Wilde develops a satirical approach in describing the society around him. One reoccurring theme that is present is that there seems to be a false appearance instead of reality. For example, the character of Ernest is only a fake character created for selfish purposes. Jack and Algernon both lied in order to become something they were not. When they finally got what they wanted from being Ernest, we can see that Ernest is facade that people liked not a really what they liked. Wilde's purpose is to describe how shallow society is in order to emulate others and create what they want. Individuality and purpose in life is not the case for this society at the time.
I think that this viewpoint was very similar to his life in England at the time. Oscar spent years in jail for being homosexual, but yet when he was young he married a woman and started a family just as it was expected of him. Making up the character and having him lie to others of being something that he was not was a mirror of his own life. Eventually, as we know, his relationships were made to public and he was punished for being who he was.
ReplyDeleteI think that this viewpoint was very similar to his life in England at the time. Oscar spent years in jail for being homosexual, but yet when he was young he married a woman and started a family just as it was expected of him. Making up the character and having him lie to others of being something that he was not was a mirror of his own life. Eventually, as we know, his relationships were made to public and he was punished for being who he was.
ReplyDeleteMarie,
ReplyDeleteGood observation on Wilde's play, but the post is too short and your point is unsupported by any textual evidence.