Read the passage from The Importance of Being Earnest.

Algernon: I really don't see anything romantic in proposing. It is very romantic to be in love. But there is nothing romantic about a definite proposal. Why, one may be accepted. One usually is, I believe. Then the excitement is all over. The very essence of romance is uncertainty. If ever I get married, I'll certainly try to forget the fact.

In the passage, Wilde uses _____ to achieve an aesthetic impact.

Answer

Oscar Wilde uses irony in the passage from The Importance of Being Earnest to critique societal notions of romance and marriage. Algernon's views highlight the contradiction between expectations of love and the reality of proposals. This approach not only emphasizes the absurdity of romantic conventions but also adds a humorous tone to the critique.

Explanation

In the passage from The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde uses irony as a literary device to achieve an aesthetic impact.

1. Irony of Proposal: Algernon expresses a lack of romance in marriage proposals, stating that while being in love is romantic, the act of proposing is devoid of romance. This irony highlights the contradiction in societal expectations of love and marriage.

2. Essence of Romance: He claims that 'the essence of romance is uncertainty,' suggesting that once a proposal is made and accepted, the excitement is lost. This is ironic because typical romantic ideals celebrate certainty and the commitment that comes with marriage.

3. Comic Element: The humorous tone of the passage serves to critique the traditional views on love and courtship. Algernon's nonchalance about marriage contrasts with how seriously society often treats love, revealing Wilde’s satirical approach to romantic conventions.

In this way, Wilde employs irony to invite readers to reconsider their perspectives on love, marriage, and the societal norms surrounding them.