The Importance of Being Earnest: Top Ten Theme Quotes (plus analysis...)

The Importance of Being Earnest: Top Ten Theme Quotes (plus analysis…)

Theme: Hypocrisy and Deception

  • “I have invented an invaluable permanent invalid called Bunbury, in order that I may be able to go down into the country whenever I choose.” - Algernon [Act 1]
    • This quote introduces the concept of ‘Bunburying’, a term coined by Algernon to denote his practice of deception. ‘Bunbury’ becomes a symbol for the characters’ double lives in the play.
  • “The truth is rarely pure and never simple.” - Algernon [Act 1]
    • Algernon’s statement, ironically one of the most honest in the play, underscores the complexity of truth in the context of Victorian society. The quote is simultaneously a condemnation of hypocrisy and a justification for it.

Theme: Superficiality

  • “More than half of modern culture depends on what one shouldn’t read.” - Algernon [Act 1]
    • Algernon’s assertion exposes the superficial nature of Victorian society, which commonly centred around image and propriety rather than substantial knowledge or wisdom.
  • “Let us preserve a dignified silence.” - Lady Bracknell [Act 2]
    • Lady Bracknell is consistently more concerned with outward appearances than honesty, wealth, or sincerity. Wilde uses her character to satirically critique the values of Victorian aristocracy.

Theme: Social Status and Marriage

  • “An engagement should come on a young girl as a surprise, pleasant or unpleasant, as the case may be.” - Lady Bracknell [Act 1]
    • The quote is a critique of the views on marriage at the time. It undermines the sentimental notion of love and instead elevates marriage as a practical arrangement dictated by convention and social status.
  • “Algy, could you wait for me till I was thirty-five?” - Jack [Act 1]
    • Jack poses this question to Algernon, disguising his desperation to escape the societal pressures tied to age and marriage. This reveals Wilde’s critique of the Victorian obsession with the ‘right’ age to marry.

Theme: Identity and Self-Expression

  • “In matters of grave importance, style, not sincerity, is the vital thing.” - Gwendolen [Act 3]
    • Gwendolen’s statement reflects the importance placed on style and appearance over authenticity in Victorian society, furthering the theme of identity as largely performative.
  • “I hope you have no leading questions to ask, as one is expected to tell one’s relatives.” - Gwendolen [Act 2]
    • Gwendolen’s disdain for honest conversation with relatives once again illustrates the superficial social relations in Wilde’s depiction of the upper classes.

Theme: The Absurdity of Institutions and Ideals

  • “Never speak disrespectfully of Society, Algernon. Only people who can’t get into it do that.” - Lady Bracknell [Act 1]
    • Through the mouthpiece of Lady Bracknell, Wilde makes a biting commentary on the conformist mentality that followed societal norms without questioning their inherent absurdity.
  • “I fear that the cloud that hangs over my love may not lift until the final dissolution of my lamentable life.” - Cecily [Act 2]
    • Cecily, despite being rural and removed from London society, still adheres to its melodramatic ideals of romanticism. Wilde uses her character to argue against the impracticality of such exaggerated sentiments.