In What ways does Wilde Attempt to amuse His Audience in Act Three of ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’?

... Beth Sharratt In What ways does Wilde Attempt to amuse His Audience in Act Three of 'The Importance of Being Earnest'? Prior to the third act, Wilde sets the scene and establishes the main character's idiosyncrasies and particularities. This knowledge the audience has already received contributes to the humour in the third act. The importance of being earnest is seen to be one of Wilde's most farcical comedies. Both the storyline and many of the characters are totally ridiculous, yet the play is written with a high degree of wit and intelligence. An example of this wit lies in the title of the play, which is a pun itself. With 'earnest' being both a male Christian name and a word describing honesty and sincerity. An important element, which adds to the humour of the third act, is the absurdity of some of the characters themselves. Characters such as Lady Bracknell, who

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