Oscar Wilde- Epigrams

A leading representative in the Aesthetic Movement, Oscar Wilde is renowned throughout history for his wit and usage of epigrams in his works. In one of his more popular works, The  Importance of Being Earnest , Oscar Wilde utilizes epigrams to support the theme of the book, a trivial comedy for serious people. One such epi gram is: “He has nothing, but looks everything. What more can one desire?” desire? ” (Wilde 180). This epigram is a twist of the belief that one prioritizes status over looks in judging a potential pot ential love interest. However, it is true that in modern society, appearance has a significant impact on one‟s evaluation of other personnel. This phrase also reflects the aesthetic ideal of finding beauty in wh at is beautiful and not look underneath the surface. The Importance of Being Earnest  contains  contains a variety of satirical remarks on how societ y functions. Lady Bracknell uses this epigram to describe Algernon when Jack refuses to let him marry Cecily. Cecily. In modern society, society, one is usually attracted to up per -class individuals because of the privileges they provide, such as money mo ney and power. However, inThe in The Importance of Being  Earnest , Lady Bracknell says that Algernon has “nothing, but looks ever ything” and states that there is “[nothing] more one can desire”. d esire”. This line indirectly describes the individuals in society who are easily swayed by one‟ one ‟s appearance. As the leading figure of o f the Aesthetic Movement, many of Oscar Wilde‟s Wilde‟s plays reflect aesthetic ideals. This epigram demonstrates the belief of “finding beautiful in beautiful things and not finding ugly meanings in beautiful things” (Wilde, Preface). This idea closely resembles the epigram, in which Algernon is the „beautiful thing‟ and Lady Bracknell suggests that his looks influenced her to believe that Algernon is a desirable man. It is evident that this epigram supports the idea that appearance has a significant impact on an individual‟s criteria when searching for a love interest. While most individuals in modern society search for a spouse from the upper -class, the characters of The Importance of Being  Earnest  value  value looks over status and puts meaning to “love at first sight”.

Works Cited Wilde, Oscar. The Importance of Being Earnest . New York City. New American Library. 1985. Print Wilde, Oscar. “The Preface”. Ya-honk. Stuyvesant High School. 5. Aor. 2013. Web. 16 Apr. 2013. Victoria and Albert Museum, Digital Media "Style Guide: Aestheticism. "Victoria and Albert Museum, n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2013.