An example of the theme of hypocrisy in society is in the marriage views found in the play of The Importance of Being of Earnest. Wilde demonstrates the nature of marriage as a matter of �business� or �pleasure�; Algernon and Jack (the two main characters in the play) dispute this discussion and have different opinions on the matter.
The theme of corruption is present in most of Wilde�s writings as found in The Importance of Being of Earnest because of the moral standards that the Victorian society had. Its morality imposed on society is a favorite topic of conversation that Algernon and Jack discuss. Algernon thinks the servant class has a responsibility to set a moral standard for the upper classes. Jack thinks reading a private cigarette case is �ungentlemanly.�
These restrictions and assumptions suggest a strict code of morals that exists in Victorian society, but Wilde isn�t concerned with questions of what is and isn�t moral. Instead, he ridicules the whole Victorian idea of morality as a rigid body of rules about what people should and shouldn�t do.
Another example of the theme of corruption and hypocrisy in society branches into the theme of evil as Wilde presents evil as an external force; Wilde chose to reveal the evil within human beings. Written for "children from eight to eighty", the tales can be read as a representation of Oscar Wilde's own inner battle against the evil forces within himself, and of his wish to remain in a world of childlike innocence. Evil is defined as profoundly immoral or wrong.
In the context of Importance of Being Earnest, Wilde presents the idea that humans themselves are the true source of evil. Algernon and Jack both deceive their loved ones in order to get what they want. Desire and lust drives�according to Wilde�a human to commit evil doings which is justified by the person. The justification presented by Algernon and Jack displays this assertion because both committed evils, but justified their actions. Algernon deceives Cecily by making her believe that his real name is Ernest. Cecily is intrigued by that name but at the same demonstrates her desires with wickedness which is regarded as evil.
In the Importance of Being of Earnest, Ernest, in the narrative perspective of Cecily, is Jack�s brother that is always committing evils and is regarded as a wicked man. Cecily is intrigued by this evil which Wilde portrays that humans possess; Wilde implies that the desire of evil is found within every human as part of their nature.