Analysis of Humor in the Importance of Being Earnest
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT 4
ANALYSIS OF HUMOR IN THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST
The Importance of Being Earnest is replete with two elements: pun and paradox. These two are played up immensely to present a very humorous approach to cultural criticism. In essence, it is a satirical comedy on the aristocratic class during the Victorian Era. The text is full of epigrams that expose the characters’ views on lying, marriage, reputation, society, gender, romance and love. Additionally, the play keeps the audience involved by using several paradoxes- including inversions of reality and witty comments.
Aristocrats seem to have very skewed notions about marriage. Algernon considers marriage to be a business deal rather than a means to enjoy the pleasure of companionship. He considers marriage ‘demoralizing’ when his butler, Lane, tells him that he may not enjoy high quality champagne after marriage. Algernon also uses a witty inversion when he claims that ‘Divorces are made in heaven’. Further, he asserts, ‘in marriage, three is company and two is none.’ Such lines exhibit Algernon’s views about marriage and loyalty in a relationship.
Gwendolen and Cecily’s desire to marry someone names Ernest shows that they care less about love and more about social titles. Cecily’s act of marrying Algernon, within the realms of her imagination, go on to show how lost she is in her own world. It is rather amusing to hear her write letters to herself and even buy an engagement ring on behalf of Algernon.
Probably the most humorous views on marriage are those of Lady Bracknell. She is not in favor of long engagements since it may tell a couple more about each other’s personalities than is recommended. She also cares more about social class, connections and wealth while searching for suitors for her daughter. She also tells her daughter that engagements should come as a ‘surprise’ to young women. Hence, Lady Bracknell considers her daughter to be a commodity-with no wishes of her
ANALYSIS OF HUMOR IN THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST
The Importance of Being Earnest is replete with two elements: pun and paradox. These two are played up immensely to present a very humorous approach to cultural criticism. In essence, it is a satirical comedy on the aristocratic class during the Victorian Era. The text is full of epigrams that expose the characters’ views on lying, marriage, reputation, society, gender, romance and love. Additionally, the play keeps the audience involved by using several paradoxes- including inversions of reality and witty comments.
Aristocrats seem to have very skewed notions about marriage. Algernon considers marriage to be a business deal rather than a means to enjoy the pleasure of companionship. He considers marriage ‘demoralizing’ when his butler, Lane, tells him that he may not enjoy high quality champagne after marriage. Algernon also uses a witty inversion when he claims that ‘Divorces are made in heaven’. Further, he asserts, ‘in marriage, three is company and two is none.’ Such lines exhibit Algernon’s views about marriage and loyalty in a relationship.
Gwendolen and Cecily’s desire to marry someone names Ernest shows that they care less about love and more about social titles. Cecily’s act of marrying Algernon, within the realms of her imagination, go on to show how lost she is in her own world. It is rather amusing to hear her write letters to herself and even buy an engagement ring on behalf of Algernon.
Probably the most humorous views on marriage are those of Lady Bracknell. She is not in favor of long engagements since it may tell a couple more about each other’s personalities than is recommended. She also cares more about social class, connections and wealth while searching for suitors for her daughter. She also tells her daughter that engagements should come as a ‘surprise’ to young women. Hence, Lady Bracknell considers her daughter to be a commodity-with no wishes of her