The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
Why it's comedy:
* Witty Dialogue: The play is full of sharp, satirical dialogue that plays on the absurdity of Victorian society and its strict social norms.
* Character Exaggeration: Characters like Lady Bracknell are over-the-top and their ridiculousness adds to the humor.
* Misunderstandings and Farce: The plot revolves around mistaken identities, hidden truths, and a series of hilarious misunderstandings, culminating in a chaotic and absurd climax.
* Satire and Social Commentary: Wilde uses humor to critique the hypocrisy and superficiality of Victorian society, making fun of marriage, class, and social expectations.
Example:
> Lady Bracknell: "I am not in favour of long engagements. They give people the opportunity of finding out too much about each other. A woman should never be entirely sure of her husband's character. It keeps her on the alert."
This line exemplifies the play's witty and satirical nature. Lady Bracknell's bluntness and cynicism, coupled with the absurdity of her statement about marriage, create a humorous moment that highlights the play's theme of social hypocrisy.
The Importance of Being Earnest is a classic example of comedy in literature because it combines witty dialogue, over-the-top characters, farcical plot elements, and sharp social commentary to create a timeless and enduringly funny piece of work.