Of all the works I have read, Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest is the most realistic. This is because the author tried to recreate a true picture of the Victorian epoch, denouncing its vices and contradictions. Jack was perceived by his acquaintances as a diligent person, but actually he led a life full of sins and decadence. The character was aware that he was deceiving his close people and did his best to make a profit out of it. Along with the protagonist, the writer describes in detail the fates of different people, by the example of which forms a coherent picture about the values and ideals of that historical period. Aimed at depicting the sad reality of human nature, the writ er states: “The truth is rarely pure and never simple” (Wilde, act 2:48). The central conflict in this work is the confrontation between reality and the illusory world that Jack has created around himself.
Behind the contrived pathos and seriousness lies levity, irresponsibility, and immorality. Illusions come into conflict with the incriminating reality generates a large number of awkward and comical situations. The latter leads readers to understand the theme of the work, which is the false values of high society. Demonstrating this as deception and pretense become apparent, Oscar Wilde mocks the true ideals of the aristocracy, demonstrating their inconsistency and stupidity. Important to the author’s revealing pitch is the character of Miss Prism. This minor character works as Cecily’s governess and teaches her ward to live a life of austerity and piety (Wilde 56). At the same time, the writing reveals that there is a secret affair in the life of this woman that contradicts her values. Miss Prism’s story is thus part of the conflict between formal and moral stories and the imperfection of human nature.
Work Cited
Wilde, Oscar. The Importance of Being Earnest. 1973.