What is the function of wit and epigrams in the play?

• A. They entertain without conveying deeper meaning.
• B. They reveal the plot twists early.
• C. They critique social norms and expose hypocrisy.
• D. They create confusion about the setting.

Answer: (C)

Wilde uses wit and epigrams to expose the pretensions of Victorian society while keeping the tone light and entertaining. These sharp, paradoxical lines condense social attitudes about marriage, class, and reputation into memorable little truths that reveal how characters perform virtue while pursuing personal gain. For example, lines like “All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That’s his.” crystallize a social stereotype about gender and marriage, then flip it to show its hypocrisy. The humor invites readers to see the gap between what people say and what they do, making the satire feel both palatable and piercing. In this way, the main function of the wit and epigrams is to critique social norms and expose hypocrisy, rather than merely entertain, reveal plot twists, or confuse the setting.