Literary and dramatic devices

Epigram

Epigram is the most frequently used literary devices in the play The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. An epigram is a brief, clever, and witty statement. Most of the epigrams in the play are stated by Algernon, although other characters contribute memorable ones, as well. Most of them are a social commentary on marriage, or other aspects of life.

The epigrams in the play do not advance the storyline, and they are mostly used to set the atmosphere. They contribute to the play’s aesthetic quality and are an important source of humor. 

However, the epigrams also reveal something about the character who says them. For instance, Algernon states “in married life, three is company and two is none” (Act 1). This highlights his cynical view of marriage. He does not believe two people can live together happily, so one of them will find a lover. Another example is when Jack states: “When one is in town one amuses oneself. When one is in the country one amuses other people” (Act 1). This reveals Jack’s opinion that the country is boring and reveals his reason for pretending to be someone else so he can escape to town and have fun.

Pun 

Puns are one of the literary devices used in the play. Their main purpose is to entertain and to contribute to the comedic effect of the situation. For instan...