

The revelation of Cecily's wealth soon dispels Lady Bracknell's initial doubts over the young lady's suitability, but any engagement is forbidden by her The impasse is broken by the return of Miss Prism, whom Lady Bracknell recognises as the person who, 28 years earlier as a family nursemaid, had taken a baby boy for a walk in a Gwendolen, however, insists she can love only a man named Ernest. Though unsure of Wilde's seriousness as a dramatist, they recognised the play's cleverness, humour and popularity with audiences. The Importance of Being Earnest opened in the West End of London in February 1894 during an era when many of the religious, social, political, and economic structures were experiencing change - The Victorian Age the last 25-30 years of the 1800s. Similarly, Cecily loves the country, while Gwendolen prefers the city.

Gilbert and Sullivan - Gender, Genre, Parody. The Importance of Being Earnest Literary Devices It also adds to the comedic elements of the play, as the characters struggle to live up to these expectations and often find themselves at odds with the social norms of their time. Overall, the setting of "The Importance of Being Earnest" serves to highlight the characters' privileged lifestyles and the societal expectations that they must navigate. The setting also reflects the rigid class system of Victorian England, where one's social standing is of the utmost importance.

The characters are expected to adhere to strict codes of behavior and to marry for social and financial advancement rather than for love. The setting also helps to establish the societal norms and expectations of the time period. These locations serve to contrast the city life of London and the more traditional, rural values that the characters represent. The secondary setting of the play is the countryside, specifically the estate of Lady Bracknell and the home of the protagonist, Jack Worthing. It is also a place of leisure and pleasure, where the characters can indulge their whims and desires without consequence. The apartment is described as being opulent and luxurious, reflecting the characters' wealth and status. The main setting of the play is Algernon's apartment in London, which serves as a backdrop for much of the action. The setting helps to establish the characters as members of the upper class, with all of the privileges and expectations that come with that social status. The play is set in the late Victorian era in England, a time of great social change and upheaval. The setting of Oscar Wilde's play "The Importance of Being Earnest" is crucial to the characters and events of the play.
