Themes and message

The individual in society 

The theme of social expectations and conventions is a central theme in the play The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde, as it reflects how the individual is influenced by society. The play uses humor and irony to convey the shallowness of the characters who are bound by social expectations and conventions to the point of absurdity. 

The most important social rule that governs social behavior in the play is keeping up appearances and being polite. As characters often come into conflict with each other, the fact that they have to respect this rule often leads to humorous situations, in which the characters say one thing and mean something else.

For instance, Lady Bracknell suspects that Algernon invented Bunbury to have an excuse not to attend social events. However, she does not openly confront him about it, because it would go against social conventions. She only expresses it to him ironically: “I should be much obliged if you would ask Mr. Bunbury, from me, to be kind enough not to have a relapse on Saturday, for I rely on you to arrange my music for me” (Act 1). Algernon receives the message and signals his agreement in a similarly veiled manner: "I'll speak to Bunbury, Aunt Augusta, if he is still conscious, and I think I can promise you he'll be all right by Saturday."

The conflict between Gwendolen and Cecily begins with both announcing the precise time of their engagements, as well as the newspapers the news of their engagements will be printed in. They use these social conventions as weapons to argue their entitlement to the engagement, as well as to undermine their rival. 

Neither of their claims lead to a clear winner, so polite conversation over tea becomes a battle of wits between the two of them. Under the guise of discussing likes and dislikes, they attack each other’s backgrounds and lifestyles. The cake and sugared tea also become weapons. Cecily serves them to Gwendolen, despite her asking for no sugar in her tea, and bread and butter instead of cake. 

The verbal attack between the two women remains extremely polite, even though each knows what the other suggests. For instance, Cecily hints that Gwendolen should leave when she says: "It seems to me, Miss Fairfax, that I am trespassing on your valuable time. No doubt you have many other calls of a similar character to make in the neighborhood." (Act 2) This is both an order to leave, as well as an attack on Gwendolen’s character, implying that she is a cheater and a fraud. 

After their fiancés’ deception is exposed, Gwendolen and Cecily form a united front against the men and turn their icy politeness against them. The upper class can be hurtful without being impolite because social conventions must be respected no matter what. 

The shallowness of the upper class who are only bound by social expectations is frequently addres...