Assignment 104:The Importance of Being Earnest' as Comedy of Manners.

 Assignment 104:The Importance of Being Earnest' as Comedy of Manners. 

This blog is part of an assignment for the Paper no. -104: Literature of the Victorians- 22395

Table of content:-

• Introduction
• Comedy - General Introduction
• Comedy of Manners
• Brief Introduction of the Playwright Oscar Wilde
• Importance of Being Earnest
• Characters
• Major Conflict 
• Importance of Being Earnest as a Comedy of Manners
• End of the Play
• Conclusion 

Personal Information:-

Name:- Trupti Hadiya

Batch:- M.A. Sem 1 (2024-2026) 

Enrollment Number:- 510824002221 

E-mail Address:hadiyatrupti55@gmail.com

Roll Number:- 32

Assignment Details:-

Topic: The Importance of Being Earnest' as Comedy of Manners

Paper & subject code:-104:Literature of the Victorians

Submitted to:- Smt. Sujata Binoy Gardi, Department of English, MKBU, Bhavnagar

Date of Submission:- 20 November 2024

Abstract:- 

This paper includes an analysis of Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest as a quintessential Comedy of Manners. It explores the play's satire of Victorian society, focusing on its wit, irony, and humorous critique of superficial values. The discussion highlights key themes, character dynamics, and Wilde's masterful use of paradoxes and epigrams. Additionally, it examines Wilde’s life, literary contributions, and the cultural context of the play, showcasing its enduring significance in English literature.

Keywords:- Comedy of Manners,Satire of Victorian Society,Wit and Irony,Paradoxes and Epigrams,Oscar Wilde. 

Introduction:-

The Importance of Being Earnest, written by Oscar Wilde, is a celebrated comedic play that first premiered in 1895 and was published in 1899. The full title, The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People, reflects Wilde’s satirical intent to mock the superficial and hypocritical nature of Victorian society. The play, which unfolds across three acts, uses farce and wit to expose the absurdities of social conventions, particularly around marriage, class, and identity. Characters like Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff invent fictitious personas to escape social obligations, leading to a series of humorous misunderstandings. Wilde’s work is a prime example of the Comedy of Manners, a genre that critiques societal norms with humor and irony.

General Overview of Comedy:-

R. J. Rees defines comedy as a literary genre designed to entertain or amuse readers. In comedies, characters might face misfortune, but these situations generally lead to positive, often humorous outcomes (Rees et al., Comedy: The Light and the Dark 179-201). Rees further classifies comedy into five distinct types:

1. Romantic Comedy

2. Comedy of Humours

3. Comedy of Manners

4. Sentimental Comedy

5. Black or Dark Comedy

While all these categories belong to the comedy genre, they vary in structure, tone, and the methods they use to convey humor, each offering a different lens through which to explore and entertain. 

Comedy of Manners: A Detailed Exploration:-

The term Comedy of Manners refers to a subgenre of comedy that highlights the behaviors, manners, and social conventions of a specific class, often with a satirical edge. This genre gained prominence in England during the Restoration period, notably through playwrights such as William Congreve and William Wycherley. The Restoration followed a long period of Puritan rule, which had closed down theatres, and after Charles II’s return to the throne, there was a dramatic cultural resurgence. The suppression of artistic expression during the Puritan era fueled a more liberated and often excessive style of theatre, which gave birth to the Comedy of Manners.

At its core, the Comedy of Manners satirizes not individual behaviors or personalities, but rather the superficial social customs and pretensions of the upper classes. It targets the absurdity of these social conventions, often ridiculing the trivial concerns of status, wealth, and romantic relationships. The characters in these plays are typically obsessed with appearances, money, and love, particularly the issues surrounding marriage, adultery, and divorce.

The hallmark of this comedy is its sharp wit, verbal brilliance, and a tone that can sometimes be cynical or critical of society. The humour is typically light-hearted yet cutting, poking fun at the ridiculousness of societal norms. Characters often engage in witty banter, and the focus is on their interactions in high-society settings, where manners and social etiquette govern their actions.

Notable works within the genre include William Wycherley's The Country Wife, which humorously critiques the moral weaknesses of the aristocracy. The play invites the audience to laugh at these flaws, though without necessarily endorsing or excusing them. Similarly, Richard Sheridan's The School for Scandal satirises the immorality and hypocrisy of figures like Lady Sneerwell and Sir Benjamin, focusing on gossip, deceit, and the manipulation of social perceptions.

In terms of subject matter, the Comedy of Manners often revolves around the social behaviours of individuals particularly how they navigate relationships, wealth, and status. The core themes are often sex, money, and the complications of marriage, love, and infidelity. The style is characterised by emotional restraint, with action conveyed through sophisticated dialogue, subtle intrigue, and verbal games.

As a highly artificial and stylized form of drama, the Comedy of Manners critiques societal norms while providing entertainment. It is a genre that thrives on witty repartee, satire, and the exploration of social dynamics within the aristocracy. Both Oscar Wilde and Richard Sheridan stand out as the major contributors to this genre, shaping its evolution and continuing influence on theatrical comedy. 

Introduction to Oscar Wilde:-

Oscar Wilde, born Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde on October 16, 1854, in Dublin, Ireland, and passing away on November 30, 1900, in Paris, France, was a renowned poet, playwright, and novelist. Wilde is best known for his sharp wit and satirical works. His celebrated literary contributions include his sole novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray (1891), and his iconic plays Lady Windermere’s Fan (1892) and The Importance of Being Earnest (1895).

As a prominent figure in the Aesthetic Movement, Wilde championed the notion of "art for art's sake," believing that art should exist for its own beauty, not as a tool for moral instruction. He famously stated, "Art is the most intense mode of individualism that the world has known." Wilde’s life, however, was marred by scandal. In 1895, he was imprisoned for two years following a highly publicised trial related to his homosexual relationships. Despite his literary genius, Wilde’s contributions were often overlooked in the historical narrative, with his name even omitted from certain prestigious history books.

The Importance of Being Earnest

The Importance of Being Earnest is a three-act play by Wilde, written in the late 19th century. It satirises the frivolous nature of Victorian society, particularly mocking the aristocracy’s obsession with appearances and trivial matters. Wilde’s satire is light-hearted, not as biting as the works of Swift or Pope, but still critical of the upper class. Through the plot revolving around the name "Earnest," Wilde exposes the absurdity of Victorian social norms and highlights the importance of maintaining appearances in the social elite.

Major Characters

John Worthing - A JP (Justice of the Peace) who leads a double life.

Algernon Moncrieff - Worthing’s witty and charming friend.

Rev. Canon Chasuble - The clergyman who becomes entangled in the characters’ romantic schemes.

Merriman - Algernon's butler.

Lane - Worthing’s manservant.

Lady Bracknell - Gwendolen’s domineering mother.

Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax - A strong-willed young woman in love with John Worthing.

Cecily Cardew - John Worthing’s ward, who is also involved in romantic misunderstandings.

Miss Prism - Cecily’s governess, who has her own secrets.

In this comedic work, Wilde skillfully critiques the superficiality of social customs while delivering witty dialogue that still resonates with audiences today.

Major Conflict:

The central conflict of The Importance of Being Earnest revolves around the significance of the name "Earnest." Both Gwendolen and Cecily are enamored with this name, even though it refers to no real person. Jack adopts the name "Earnest" to escape his rural life and gain favor in the city, and it is this name that makes him irresistible to Gwendolen. Meanwhile, Cecily, who also finds "Earnest" appealing, is attracted to Algernon, who pretends to be "Earnest" when he visits her home.

'The Importance of Being Earnest' as a Comedy of Manners:

Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest is a quintessential Comedy of Manners. The play's plot is driven by the characters' romantic entanglements and their witty exchanges. Algernon is depicted as a character who is unscrupulous and playful, adding to the comedic nature of the piece. As the title suggests, Wilde presents the play as a serious exploration that is, in fact, trivial, using irony and sarcasm to create humour.

The play’s dialogue is rich with paradoxes, epigrams, and irony, all of which enhance the comic effect. Wilde’s characters frequently make paradoxical statements, creating a humorous contrast between their words and actions. For instance, Algernon remarks, "The truth is rarely pure and never simple. Modern life would be tedious if it were either, and modern literature a complete impossibility."

Jack also delivers paradoxical lines. In Act 1, upon seeing the extravagant tea setup, he quips, "Why all these cups? Why cucumber sandwiches? Why such reckless extravagance in one so young?"

Gwendolen, too, provides paradoxical statements, particularly when her mother, Lady Bracknell, rejects Jack’s proposal. Lady Bracknell, a master of paradox herself, initially dismisses Jack when he appears as "Jack" or "Cecily," but changes her opinion when she learns of Cecily’s large fortune, approving of her marriage to Algernon. Lady Bracknell later says, "I dislike arguments of any kind. They are always vulgar, and often convincing," further displaying her contradictory nature.

Both Cecily and Gwendolen are intrigued by the name "Earnest" rather than the actual man behind it. In Act 1, Gwendolen explains her attraction to the name by saying, "It suits you perfectly. It (Earnest) is a divine name. It has a music of its own. It produces vibrations." She goes on to contrast it with the name "Jack," saying, "Jack? No, there is very little music in the name Jack, if any at all, indeed. It does not thrill. It produces absolutely no vibrations. The only really safe name is Ernest."

Through these paradoxical remarks, Wilde critiques the absurdity of societal values and the superficial nature of romantic and social relationships.

Importance of the Name 'Earnest':-

In The Importance of Being Earnest, the use of two names Jack and Earnest by Jack Worthing represents his dual identity. Similarly, Algernon adopts the name "Earnest" when he visits Cecily. Both women, Cecily and Gwendolen, are infatuated with the name, though they have no idea that it belongs to two different men.

In Act 2, Cecily and Gwendolen argue over the name "Earnest," as both Jack and Algernon have introduced themselves using it. The conflict intensifies when Jack decides to put an end to the fictional character of "Earnest" by declaring him dead. His remark, "Poor Ernest! He had many faults, but it is a sad, sad blow," is both tragic and humorous.

The situation becomes even more absurd when Algernon introduces himself as "Mr. Earnest" to Cecily and Miss Prism. Jack is distressed by this, but the scene itself is comically chaotic. The two women later discover the truth about Jack and Algernon’s use of the name and, in a moment of humor, call each other “sisters.” Gwendolen says, "You will call me sister, will you not?"

Another comedic moment occurs when Jack and Algernon, both rejected by their respective lovers, drown their sorrows in muffins. Cecily humorously comments to Gwendolen, "They have been eating muffins. That looks like repentance."

The confusion over names culminates in Jack and Algernon both seeking to be christened as "Earnest." Gwendolen and Cecily, still fixated on the name, tell them, "Your Christian names are still an insuperable barrier. That is all!" To which Jack and Algernon eagerly respond, "Our Christian names! Is that all? But we are going to be christened this afternoon." In this moment, both women forgive the men and accept them, but another obstacle arises when Lady Bracknell refuses to consent to the marriages. She only changes her mind about Cecily and Algernon when she learns of Cecily’s large fortune. However, she still refuses to approve of Jack’s marriage to Gwendolen due to his mysterious background.

In a humorous exchange, Jack and Lady Bracknell negotiate: "But my dear Lady Bracknell, the matter is entirely in your own hands. The moment you consent to my marriage with Gwendolen, I will most gladly allow your nephew to form an alliance with my ward." This line highlights how the characters are often driven by self-interest.

End of the Play:-

The play’s conclusion reveals the true meaning behind its subtitle, "A Trivial Comedy for Serious People." The plot takes an unexpected turn when Miss Prism reveals a long-forgotten event. She explains how, twenty-eight years ago, she accidentally swapped a manuscript she had written with a baby in a pram and left it at a railway station. This bizarre and trivial mishap ultimately leads to the discovery that Jack is the baby she abandoned. Jack, it turns out, is actually the son of "Earnest John" and, in an ironic twist, his real name is Earnest. This revelation solves Lady Bracknell’s dilemma and confirms Gwendolen’s desire to marry "Earnest."

Conclusion:-

In conclusion, Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest cleverly satirises the behaviours and values of Victorian society. Through the comedic antics of the characters, Wilde critiques the absurdity and superficiality of the social class, ultimately exposing the trivial concerns that dominate their lives. Although Wilde may not have received widespread recognition in his time, this play stands as one of his most significant contributions to English literature, cementing his reputation as a master of wit and satire. 

Work Cited :

An Introduction for Foreign Readers, The Macmillan Press, London, 1973, pp. 179–201. Rees, R. J. “Comedy: the Light and the Dark.” English Literature:

Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (n.d.). Oscar Wilde. Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved November 5, 2022, fromhttps ://www.britannica.com/biography/Oscar-Wilde 

English, Micaela, and Katie Robinson. “20 Oscar Wilde Quotes That Make Us Want to Be His Best Friend.” Town & Country, Town & Country, 18 Apr. 2022, https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/reviews/a2382/best-oscar-wilde-quotes/. 

Hirst, David L. Comedy of Manners. Taylor & Francis, 2017. 

Parker, Oliver. “The Importance of Being Earnest.” IMDb, IMDb.com, 21 June 2002, https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0278500/. 

Wilde, Oscar. The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People. Gutenberg , https://www.gutenberg.org/files/844/844-h/844-h.htm.

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