The Importance of Being Earnest
Act II, Second Half
How is the subject of marriage trivialized in the interaction between Cecily and Algernon?
In the interaction between Cecily and Algernon in Act II, the subject of marriage is trivialized through their playful and lighthearted banter. Algernon initially pretends to be Ernest Worthing in order to woo Cecily, and Cecily eagerly plays along with the charade. The two engage in witty repartee and exaggerated declarations of love, treating the idea of marriage as a game or a form of entertainment.
Their conversation is filled with exaggerated expressions of passion and affection, but it is clear to the audience that their interactions are not based on sincere emotions. The lighthearted tone and exaggerated language used by Cecily and Algernon in their discussions about marriage serve to satirize societal norms and expectations surrounding relationships and courtship.
Additionally, the fact that both characters are so easily swayed by appearances and superficial qualities highlights the superficiality and insincerity of their interactions. Ultimately, the trivialization of marriage in the interaction between Cecily and Algernon serves to highlight the absurdity and artificiality of the social conventions and norms that govern relationships in Victorian society.