Dishonesty is a major theme in The Importance of Being Earnest. Epigrams occur quite often in the dialogue where the character will contradict him or herself in a humorous way. Oscar Wilde paints the picture of the upper class being spoiled and snobbish, often lying to get there way no matter who they may hurt or what problems may ensue. The title of the play itself is a contradiction. Earnest means to be truthful, serious, and polite, which none of the characters in this story are. The characters lie about their identities and pretend that they have friends or relatives to visit so they can escape from their everyday lives.
Oscar Wilde, to me, seems to be saying that lying and being dishonest is okay. Even after almost all of the characters are revealed to be liars, none of them face any consequences for their actions and they all live happily ever after. He might be saying that dishonesty can never be eradicated from our lives so we should instead live with it and even use it to our personal advantage.
HI BRITTA! :)
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