The importance of Being earnest By Oscar Wilde

“Life is far too important a thing ever to talk seriously about.” —Oscar Wilde

background Satire Oscar Wilde liked to make fun of upper-class Victorian society. In this play he pokes fun at strict Victorian social rules the shallowness of the idle rich

What is satire? Humor for the intelligent…Will you get it? One of the oldest forms of literature and one of the most durable A constructive art that seeks not merely to destroy but to rebuild; aim is to inspire reform humor + criticism = inspired reform

What is Satire? Actually very conservative Cherishes a sound society, good traditions, and wise, viable institutions Values the general welfare and the public good Audience is reasonably intelligent, educated and rational –No point in appealing to fools, they won’t get it

Satire vs. Sarcasm Satire – blend of criticism and humor for the purposes of CORRECTION OR IMPROVEMENT Sarcasm– simple abuse consisting of a series of insults

Three Golden Satire questions 1. What institutions, practices, and/or groups are being satirized? 2. What method(s) does the author employ in constructing his satire? 3. What is the tone of the satire?

What institutions, practices, and/institutions, practices, or groups are being satirized? 1. A group or organization 2. Individuals 3. A “sort” or type of person 4. A social class 5. A prevailing philosophy 6. Social manners 7. Modern progress 8. Mankind

What method(s) does author employ in constructing his satire? Parody Irony Mock--epic Travesty Allegory Burlesque Lampoon Caricature Epigram Fable

What is the tone of the satire? Horatian – this form aims to correct through broad laughter – cheerful – urbane – tongue--in--cheek – optimistic – warm – witty – gentle – chiding

What is the tone of the satire? Juvenalian – this form aims to reform through mocking ridicule – cutting – bitter – angry – contemptuous – grim – sardonic – harsh – indignant

Satire and POV Often employs a special kind of narrator called a mask or persona –This is the character through whom the action is observed or related –NOT NORMALLY TO BE CONSTRUED AS THE AUTHOR’S VOICE –Often has the presence of a character that serves as the “norm” or the standard against which we measure the other characters

Satire and pov Formal & Direct Informal & Indirect Satiric voice speaks in first person Informal & Indirect Characters themselves reveal their folly & ridiculousness through their own actions,, words and thoughts

Background Wilde also pokes a bit of fun at himself. Like Wilde, Algernon and Jack are dandies.

background In Victorian times only men could be dandies. An authentic dandy: enjoyed fine clothes and expensive habits used refined language spent most of his time socializing lived to have fun

background A well-bred Victorian woman, on the other hand, was modest and reserved. Few kinds of enjoyment were open to her outside the home. Moreover, to achieve the fashionable 18- to 20-inch waist, her corset often was so tight that she could barely breathe!

Characters Jack Worthing Algernon Moncrieff Protagonist Lives in the country and travels to the city Creates a pseudo persona by the name of Ernest Ernest is Jack’s “brother” who lives in the city and has a wild streak Guardian of Cecily Algernon Moncrieff Lives in the city Cousin to Gwendolyn and nephew to Lady Bracknell Creates a pseudo persona by the name of Bunbury who lives in the country Later uses the pseudonym Ernest

Characters Gwendolyn Fairfax Cecily Cardew Lives in the city Daughter of Lady Bracknell Engaged to “Ernest” aka Jack Cecily Cardew Lives in the country Ward to Jack Infatuated with Jack’s brother, Ernest, though she has never met him Creates an imaginary engagement to Ernest

Characters Lady Bracknell Miss Prism Chausible Lane Lives in the city Mother to Gwendolyn Aunt to Alergnon Miss Prism Cecily’s governess/private teacher Chausible Local reverend in the country Lane Algernon’s butler

themes Social class Marriage Being Earnest Hypocrisy