What function do epigrams and witty dialogue primarily serve in the play?

• A. They generate humor while critiquing social norms and exposing hypocrisy.
• B. They simply fill time with witty remarks and have no deeper purpose.
• C. They reveal the main plot twists before they occur.
• D. They serve as literal stage directions for actors.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that epigrams and witty dialogue function as a stylish way to critique society while provoking laughter. Wilde uses sharp, brief lines to expose the pretensions, double standards, and performative nature of Victorian social life—especially around marriage, class, and what counts as “earnest” behavior. The humor makes the critique engaging and memorable, and the wit reveals character and hypocrisy without heavy-handed moralizing. These lines aren’t just filler or tools for plot twists, and they aren’t stage directions; they’re the vehicle through which Wilde probes social norms and invites the audience to see the absurdity behind polite façades.