Wilde
targets several social institutions for his . One of the most obvious in the play is Wilde's
satrical view on marriage. He does this by giving the girls (Gwendolen and Cecily) silly
prerequisites for marriage: only the name Ernest. Nothing else matters to them, other than the
name Ernest. Lady Bracknell, when inquiring as to Jack's suitability as a potential husband for
Gwendolen, asks about his income, his politics and whether his owns land and house--not if he
truly cares for her. Wilde is satirizing marriage, showing these people thing it nothing more
than a social adventure rather than a loving union.
Another element of
society that Wilde satirizies is the upper class. All of the characters (except for the
butlers) would be considered upper class, and each shows a sense of frivolity toward life and
serious issues. Jack uses his brother's "death" as a way to excuse his Bunburrying;
Alergnon seems to take nothing seriously, except eating. Gwendolen wants only to look
fashionable--and requires Jack to propose in "the proper way". Lady Bracknell chases
after her daughter to the country, all to prevent a marriage. At a time when there were
thousands of poor people suffering and barely making a living in England, these are trivial
concerns.
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