature. They are trivial, and shallow as well. An example of this can be found in the interaction between Gwendolen and Cecily, who immediately profess their admiration for one another and then, suddenly, turn on each other when they are at odds over Ernest. The only characters that can be seen working are Lane, Merriman, and Ms. Prism, who are not of the upper class. To further this theme, Wilde incorporates many mini-themes, such as the absurdity of social life, the triviality of the wealthy, the importance of money, and the lack of reverence for marriage.
The primary purpose of these themes is to provoke laughter from the
audience. They can do so because they are testing the social values of
their time. Wilde is able to satirize the upper classes by placing this
play in an upper class social arena. Next he fills the characters language
with epigrams, which make them seem ridiculous. Because they characters
constantly contradict what basic values in their speech, or do not base
their statements on any logic at all-they lose credibility as real-life,
believable people. This works to Wilde's advantage because, despite what
he may or may not think about the upper class, he wants his play to be
funny and not overly offensive; they are, after all, the patrons of his
show. Finally, Wilde makes the major issue of the play marriage. Marriage
is an excellent way to poke fun at the aristocracy for two reasons. First,
it is a traditionally sacred ceremony; second, he can highlight the importance
of wealth and status among the upper classes, which often view marriage
as a financial contract.
While narration does sometimes occur in drama, there is no narrator
in this play. The characters speak in the first person, but the reader
does not know what they are thinking-the reader is not omniscient.
1.) Algernon: I don't play accurately-anyone can play accurately-but
I play with wonderful expression. Act I
One can take this as an example of Wilde's support of the Aesthetic
movement, which valued art for art's sake. This philosophy did not require
art to instruct or handle political issues. Unconcerned with the accuracy
of his music, and in appreciation of its artistic value, Algernon can,
here, be viewed as an aesthete.
2.) Algernon: "Really, if the lower orders don't set us a good
example, what on earth is the use of them?"Act I
Algernon says this after he and his servant, Lane, have a discussion about
marriage during which Lane seems relaxed about the subject. Algernon questions
what is the use of the lower classes if they are not setting a good example
for the upper classes. He states that the lower classes have no sense
of moral responsibility.
This quote is intended to be humorous. Algernon is being serious, but Wilde
is commenting on the absurdity of the upper class and their lack of moral
responsibility. It is ironic because in the 19th century England, the
upper class was supposed to be the respectable class, setting an example
for everyone else.
3.) Algernon: My dear fellow, the way you flirt with Gwendolen is
perfectly disgraceful. It is almost as bad as the way Gwendolen flirts
with you. Act I
This is another unintentionally humorous quote on the behalf of Algernon.
Its tone mocks the stuffiness and hypocrisy of dating among the upper
classes.
4.) Miss Prism: No married man is ever attractive, except to his wife.
Act II
This is an example of the Marriage theme.
5.) Algernon: What a fearful liar you are, Jack. I have not been called
back to town Act II
This is an example of an ironic statement. Algernon calls Jack a liar; yet,
he has come to Jack's county house under an assumed identity.
6.) Cecily says to Algernon: It is always painful to part from people
whom one has known for a very brief space of time. The absence of old
friends, one can endure with equanimity. Act II
This is another example of the epigrams used throughout the entire play, which
render it hilarious.
7.) Cecily says to Algernon: Well, I know, of course, how important
it is not to keep a business engagement. Act II.
This is humorous, because to Victorians-as well as to ourselves-it is important
to keep business engagements. Yet, this statement is not amusing to the
characters in the play.
8.) Gwendolen: Something tells me that we are going to be great friends.
I like you already more than I can say. Act II
This is an example of Victorian Manners. Gwendolen says this to Cecily within
moments of meeting her. This statement becomes even more humorous when
examine in light of the disagreement they have only a short while later.
9.) Lady Bracknell to Algernon, regarding his pending christening:
Lord Bracknell would be highly displeased if he learned that that was
the way in which you wasted your time and money. Act III
This is an example of Lady Bracknell's characterization: she is primarily
concerned with money. This is an excellent example of the wealthy's appreciation
of money over morality.
10.) Jack: I've finally realized for the first time in my life, the
vital Importance of Being Earnest, Act III
This is an excellent closing line for the play because it encompasses all
of the irony with which this plot is laden.
Clapsaddle, Diane. "TheBestNotes on A Long Way Gone".
TheBestNotes.com.
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