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What aspects of "The Importance of Being Earnest" are realistic? What are not? Posted by nahila on Mar 31, 2009. |
The Importance of Being Earnest Group
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This play is realistic because it is a reflection of the Victorian London society, right as it was happening. The main characteristics of this very shallow and elitist period of history were clearly manifested in the play: Hypocrisy, elitism, moralism, differentiation of classes, snobbery, the fight to get to the upper crust of society, and the false imagery of grandiosity that the upper classes often promoted the way celebrities would do these days. It is also realistic because Oscar is "in it"- He added the figure of the Dandy (Algy) as the overdressed and overindulgent Victorian gentleman (who we know is also broke and totally shallow), as the catalyst of change in the story (not to mention, one of the funniest) The non-realistic aspects of the play occur thanks to the characters. Cecily keeps a diary of her imaginary relationship with a man named Earnest, and goes as far as getting engaged and breaking off the proposal. Algy has his imaginary sick friend Bunbury whom he "visits" each time he wants to leave the country. Jack has his imaginary brother, Earnest, who is wicked and whom he also "visits" when he wants to go to the city. In all, the context in which the play occurs is quite realistic and representative of the society it mocks, whereas the characters, and their stories, display the most unrealistic characteristics, but it is all part of Wilde's style. Posted by herappleness on Mar 31, 2009. |
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There is humor and representation of polite and not-so-polite Victorian society. It is all quite realistic. The woman's main objective in this society was to land a wealthy husband, and this is, in part, the focus of this play. It is a very realistic portrayal of England during the Victorian era. Posted by amy-lepore on Mar 31, 2009. |

