Explain the significance of the full title of the play: The Importance of Being Earnest (A Trivial Comedy for Serious People). Discuss the meaning of the word earnest and the name Ernest as well as how Wilde communicates his message regarding trivial and serious matters. Use examples from the play.

Answer 1

The full title of the play holds significant meaning as it sets the tone for Oscar Wilde's exploration of the dichotomy between trivial and serious matters. "The Importance of Being Earnest" can be understood on multiple levels. Firstly, the word "earnest" can be interpreted as a play on the name "Ernest," which is assumed by the two main characters in the play, Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff. The characters adopt the name "Ernest" as a facade to escape their social responsibilities and engage in frivolous behavior. This deception highlights the importance society places on authenticity and the consequences of living a double life.

Furthermore, the word "earnest" itself carries connotations of seriousness, sincerity, and truth. The play satirizes the Victorian societal norms which place importance on appearances and conformity rather than genuine emotions and authenticity. Wilde uses humor and irony to critique the trivial nature of polite society and the importance placed on social conventions.

Throughout the play, Wilde juxtaposes the trivial and serious aspects of life, infusing the dialogue with witty banter and absurd situations. For example, Algernon's flippant attitude towards marriage and Jack's double life as Ernest reveal the characters' disregard for the seriousness of their actions. Additionally, the characters' obsession with appearances and societal expectations underscore the superficiality of their concerns.

Wilde ultimately communicates his message regarding trivial and serious matters by highlighting the absurdity of societal conventions and the consequences of living a facade. The play's humor serves as a vehicle to critique societal norms and the importance placed on appearances over authenticity. Through the characters' farcical antics and witty conversations, Wilde challenges the audience to reflect on the true meaning of earnestness and the value of sincerity in a society obsessed with trivialities.