The Importance of Being Earnest

A hallmark of Oscar Wilde's style is his use of the epigram- a short , witty, often paradoxical statement
designed to surprise the audience. The Importance of Being Earnest is full of such lines, such as the following
line from act 1: "To lose one parent may be regraded as a misfortune-to lose both seems like carelessness"(II.
439-40). Identify three examples of epigrams in the play, and consider the purpose of each statement. What
role do epigrams serve collectively, and how do they affect the tone of the play?
Have a well organized essay and a elaborate response. Have a hook, bridge and a thesis. Use quotes from the
story