The Importance of Being Earnest

The play explores the absurdities of marriage and critiques Victorian morals, highlighting societal constraints and assumptions. First performed in 1895, it coincides with Wilde's own tumultuous life, as he faced public scrutiny and imprisonment due to his sexual orientation. Wilde, an influential figure in the Aestheticism movement, drew inspiration from his education in Oxford under prominent critics. This edition celebrates the enduring relevance and wit of Wilde's work, providing insight into both the play and the author's life.