The quote "The truth is rarely pure and never simple" in The Importance of Being Earnest means that truth is often complex and layered. In the play, the characters' lives are filled with lies and deceit, highlighting that truth can be subjective and malleable. Algernon suggests that life would be tedious if truth were straightforward, while Jack reflects Wilde's view that the absence of complex literature would be beneficial.

Talking like a dentist is considered vulgar because it involves deception. Jack accuses Algernon of creating a "false impression" by speaking as a dentist would, which is ironic given Jack's own deceit. The humorous dialogue underscores the hypocrisy, as Jack himself is pretending to be someone he is not, making his comment about vulgarity hypocritical.

Algernon's statement "I keep science for Life" in The Importance of Being Earnest mocks Victorian values by trivializing what they consider serious. His dialogue with Lane, including the cucumber sandwiches for Lady Bracknell, illustrates Wilde's intent to satirize societal norms, emphasizing that life should be about sensations, not rules. This sets the play's tone, where trivial matters are treated seriously and serious matters trivially.

The quote from Act 3 of The Importance of Being Earnest underscores the play's satirical nature, highlighting Gwendolen's foolishness and societal superficiality. Gwendolen values style over sincerity, suggesting that appearances matter more than truth. This aligns with Wilde's critique of a society that prioritizes attractive facades over substantive principles, mocking the triviality of romantic and social conventions.

Cecily's quote in Act 2 of The Importance of Being Earnest highlights Wilde's use of epigrams and paradoxes to emphasize superficiality. She suggests it's more painful to part from recent acquaintances than old friends, implying a preference for shallow relationships. This reflects Wilde's theme of the double life, where superficial friendships are easier to maintain than deep ones that expose personal secrets.

In Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, "three is company and two is none" means that Algernon believes marriage becomes boring, making time spent with one's spouse feel like being alone. He argues that a third person is needed to make the company enjoyable. This reflects Algernon's (and Wilde's) tendency to challenge conventional ideas with witty remarks.

Wilde uses epigrams in The Importance of Being Earnest to satirize upper Victorian society, develop characters, and infuse humor. These witty, contradictory statements highlight the absurdity of characters like Algernon and Jack, critique social norms such as marriage, and mock the hypocrisy of the upper class. Wilde's epigrams entertain, maintain audience engagement, and subtly convey his disdain for societal snobbery.

In "The Importance of Being Earnest," Algernon's line highlights the pervasive competition in society, suggesting cynicism is a common response. He uses "Bunburying" to escape social obligations, viewing marriage as just another social contract requiring occasional escapes. Jack, in love, naively believes marriage resolves issues without deceit. Algernon argues that avoiding cynicism requires effort, implying that everyone engages in deceit, and he uses wit to shirk responsibility, contrasting Jack's idealism.

In The Importance of Being Earnest, "absurd" signifies something ridiculous or preposterous. Characters frequently find trivial matters absurd, such as Algernon deeming it absurd to have strict reading rules or Jack's real name being Jack, not Ernest. Ironically, those labeling things as absurd often say absurd things themselves, highlighting the play's satirical nature.

Algernon transforms his life into art by embodying Wilde's aesthetic principles, prioritizing style over substance. He creates an alternate reality with the fictional "Bunbury" to escape social obligations, indulging in pleasure without consequence. As a dandy, he values fine dining, fashion, and living beyond his means. Algernon's life is a performance, adhering to his own rules and disregarding moral responsibilities, thus epitomizing the Victorian dandy and reflecting Wilde's celebration of aestheticism.