In the play "The Importance of Being Earnest," Oscar Wilde introduces to the audience the significance social class bore in Europe at that time. Humorous portrayals of how high-ranking members of society might interact with others from that same social class are found throughout the play. This play also illustrates the comedic interaction that can occur between a master and a servant. Wilde shrewdly presents these character relationships in both a satiric and a romantic comedy form. Due to the confusion many of the characters experience through mistaken identity, the play is also endowed with a strong sense of farcical humor.
             Born in Dublin in 1854, Oscar Wilde was raised in a culture of class conscientious people. Wilde moved to England to pursue his writings in 1874, where a huge chasm separated the social classes in this country as well. Just as the Victorian era was about to wind down, political and religious upheaval commenced. This period of social turmoil is conveyed through Lady Bracknell's character as she mentions her contempt for Jack's family history in the second part of Act I. She likens Jack's negligence of a formal family upbringing to that of "the worst excesses of the French Revolution." Due to this, Lady Bracknell cannot see how Jack can be considered "a recognized position in good society."
             Another example of Wilde's demonstration of the exclusive social atmosphere in England can be found in other comments made by Lady Bracknell. In Act III, Lady Bracknell chastises her nephew: "Never speak disrespectfully of Society, Algernon. Only people who can't get into it do that." Although this is a laughable comment, it shows the snobby disposition many aristocrats in English society felt about the poorer classes.
             The character of Algernon may be seen as wittier than Lady Bracknell. For instance, in comments made by Algernon about Lane his servant, Algernon is v...