Trivializing the Serious

Oscar Wilde’s play, "The Importance of Being Earnest," published in 1898, utilizes satire to critique the societal norms of the Victorian Era, particularly those of the upper class.

Introduction

Through his vibrant characters—Algernon, Lady Bracknell, Cecily, and Miss Prism—Wilde explores how serious aspects of life, such as marriage, are often trivialized. This essay examines how Wilde uses these characters to highlight the absurdities of societal expectations, especially regarding marriage, and to show how these are reduced to matters of lesser importance.

Lady Bracknell and Social Satire

Lady Bracknell serves as a primary vehicle for Wilde's satirical examination of the upper class. Having married into wealth, she is keenly aware of her social standing and often ridicules others, such as Algernon, for not conforming to her expectations. Her views on marriage further illustrate Wilde's critique. She insists that engagements should be arranged by parents rather than be matters of personal choice, asserting that an engagement should be "a surprise, pleasant or unpleasant, as the case may be." This highlights her belief that marriage is not about love but about social advancement.

Lady Bracknell's perspective reveals the superficiality of the upper class's approach to marriage. She prioritizes social status over personal happiness, advising her daughter Gwendolen to consider a suitor's social standing above all else. Gwendolen, however, resists this notion, believing in marrying for love rather than social elevation. Wilde uses Lady Bracknell’s character to trivialize the institution of marriage, reducing it to a transactional exchange, thus pointing out the absurdity of such societal norms.

Algernon's Cynical Perspective

Algernon Moncrieff, another central character, further illustrates Wilde's critique of Victorian society's trivialization of marriage. Algernon views marriage with skepticism, seeing it as a disheartening institution that stifles romance. His reluctance to marry, despite his affection for Cecily, underscores his belief that marriage is a social obligation rather than a personal choice.

Wilde uses Algernon to challenge the romantic ideals of marriage. When he states, "There is nothing romantic about a definite proposal. Why one may be accepted. One usually is, I believe. Then the excitement is all over," he underscores the notion that marriage, once a proposal is accepted, loses its allure and excitement. This sentiment reflects Wilde's critique of how marriage is perceived as a mere formality rather than a genuine romantic union.

Algernon’s cynicism extends to his views on social class, as he sarcastically comments on the lack of moral responsibility among the lower classes, suggesting that their role is to set a good example for the upper class. Through Algernon, Wilde exposes the hypocrisy and trivialization of moral values in society.

Cecily and Miss Prism

Wilde’s characters Cecily and Miss Prism also play crucial roles in satirizing the upper class and trivializing marriage. Miss Prism, Cecily's governess, echoes societal expectations by emphasizing education as a means to secure a favorable marriage. She advises Cecily to focus on her studies instead of mundane tasks like watering flowers, suggesting that intellectual pursuits will attract wealthy suitors.

Miss Prism's advice reflects the upper class's obsession with social status and the belief that education is merely a tool for securing a prosperous marriage. Cecily, however, is more interested in Algernon's name, "Ernest," than in his character, highlighting the superficial nature of her attraction. This illustrates Wilde’s point that marriage, in the eyes of Victorian society, is often based on trivial matters rather than genuine connection.

Roger Sale, in his article "Being Earnest," notes that Wilde perceived marriage as a social construct affected by the rapid changes in London’s society. Through characters like Miss Prism and Cecily, Wilde critiques the notion that marriage is an institution to be manipulated for personal gain, rather than a meaningful union.

Conclusion

Through "The Importance of Being Earnest," Oscar Wilde masterfully uses characters to critique the trivialization of marriage and other serious aspects of life by the upper class in Victorian society. Lady Bracknell, Algernon, Cecily, and Miss Prism serve as satirical representations of societal norms, revealing the absurdity of reducing marriage to a social duty rather than a personal choice. Wilde’s play remains a timeless reflection on how societal expectations can undermine the genuine human experience, encouraging audiences to question the importance of social status over personal happiness.

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