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The Importance of Being Earnest and Other Plays

by Oscar Wilde

Literary Collections / European / English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh Literary Criticism / General Literary Criticism / Drama ✓ Preview Available ⚠ Free PDF: Unavailable

Publisher: Oxford University Press Year: 2024 Pages: 336 Language: EN

About this book

'It is absurd to divide people into good and bad. People are either charming or tedious.' The Importance of Being Earnest (1895) proclaims that it is 'A Trivial Play for Serious People'. In fact, collected here alongside Lady Windermere's Fan (1892), Salome (1891, 1894), A Woman of No Importance (1893), and An Ideal Husband (1895), Earnest shows that the questions raised by Wilde's plays are anything but trivial. Witty and radical, they elegantly challenge Victorian social proprieties, featuring lies, blackmail, illicit desires, seductions, and double lives. This volume, edited by Kate Hext, p...

30-Second Summary

The Importance of Being Earnest and Other Plays features a collection of Oscar Wilde's renowned works, showcasing his sharp wit and keen social commentary. This edition includes plays like Lady Windermere's Fan and An Ideal Husband, each exploring themes of morality, identity, and societal norms. Through humor and irony, Wilde's plays dissect the complexities of Victorian society, revealing the tension between appearance and reality.

Key Takeaways

Explore the interplay between humor and serious social critique in Wilde's works.
Understand the complexities of Victorian society through various characters and scenarios.
Appreciate the literary techniques Wilde employs to challenge societal norms.

Who Should Read This Book

This collection is ideal for readers interested in classic literature, particularly those who appreciate sharp wit and social commentary. Scholars and students of drama will find the plays a rich source for studying themes of identity and morality. Additionally, fans of Oscar Wilde's unique style will enjoy this comprehensive look at his influential works.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main themes in Wilde's plays?

Wilde's plays often explore themes such as the nature of truth, the absurdity of social conventions, and the duality of human identity.

Is this edition suitable for academic study?

Yes, this edition is edited and provides insights that make it suitable for academic study, including context and analysis of Wilde's works.

How do Wilde's plays reflect Victorian society?

Wilde's plays critique and satirize Victorian societal norms, revealing the hypocrisy and constraints of the era through engaging narratives and witty dialogue.

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