Abstract

The Importance of Being Earnest is the representative of Oscar Wilde’s comedies. It is a typical display of Wilde’s using of lies. These lies are witty, humorous and interesting. This paper examines the role of using lies plays in the aspect of plot, language and characterization. As for the plot, the whole play is based on all the lies told by the characters and the lies also contribute to each part of the plot; as for the language, using lies attaches double meanings to the language, create a musical and coherent sense of the language and adds paradox and philosophy to the language; as for the characterization, using lies helps to shape a group of fresh and impressive figures through words and actions. This paper aims to help the readers to gain a better understanding of how lies contribute to the creation of a literature work.

Key Words: Using of lies, plot, language, characterization

摘要

《认真的重要性》是王尔德喜剧的代表作。这部剧作对体现王尔德谎言的运用具有典型性。剧中的谎言机智、幽默而且有趣。本文将研究王尔德在《认真的重要性》中谎言的运用对该喜剧情节、语言和人物塑造三方面的作用，目的在于帮助读者更好的理解谎言的运用在文学创作中的作用。情节方面，整部喜剧都是建立在谎言之上，而且谎言的运用对情节各个部分有很大作用；语言方面，谎言的运用赋予了语言双重意义，使语言本身具有节奏感和流畅感，并且有效呈现了语言的矛盾修辞和哲学意义；人物塑造方面，谎言的运用通过人物的语言和行动塑造出了一群性格鲜明多样的人物。

关键词：谎言的运用；情节；语言；人物塑造
 
Introduction
Oscar Wilde is an Irish artist of the 19th century. He is claimed to be the representative of the Aesthetic movement. He holds the opinion of art for art’s sake, which subverted the morals of his time and challenged the realism that was then widespread in Britain. His works which embodies wisdom of paradox and especially tact of lying has required a great reputation all over the world. He points out in his work The Decay of Lying that the only humans that exist in the world are those who have never existed . He thinks that lies are something that can make themselves true . During his life, he has altogether created four comedies, namely Lady Wendermere’s Fan, A Woman of No Importance, An Ideal Husband, and The importance of Being Earnest, among which The Importance of Being Earnest is an ever-lasting piece of work on the stage of dramas in the world.