Satirical Critique of Victorian Society in “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde

Introduction

“The Importance of Being Earnest” is a satirical play by Oscar Wilde, written in 1895. It is a commentary on Victorian social norms, particularly the emphasis on etiquette and the aristocracy’s obsession with maintaining their social status. The play is a timeless masterpiece that resonates with audiences today. Wilde’s portrayal of the wealthy and their absurd values reflects his criticism of the society of his time.

Discussion

Wilde satirizes the upper class in the play by highlighting their lack of moral values and hypocritical behavior. The characters in the play are obsessed with trivial matters, such as the importance of a name or social status, rather than focusing on moral values. When Lady Bracknell says, “To lose one parent may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness” (Gutenberg, 204).

Despite her claim to be a person of great importance and social status, Lady Bracknell’s comment shows her lack of empathy and concern for others, revealing her true character. Wilde uses irony to expose the hypocrisy of the upper class, as characters such as Lady Bracknell, who claims to be honest and upright, are shown to be corrupt and hypocritical.

Wilde’s criticism of the rich is reflected in the character of Jack Worthing, who impersonates his fictional brother Ernest to maintain his social status. His behavior perfectly emphasizes that “living morally does not make one healthy nor happy” (Bradford, 19). Jack’s deception demonstrates the importance of social class in Victorian society, where a person’s name and reputation are considered more important than their true personality or character.

Conclusion

Overall, “The Importance of Being Earnest” critiques Victorian society’s values and social norms. Wilde’s satire and irony expose the absurdity and hypocrisy of the upper class and challenge the traditional roles assigned to women. This play is a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences with its sharp wit and astute social commentary, reminding people to question societal norms and values.

Works Cited

Bradford, Wade. “Take a Look at the Male Characters in ‘The Importance of Being Earnest.’ThoughtCo, Web.

Gutenberg. “The Importance of Being Earnest.” The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde, Web.

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StudyCorgi. "Satirical Critique of Victorian Society in “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde." July 5, 2025. https://studycorgi.com/satirical-critique-of-victorian-society-in-the-importance-of-being-earnest-by-oscar-wilde/.

References

StudyCorgi. 2025. "Satirical Critique of Victorian Society in “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde." July 5, 2025. https://studycorgi.com/satirical-critique-of-victorian-society-in-the-importance-of-being-earnest-by-oscar-wilde/.

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