Answer:
The humor behind the title "The Importance of Being Earnest" lies in the double meaning of the word "earnest." On one hand, the word means "honest" and refers to the characters' attempts to be taken seriously in their various pursuits. On the other hand, the word also refers to a financial arrangement that serves as a guarantee of performance. The play's characters, however, are far from earnest in the sense of being serious or honest. Instead, they are constantly engaged in acts of deception and disguise.
One example of this wordplay can be seen in the character of Jack Worthing. Throughout the play, Jack pretends to have a fictitious brother named Earnest in order to escape from his responsibilities in the city. In Act I, Scene 1, Jack states, "The truth is rarely pure and never simple." This statement highlights the theme of deception that runs throughout the play and also serves as a nod to the double meaning of the word "earnest."
Another example can be seen in the character of Algernon Moncrieff. Algernon creates a fictitious friend named Bunbury in order to avoid social obligations. When asked about the purpose of this fabrication, Algernon responds, "One has to be a little cunning in society if one wants to get on." This statement underscores the characters' lack of honesty and underscores the play's critique of society.
Wilde's use of word play in the title highlights the superficiality and dishonesty of Victorian society. The characters' constant acts of deception serve as a commentary on the values of the upper class and their tendency to prioritize social status over honesty and authenticity. Through his witty and satirical writing, Wilde exposes the absurdity of the societal norms of his time and encourages his audience to question their own values and beliefs.