The Importance of Being Earnest

Algernon: “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?”

Algernon reflects on Lane’s claim that he was once married. There is an irony to Algernon complaining that Lane has no use but to set a moral example for him; it inverts the idea that the upper classes should serve as a good example for the lower classes. There is an additional irony in Algernon accusing someone else of having lax views on marriage.

Algernon: “The very essence of romance is uncertainty. If I ever get married, I’ll certainly try to forget the fact.”

Jack: “I have no doubt about that, dear Algy. The Divorce Court was specially invented for people whose memories are so curiously constituted.” 

Algernon’s own lax views on marriage are now on display. He is dedicated to the chase but uninterested in a lasting relationship. Jack’s retort shows that he considers his friend too unreliable to make a good husband.

Algernon: “More than half of modern culture depends on what one shouldn’t read.”

Algernon skewers Victorians’ conspicuous displays of morality and the sordid reality beneath them. People may say that they disapprove of certain book; but they read them anyway; the difficulty in getting them only whets readers’ appetites. Wilde’s own trial and imprisonment heightens the impact of this line. The public celebrated Wilde’s writing so long as they could pretend to ignore the degree to which it was influenced by his illegal sexual orientation. His style and subject matter were profoundly influenced by his living as he “shouldn’t.