Matthew Peeler's Blog

Money typically gives people a different attitude about things. Though it may not seem like it, money is a powerful object that can very easily have a negative effect on people even though they personally feel like they are doing well. This personal thought is usually where the bad begins. The individual begins to believe that they are somewhat “bullet proof” and that they can get away with anything. In my opinion, this situation is very apparent in Oscar Wilde’s play. Throughout the play, the characters take place in several particular actions that are completely immoral. One of these actions in particular stands out to me; this is the fact that Jack is living a life of lies. He says that he has a brother and that he is a man that has very little moral stature. He also says that his name is “Earnest” just to impress Gwendolen. Each of these things are very immoral actions. With some individuals believing that Wilde enjoys the fact that the rich members of the upper class can get away with anything, it raises the point that the play itself is immoral. This statement, in my opinion is very true. When someone of a higher social class gets into a difficult situation, they often believe that they can get out of it simply because of their stature, and sadly enough, this is oftentimes the case. This was the exact thing that happened the entire play for Jack. As I mentioned, Jack lives the life of a lie the entire book and just when things become difficult, the situation works out in his favor. At the end of the book, Jack finds out that his lies are actually true and he plays along like he knew the entire time. This is completely immoral and a true example of the hypocrisy that people in the upper class oftentimes show. Though this hypocrisy and immorality is what makes this poem funny, it does not make the situations in the poem right. So in conclusion, my thoughts are the same as many others as I believe that this poem is completely immoral.