Behind the Romance: Society’s True Face as Seen in The Importance of Being Earnest and Sure Thing
What better way to look at societal expectations than through the distorted looking glass of romance and comedy? In both “The Importance of Being Earnest,” by Oscar Wilde, and “Sure Thing,” by David Ives both themes are heavily and reliably employed. Yet it is not only romance and comedy which shape these plays into the commentaries on society that they are. Instead Wilde and Ives address three other supporting social themes in their work that serve to depict the impact of society on people and reveal the true face of society behind the faÃ?§ades of romance and comedy that both authors created. In the following paper I intend to discuss the use of these themes by each author; their similarities, and their differences.
“The Importance of Being Earnest” is a highly comical piece, centered around two characters and their romantic endeavors. The main characters, and friends, Algernon and Jack find themselves in awkward situations when both are caught up in a web of lies during romantic pursuits.
Algernon, a high class dandy with a somewhat intellectually devil may care attitude, creates a “Bunbury.” A lie that aides him in escaping the engagements of the city. With an ironically similar lie, yet ever disapproving of Algernon’s, Jack creates a disreputable brother in order to escape to the excitement of the city. However, in both respective escapades to the country and city Algernon and Jack meet women whom they fall in love with. The only problem is that Algernon’s “bunbury” escape led him to play at Jack’s disreputable brother. A brother by the name of Earnest, the same name Jack goes by in the city. In turn the women both end up in love with “Earnest” and all chaos breaks loose. The play climaxes with the exposure of Algernon and Jack’s lies, and comes to an even more ironic resolution with both decidedly becoming “Earnest,” in every sense of the word.
“Sure Thing” is much less complex, and somewhat less of a laugh-out-loud comedy. It focuses strongly on what we can all relate to as the overly complicated dating scene. The entire drama takes place in a cafÃ?© between one man and one woman and a series of typical and disastrous conversations.
The play opens with a man walking into a caf�© and sitting in a seemingly empty seat next to a woman he finds attractive. From that point on a number of conversation topics are discussed, dropped, and then discussed again until eventually the man creates a good enough impression to win the woman over.
Before one deeply delve into the works previously cited, one needs to gain a thorough understanding of the themes which both authors heavily rely on in order to employ to the techniques previously mentioned. It is the themes that provide a backbone for the work, and give ample opportunities for such situations to arise that create the use of the techniques in question. Both dramas use comedy as a means of conveying their feelings and thoughts without the dull and dry lecturing that often resorted to when addressing such matters as social issues.
Additionally, both use romance as a way to point out the current state of society and what society expects as a result. Through romance they are able to create situations which warrant judgments, and have many rituals, norms, and taboos from which to draw examples of their societal outlook. In Oscar Wilde’s novel the character Algernon is constantly giving commentary on romance and how society views and expects romance to be. This shows what is normal in society and how that shapes the way people act. “I really don’t see anything romantic in proposing. It is very romantic to be in love. But there is nothing romantic about a definite proposal. Why, one may be accepted. One usually is, I believe. Then the excitement is all over. The very essence of romance is uncertainty. If ever I get married, I’ll certainly try to forget the fact.” (Wilde, 2001, p. 4).
The commentary is given in such a nonchalant and lighthearted way that at first glance the passage seems only to be referring to romance. But upon a second look one can clearly see the difference between what the character thinks and how society thinks. How society expects things to be, and how the character would rather things be.
Keeping these themes close in mind, one can now explore the further societal themes of each work. First and foremost, I’ll address the use of societal standards to judge others.
Wilde portrays this point rather flamboyantly through the use of several different characters, most specifically, Lady Bracknell and Algernon. Using these two characters Wilde expresses societal standards directly through dialogue. Algernon often serves as the informant of societal standards, although he hardly adheres to them. “Lane’s views on marriage seem somewhat lax. Really, if the lower orders don’t set us a good example, what on earth is the use of them? They seem, as a class, to have absolutely no sense of moral responsibility.” (Wilde, 2001, p. 2). This passage clearly conveys the message of societal expectations according to its standards, and the way in which Wilde works this theme into this play. Algernon’s chiding of his butler Lane shows just how judgmental and standardizing society can be without Wilde actually having to come out and say as much. Undoubtedly, Algernon is speaking for society and showing the contrast between social classes and what is expected and thought of each. Since Lane is of a lower class than Algernon, the latter is judging him based upon that. Without any back story on Lane we are immediately brought to this conclusion by Algernon simply because of Lane’s social class. It’s an interesting method, and of the first vivid examples Wilde gives, of societal standards and the judgments that follow them.
In addition to Algernon’s extensive use in conveying this theme, Lady Bracknell is portrayed as a judge of people who is always giving advice, orders, or commentary on what a “proper” person is. She reacts strongly for or against the things she sees as “fit” according to these expressed expectations and norms. “I dare not even suspect, Dr. Chasuble. I need hardly tell you that in families of high position strange coincidences are not suppose to occur. They are hardly considered the thingâÂ?¦This noise is extremely unpleasant. It sounds as if he was having an argument. I dislike arguments of any kind. They are always vulgar, and often convincing.” (Wilde, 2001, p. 74). In this particular passage we find a very clear example of Lady Bracknell’s part in portraying societal standards. Clearly she serves to voice the opinions of society and show how such things cause others to look down upon you. As can clearly be seen, in employing both character’s Wilde is able to comment on social standards and their use in judging others. These two characters alone give us a vivid picture of what is and what is not standard and acceptable in society.
Furthermore Wilde emphasizes the judgments and standards of society through Gwendollen and Cecily’s assessment of Jack and Algernon’s indiscretions. It is Gwendollen and Cecily who decide what is acceptable, and what is not, regarding their situation. They decide how the two should be punished and under what circumstances they should be forgiven. Additionally, they decide which actions Jack and Algernon take are typical and/or acceptable. In this part of the drama one can see how society judges people and expects certain qualities of remorse before accepting them back into affluent society. Furthermore, one notices what exactly society wants from its citizens in Gwendollen and Cecily’s easy forgiveness of Jack and Algernon. “True. In matters of grave importance, style, not sincerity is the vital thingâÂ?¦” (Wilde, 2001, p. 63). This important quotation is made by Gwendollen. Here she is simply exchanging banter with Cecily in the face of Jack and Algernon’s impropriety. However, in addition to expressing societal standards in the form of societal desires, she is also showing how society bases its judgments. According to the passage, it doesn’t matter what amount of sincerity one uses to do something, instead it should be done with style and seen as something wonderful. On a deeper level, this quotation comments on a society that is void of any deeper feeling. A society where sincerity isn’t really important so long as one keeps up appearances. So long as one is stylish. A society that is hollow and shallow. This point is also emphasized with another societal theme that will be addressed later.
Similarly, Ives also uses dialogue to address this societal theme. However, in his work it is a little harder to see. Ives, in general uses a much subtler approach than Wilde in his commentary on society. Still, it is not wholly unrecognizable. “Where was college?”
“I was lying. I never really went to college. I just like to party.”
(Bell)
“Where was college?”
“I went to Oral Roberts University.”
(Bell)
Where was college?”
“ITT Tech!”
(Bell)
“Where was college?”
“Metro!”
(Bell)
“Where was college?”
“Harvard”
“Do you like Faulkner?…” (Ives, 2001, p. 4). In such examples as these it is easy to recognize the difference between what is socially acceptable in society. As such, we notice how the male character is judged based on his answers. When his answers are seen as being negative or unacceptable it becomes painfully obvious because the conversation is rather abruptly ended with the ring of a bell. Ives continues throughout the play in this manner in order to portray societal standards and how the things that people do are viewed and judged.
The consequences and reactions of society also serve to show the way in which Wilde and Ives comment on society. Additionally, showing consequences and reactions serve to convey the authors’ opinions that society is highly exacting, shallow, and hypocritical.
Wilde expands upon this theme by creating situations in which people either avoid actions due to their consequences, or experience the consequences of an indiscretion. “French songs I cannot possibly allow. People always seem to think that they are improper, and either look shocked, which is vulgar, or laugh, which is worse. But German sounds a thoroughly respectable language, and indeed, I believe it is so.” (Wilde, 2001, p. 13). In this rather extreme example given by Lady Bracknell we see how very clearly she explains societal standards and norms, and how ones diversion from such an important thing is reacted to. We see how Lady Bracknell, already established as one high in society and a judge of others, does whatever she can to avoid the consequences of deterring from societal norms.
Additionally, we see a bit of ironic consequence in Jack and Algernon’s lies. Evidently, Jack and Algernon are little affected by their lie before they blow up in their faces with the exposure Gwendollen and Cecily create. However, once the lies are exposed Jack and Algernon are forced to make themselves into the lies that they created. Jack and Algernon, who previously expressed no desire to take such action, are forced to refine themselves into an “Earnest” man. Both end up “Earnest” in both name and manner.
Consequences and reactions are social themes that seem to drive Ives’ play. Unlike Wilde, who uses societal standards as his driving force. So much of Ives’ play deals with reactions and the consequences of one’s actions. The ultimate consequence shown in this play is the man’s rejection. “No, listenâÂ?¦(bell) I wasâÂ?¦justâÂ?¦(bell) PleaseâÂ?¦(bell)” (Ives, 2001, p. 8). However, we will look deeper than this for further examples.
“Do you come here a lot?”
“Every once in awhile. Do you?”
“Not so much anymore. Not as much as I used to. Before my nervous breakdown.” (Ives, 2001, p. 5-6). As seen here, conversations are abruptly ended should one dare to converse on topics which people deem unacceptable. Thus, Ives’ is clearly conveying the consequences of saying “too much” or “too little.”
Moreover, we notice at the end of the play a significant victory for the male lead, a victory that comes with a seemingly perfect conversational performance. Reaction: approval by society personified by the female lead. “Do you like Entenmann’s crumb cakeâÂ?¦?”
“Last night I went out at two in the morning to get one. Did you have an Etch-a-Sketch as a child?”
“Yes! And do you like Brussel sprouts?”
“No, I think they’re disgusting!”
“They are disgusting!”
“âÂ?¦And will you love me?”
“Yes.”
“And cherish me forever?”
“Yes.”
“Do you still want to go to the movies?”
“Sure thing.” (Ives, 2001, p. 12). Obviously the message here is that a “perfect” conversation or performance, will lead to such positive or perfect consequences. (Bell)
As in Wilde’s play we see the characters striving for the things which earn positive reactions as opposed to negative ones. In this way it makes it possible for us to see the impact society has on people’s actions. It is clear that one acts in accordance with society in order to avoid the consequences of doing otherwise.
Fitting into society and obtaining acceptance is an integral part of both dramas. Throughout both the characters are constantly striving to attain such a feat as acceptance. This is one of the strongest themes connecting “The Importance of Being Earnest” with “Sure Thing.”
Wilde employs the use the Jack and Algernon’s notorious aliases to do this dirty work. Indeed, for all the terrible consequences that emerge as a result of the use of each alias, Jack and Algernon ultimately use these as a means of obtaining and retaining the acceptance of society. Additionally it serves to explain the extremes that people will go to in order to reach such a status. Wilde gives both Algernon and Jack aliases by which they adhere to in order to seem as though they are behaving in a socially acceptable manner when they are not. Algernon takes on “Bunbury” as a means of escape. It makes him seem to the public like a perfect gentleman; however, in reality he is only using “Bunbury” as a cover for inappropriate acts. Unlike Jack, Algernon feels no sense of remorse about his use of “Bunbury.” Instead he adamantly supports it simply by stating that every man has or should have a “Bunbury.” (Wilde, 2001). In this way he is also commenting on the state of society, and the way in which the gentleman in it behave. In the sense of the story, he is commenting on Jack saying that, like other men, he would eventually want a “Bunbury.”
Jack’s alias, although less flamboyant, is no less an impropriety. His whole purpose in having one is so he can still show face back home after having a good time in London. It’s a perfect example of how people shape themselves around what society’s standards are in order to be and feel accepted. Naturally, if news of Jack’s impropriety reached his hometown, not only he, but also Cecily, would suffer. So, in order to keep he and Cecily looking respectable, he takes on this alias. With it society can view him as the gentleman he ought to be. “My dear Algy, I don’t know whether you will be able to understand my real motives. You are hardly serious enough. When one is placed in the position of guardianship, one has to adopt a very high moral tone on all subjects. It’s one’s duty to do so. And as a high moral tone can hardly be said to conduce very much to either one’s health or one’s happiness, in order to get up to town I have always pretended to have a younger brother of the name of EarnestâÂ?¦” (Wilde, 2001, p. 8). This quotation by Jack to Algernon show’s the rationality of Jack, and in contrast, his decision to act opposite of it. However, since he knows he is doing wrong, he shapes an alias to commit the crimes and keeps his face in proper, more respectful, society.
Ives’ use of this same social theme is just as prominent and central to his work. Ives uses a fast pace conversational style to portray the desperate need for acceptance by the male lead from the female lead. As I have formerly stated, the female lead serves the purpose of being society, thus it is highly important to gain this acceptance.
There are instances in Ives’ play in which the same conversation is played out more than three times just so that the man can win his acceptance and a step closer to his ultimate goal. Without a clean cut conversation we have seen earlier that the consequences can be devastating. As such, the male lead must try fervently for a perfect conversation, win a perfect reaction, and thus win a little bit of acceptance into the society at which he is grasping. “Excuse me. Is this chair taken?””
“Excuse me?”
“Is this taken?”
“Yes it isâÂ?¦”
(A bell rings softly)
“Excuse me. Is this chair taken?”
“Excuse me?”
“Is this taken?”
“No, but I’m expecting somebody in a minuteâÂ?¦”
(A bell rings softly)
“Excuse me. Is this chair taken?”
“No, but I’m expecting somebody very shortly.”
“Would you mind if I sit here till he or she or it comes?”
“They do seem pretty late.”
“You never know who you might be turning down.”
“Sorry. Nice try thoughâÂ?¦”
(Bell)
“Is this seat taken?…” (Ives, 2001, p. 2). Clearly the repetition of very common and very simple conversation shows the intensity in the need for acceptance. Ives’ uses this same method throughout the play to emphasize the different points at which the male lead can make an advancement toward societal acceptance. A point, which through highly repetitious conversation, is shown to have extreme importance to the male lead.
By using a backdrop of romance so resourcefully, both Ives and Wilde were able to effectively point out the nature of society and its impact on people’s lives. Furthermore, by creating specific situations from which to draw critic, the authors were able to give examples of societal norms and taboos, and how they relate to our everyday lives. How society is able to shape a person into what it sees as acceptable, and rejects those whose beliefs don’t align.
Although comedies and romances both plays may be, both “The Importance of Being Earnest” and “Sure Thing” create a very vivid picture of society in all its imperfections and hypocrisy. They serve to portray the ways in which society judges people based on its standards, the consequences of deterring from the ever populated and heavily trodden path of society, and importance that people place on fitting into this club we call society. Each play depicts these three key themes in such as a way as to make them seem very common and unobtrusive. However, it is clear that behind the romance and the comedy, authors Oscar Wilde and David Ives have created masterpieces of societal commentary.
