The importance of being earnest

The Importance of Being Earnest
Author’s Name
Institution

Abstract
The play “The Importance of Being Earnest” mocks a number of popular beliefs towards all of its themes. This essay aims at illustrating the way that Wilde uses in his writing to be able to create humor effectively. He uses controversial characters to exaggerate and add humor topics that may be considered important, sometimes even mocking them. One of the most controversial characters is Lady Bracknell, who makes the most unbelievable assertions. While questioning Jack, she says that she does not approve of anything that tampers with natural ignorance. Further, she claims that the education system was not effective otherwise it would have caused trouble for the ruling class. These views may have been used to mock education; they contradict popular belief that education and knowledge make the society better and improve the lives of people. Although most people may disagree with Lady Bracknell’s sentiments, they contain some level of truth when looked into criticallyCITATION Wil15 p “756, 757” l 1033 (Wilde, 1915, pp. 756, 757).
The Importance of Being Earnest
In the society, education is considered a right of every individual and a tool of empowerment. Through education, interaction among the different social classes is expected to be made easier and relations improved. Lady Bracknell statement is contrary to this. She believes that natural ignorance should not be interfered with by education. The rest of her statement claims that education that is effective could pose a great deal of danger to the upper class and even lead to acts of violence.

What she sees as the results of an effective education system is ironical. Ideally, an effective education system should lead to a more empowered society where power systems are respected by all for peaceful coexistence. Any effective education system should therefore make a positive impact in the society and its next generation, making it better rather than destroying itCITATION Wil15 p “741, 747” l 1033 (Wilde, 1915, pp. 741, 747).
I believe that the assertion by Lady Bracknell is true because it explains what happens when empowerment is misused. When people that have been constantly ruled over are educated, they feel the need to take over. They often feel like the knowledge now allows them to be in power and make the rules. As a result tension is built between those in power and the recently empowered through education. Since the ones in power still feel worthy of being in power because class dictates, protests and violent attacks occur. The systems that previously ran a peaceful society are destroyed together with the society.
It is arguable that this kind of empowerment is important in societies where the poor are oppressed. This may be true, however, every society needs leadership systems and governing rules. If empowerment is abused, these structures that hold a society and its values are destroyed. Moreover, violence and protests only cause unrest and fear among a people, damaging the society further. The social classes at the time may have been considered discriminating, but they maintained a peaceful environment. They provided leadership and people to be governed, a norm in every society. All people could not be rulers and it was only reasonable that those with the resources be placed in leadershipCITATION Wil15 p “227, 230” l 1033 (Wilde, 1915, pp. 227, 230).
Although Lady Bracknell, argues on the extreme and continues to show a lack of intellect through the play, she makes an important point. The systems have been established over years and have proven to work. An effective education system would threaten these systems. It is clear that the author has used the voice of Lady Bracknell to show the stupidity in the aristocratic social classes at the time and also to voice the risks that come with empowerment through education. Natural ignorance sometimes should not be tampered with, for the sake of a peaceful society.
References
BIBLIOGRAPHY Wilde, O. (1915). The Importance of Being Earnest A Trivial Comedy For Serious People. Methuen & Co. Ltd.