gain and that the idea of marriage for love is nothing morethan hypocrisy. This is an important theme of the play.The twist in the novel is with the title itself, The Importance of BeingEarnest, and the character Ernest also known as Jack. Wilde was trying toshow that being earnest is more important than anything in greater society. Ifone can appear to be earnest than that person is successful. Ernest was not atypical member of the elite class. He was different because in fact he showedsigns of being earnest. By Wilde displaying the ridiculousness of thearistocracy he shows that one does not need that particular lifestyle. At theend of the novel, when Jack discovered that he was really named Ernest,Gwendolen and him were embracing over it and the mean, old LadyBracknell stated “My nephew, you seem to be displaying signs of triviality.”and Jack replied “On the contrary, Aunt Augusta, I’ve now realized for thefirst time in my life the vital importance of being earnest.”(Pg 109 Act III) Salome, a play by Oscar Wilde, is another of his works to show thefoolishness of society. The entire play involves members and acquaintancesof the royal family of King Herod along with a banished prophet. The playparticularly illustrates the idea of perverse feeling towards women along withshowing the extent to which women will go to get something done. Also, inthie play the nature of evil is shown. Salome was the daughter of Herodias, husband to Herod, remains anobject of affection for a young Syrian captain. The captain is so horriblydrawn to look upon Salome that he cannot stop talking about her. He is soinfatuated with her that he repeatedly states, “How beautiful is the PrincessSalome tonight!”(Pgs 1-2) When Salome appears and wishes to kissJokanaan, the young Syrian captain who cannot bear the sight of her lustingafter another takes his own life. Salome had seduced the young captain. Even thou...
