Symbols

The German language

In the play The Importance of Being Earnest , by Oscar Wilde, the German language is a symbol of strict morality and responsibility. Jack always insists on Cecily focusing on her German when he leaves the estate. This highlights how Jack tries to live up to his role as a guardian by being as strict and serious as possible with her. However, Cecily dislikes German, and claims that it makes her look plain. Cecily’s avoidance of the German lesson is what leads to her meeting Algernon, the most amoral and irresponsible character in the play.

Lady Bracknell believes that “German sounds a thoroughly respectable language” (Act 1), in contrast with French which shocks people or makes them laugh. German is held in high regard, yet almost no one speaks it. This symbolizes the characters’ attitude towards morality – they all think it is a great quality which others should have, but not themselves. ...