Skip to main content

Did Oscar Wilde's self-proclaimed anarchy and individualism affect his play, The Importance of Being Earnest? If so, how?

One can definitely see elements of anarchy and individualism at work in Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest. First of all, much of the play lampoons the attitudes and manners of the upper classes, as it hilariously comments on and exposes the trivialities of the rich. There are some elements of anarchy in this comedic process, as Wilde's depiction of the upper classes demolishes the wealthy establishment by revealing its shallow lack of substance....

One can definitely see elements of anarchy and individualism at work in Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest. First of all, much of the play lampoons the attitudes and manners of the upper classes, as it hilariously comments on and exposes the trivialities of the rich. There are some elements of anarchy in this comedic process, as Wilde's depiction of the upper classes demolishes the wealthy establishment by revealing its shallow lack of substance. Of course, it's important to note that, even if Wilde is demolishing the foundations of the upper classes, he never does so with venom. Rather, the play maintains a light and funny tone, and so any criticisms are subtle and are often delivered, most surprisingly, in an affectionate manner. 


Additionally, Wilde's individualism can be observed in his perfectly crafted dialogue and writing. Time and again, Wilde has his characters engaging in surprising, witty, and often scandalous turns of phrase. More specifically, his characters are continuously doing that which we least expect them to do. For instance, when Algernon and Jack's love interests simultaneously rebuke their deceptions, the two men deal with their feelings by squabbling over muffins. Surprising moments like these and the masterful language that accompanies them truly bring out Wilde's unique and individualistic spirit. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How and why does James Gatz become Jay Gatsby? Describe the young Gatsby/Gatz.

James Gatz, a poor Midwestern boy of probable Jewish lineage, becomes Jay Gatsby, a presumed WASP and wealthy socialite, when he moves to New York City and acquires his fortune. It is wealth that has allowed Gatz to transform himself into Gatsby. However, those who know his background (e.g., Daisy and Tom Buchanan) never allow him to forget that he is nouveau riche -- that is, an upstart who has just recently made his fortune,... James Gatz, a poor Midwestern boy of probable Jewish lineage, becomes Jay Gatsby, a presumed WASP and wealthy socialite, when he moves to New York City and acquires his fortune. It is wealth that has allowed Gatz to transform himself into Gatsby. However, those who know his background (e.g., Daisy and Tom Buchanan) never allow him to forget that he is nouveau riche -- that is, an upstart who has just recently made his fortune, whereas they arose from well-to-do families. Gatz became Gatsby through determination and discipline. At the end of the novel, the narr...
Post a Comment
Read more

What gift did Della buy for Jim and why in "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry?

Della buys Jim a watch fob because his watch is his most prized possession. Della and Jim Young do not have much money. Despite this, Della really wants to buy Jim a good Christmas present. She is even willing to sell her hair to get him a nice gift. This is ironic because we learn Della and Jim both highly prize her hair. Now, there were two possessions of the James Dillingham Youngs in which... Della buys Jim a watch fob because his watch is his most prized possession. Della and Jim Young do not have much money. Despite this, Della really wants to buy Jim a good Christmas present. She is even willing to sell her hair to get him a nice gift. This is ironic because we learn Della and Jim both highly prize her hair. Now, there were two possessions of the James Dillingham Youngs in which they both took a mighty pride. One was Jim's gold watch that had been his father's and his grandfather's. The other was Della's hair.  Della is still willing to sell her hair so she can b...
Post a Comment
Read more

Explain and discuss how the definitions of freedom change for the nation, for the freedmen and for southern whites after the Civil War.

After the Civil War, the definition of freedom changed in the nation, as slavery was ended with the 13th Amendment to the Constitution in 1865. The practice of slavery was disallowed, but definition of the freedom that would take its place was a subject of controversy, ongoing debate, and even violence in the decades to come.  For freedmen, freedom often meant reconciling with their families, who were broken up by slavery; choosing which church to... After the Civil War, the definition of freedom changed in the nation, as slavery was ended with the 13th Amendment to the Constitution in 1865. The practice of slavery was disallowed, but definition of the freedom that would take its place was a subject of controversy, ongoing debate, and even violence in the decades to come.  For freedmen, freedom often meant reconciling with their families, who were broken up by slavery; choosing which church to belong to without being ordered to attend religious services (or not to attend) by their mast...
Post a Comment
Read more