“The Importance of Being Earnest” (1895) by Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) is a mirror of Victorian high society. He called it “A Trivial Comedy for Serious People.” The play reflects Victorian England’s upper-class life. Wilde exposes their values, hypocrisy, and shallow concerns. Through wit and humour, he criticizes society’s obsession with wealth, manners, and appearances.

Superficiality of the Upper Class: “The Importance of Being Earnest” is a comic masterpiece and a brilliant comedy. This play focuses on the lives of the upper-class people in Victorian England. Wilde shows that the upper class cared only for appearances. They often ignored honesty and true character. Gwendolen and Cecily insist they will only marry a man named Ernest. They see the name as serious and respectable. In Act I, Gwendolen says,

“The only really safe name is Ernest.”

Marriage as a Social Tool: Marriage in the play is shown as a social contract. Love is less important than wealth and family. Lady Bracknell is the strongest voice here. She rejects Jack when she learns of his mysterious background.  In  Act I, she says,

 “To lose one parent may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness.” 

Hypocrisy and Double Identity: Wilde also exposes hypocrisy in upper-class life. Jack and Algernon both create false identities. Jack pretends to have a wicked brother named Ernest. In Act I, he admits, 

“ I have always pretended to have a younger brother of the name of Ernest.”  

The Ridiculousness of Social Etiquette: Victorian society was full of silly manners. Wilde shows this through comic situations. Even food becomes part of social battles. In Act II, Algernon says, 

“My duty as a gentleman has never interfered with my pleasures in the smallest degree.” 

Obsession with Wealth and Class: The play also criticizes the obsession with money. Lady Bracknell first disapproves of Cecily as a match for Algernon. She thinks Cecily is not wealthy enough. But when she learns Cecily has a large inheritance, she quickly changes and supports the marriage.  In Act III, she exclaims,  

 “A hundred and thirty thousand pounds! And in the Funds! Miss Cardew seems to me a most attractive young lady, now that I look at her.” 

In short, Wilde presents Victorian upper-class society with laughter in “The Importance of Being Earnest”. He shows their superficial marriages, false identities, and obsession with wealth. The play is both comic and critical. Wilde entertains but also exposes the emptiness of social values through sharp wit and humour.