Critics of the play refer to Wilde's "mastery of epigram and the audacity and polish of his wit". Illustrate this mastery using examples which you have enjoyed from the play.

             Proposal for opening:.

             According to Collins English Dictionary wit is "the talent or quality of using unexpected associations between contrasting or disparate words or ideas to make a clever humorous effect", it is more intellectual than straightforward humour which can include slapstick. An epigram is "a witty, often paradoxical remark, concisely expressed". The Importance of being Earnest is a play overflowing with both epigrams and wit. The title itself is a play on the words Ernest and earnest. There are so many examples of Wilde's "mastery of epigram and the audacity and polish of his wit" that, unfortunately, only a few can be used to illustrate this essay. They can be grouped into four main types: play on words, opposite to what is expected or accepted (paradox), other epigrams and plain wit.

             Or:.

             According to Webster's Encyclopedic Dictionary wit is "the ability to relate seemingly unlike things so as to illuminate or amuse", it is more intellectual than straightforward humour which can include slapstick. An epigram is "a brief witty saying". .

             Could also group by subject : wordplay, truth, love/marriage, diary, death, education, illness, Society, . (Maybe too many groups this way, could perhaps cut them down).

             Examples: too many: to be winnowed:.

             Play on words:.

             Title: The Importance of Being Earnest.

             I.5:5 Algernon: "As far as the piano is concerned, sentiment is my forte." (Play on the word pianoforte.).

             I.12:161 Algernon:"You look as if your name was Ernest. You are the most earnest looking person I ever saw in my life." (Play on Ernest and earnest).

             II.67ish. Gwendolen: "Mamma, whose views on education are remarkably strict, has brought me up to be extremely short-sighted, it is part of her system; so do you mind my looking at you through my glasses?" (Short-sighted - not looking towards the future and needing to wear glasses).