An Analysis Of Oscar Wilde S The Importance Of Being Honest
Chiderah Onyeukwu
Professor Daniel Galvin
English 213
18 April 2013
Role of Marriage in Importance of Being Earnest The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde’s last and most famous play, debuted in London on February 14, 1895. Throughout the play, one major theme seems to override the others. That theme is the role of marriage; the question of whether marriage as an institution is “pleasant” or “unpleasant” comes up repeatedly. It seems as if every character has a strong stance on the role of marriage and how it affects them, no matter how futile or unreliable that opinion may be. As a whole, The Importance of Being Earnest embodies a complete criticism of the role of marriage, representing both sides of the argument; by taking a deeper look into the specific opinions and viewpoints of each character, we will uncover an elaborate satire of the Victorian period views on marriage. First, there must be a basic understanding of the basic commitment we know as marriage. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, marriage is defined as the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law. In modern times, marriage rates are declining and new family structures are becoming more common; however, in Victorian England, marriage was a strict practice (McCaffrey 3). Because of the stereotypes and practices common in England at the time, practices Oscar Wilde did not agree with as a homosexual man, there was much to satirize about the Victorian views. According to Jennifer Phegley in the book Courtship and Marriage in Victorian England, marriage during the The burning question as it pertains to marriage throughout The Importance of Being Earnest is whether marriage is “pleasant” or “unpleasant.” As the play begins, Algernon, one of the two main characters in the play, is debating with his butler, Lane, about this very subject:
“Algernon: Why is it that at a bachelor’s establishment
Professor Daniel Galvin
English 213
18 April 2013
Role of Marriage in Importance of Being Earnest The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde’s last and most famous play, debuted in London on February 14, 1895. Throughout the play, one major theme seems to override the others. That theme is the role of marriage; the question of whether marriage as an institution is “pleasant” or “unpleasant” comes up repeatedly. It seems as if every character has a strong stance on the role of marriage and how it affects them, no matter how futile or unreliable that opinion may be. As a whole, The Importance of Being Earnest embodies a complete criticism of the role of marriage, representing both sides of the argument; by taking a deeper look into the specific opinions and viewpoints of each character, we will uncover an elaborate satire of the Victorian period views on marriage. First, there must be a basic understanding of the basic commitment we know as marriage. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, marriage is defined as the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law. In modern times, marriage rates are declining and new family structures are becoming more common; however, in Victorian England, marriage was a strict practice (McCaffrey 3). Because of the stereotypes and practices common in England at the time, practices Oscar Wilde did not agree with as a homosexual man, there was much to satirize about the Victorian views. According to Jennifer Phegley in the book Courtship and Marriage in Victorian England, marriage during the The burning question as it pertains to marriage throughout The Importance of Being Earnest is whether marriage is “pleasant” or “unpleasant.” As the play begins, Algernon, one of the two main characters in the play, is debating with his butler, Lane, about this very subject:
“Algernon: Why is it that at a bachelor’s establishment