Explain how the juxtaposition of the two settings leads the audience to Wilde’s theme.

Page 1:
Robert J. Jordan, in his article “Satire and Fantasy in
Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest,” declared, “Social criticism, then,
though it is present in the action as well as the dialogue of the play, is
still of no great power. In spite of it, the heart of the work is elsewhere. If
at one level the play is a social satire and at another it is a farce, at the
most important level it seems to be a fantasy in which unattainable human
ideals are allowed to realize themselves.”
Defend or challenge the
last sentence of Jordan’s quote,” If at one level the play is a social satire and at another it is a farce, at the most important level it seems to be a fantasy in which unattainable human ideals are allowed to realize themselves.”, in relation to three or more characters within the play. Be sure you have a defensible thesis and are
analyzing these characters in the way in which they defend or challenge
Jordan’s claim. Include cited textual evidence. At least three paragraphs.

Page 2:
Contrast the two settings in the play, The Importance of Being Earnest” in terms of VALUES being addressed in the play. Then, consider how the characters’ manners and
attitudes change depending on the setting in which they find themselves. Explain how the juxtaposition of the two settings leads the audience to Wilde’s theme. Hint: one setting is in the country, another in the city. AT LEAST THREE DETAILED PARAGRAPHS! Paragraph one should be the contrast.

Last Completed Projects