Introduction * The Victorian Period in English literature is roughly taken from between 1830 and 1900, approximately running parallel with the long reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901), in England. The age is well known for its seriousness, hypocritical morality and artificial sophistry. Living a double life was apparently quite a common practice of the period. The Importance of Being Earnest (1895) provides a mirror image of the late Victorian upper class life. Oscar Wilde criticizes against the hypocrisy and snobbery of the upper class society, of the late Victorian England. However, one can also see, Wilde positively viewing the elite class as only valuing history, heritage, lineage and the continuity of their family line, which can be understood. This contrast in thinking brings up the question, to whether or not ‘The Importance of being Earnest’, celebrates the Victorian upper class more than criticises it? Criticism * Lady Bracknell has been used by Wilde to represent the high society of the Victorian era. Wilde has mirrored her thinking, with what upper-class families in this period believed to be correct. The elite believed that they were born to rule through divine right and they wanted this right to continue. Upon hearing that Jack has proposed her daughter, Lady Bracknell’s attitude and handling of the situation make it quite clear that she has serious and negative opinions on the matter of intermingling among the social classes. She, however, is not entirely opposed to admitting Jack into her social circle by marrying Gwendolyn, but only if he is able to pass the tests required for entry first. On discovering Jack’s proposal, Lady Bracknell says to him, “I feel bound to tell you that you are not down on my list of eligible young men … However, I am quite ready to enter your name, should your answers be what a really affectionate mother