Final answer:
Oscar Wilde's use of irony and a coolly detached tone in his literary works serves as a critical commentary on the absurdities and hypocrisies of Victorian social class structure. His detailed and visual writing style, which is similar to Dickens's, enhances his satirical portrayal of the aristocracy's superficial concerns. Wilde's satire is both entertaining and thought-provoking, urging readers to critique societal norms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Oscar Wilde's tone and style in his work play a critical role in reinforcing his view on Victorian society and its social classes. His use of a coolly detached and ironic tone, especially prevalent in the Comedy of Manners, allowed him to critique societal norms and the aristocracy's pretensions. Through characters and their interactions, Wilde often highlighted the absurdities and hypocrisies within the social hierarchy of his time. This approach not only entertains but also prompts readers to question the societal structure around them.
For instance, in his play The Importance of Being Earnest, Wilde's characters engage in witty banter and absurd situations, often puncturing the facade of genteel society. A particular technique Wilde uses is his rich, visual descriptions that create vivid images for the reader, akin to the Dickensian style. This allows readers to immerse themselves in the detailed setting of the story while simultaneously observing the critical lens through which Wilde views his society. The detailed descriptions also serve to satirize the frivolity and superficial concerns of the upper classes.
Moreover, Wilde's narrative style includes the use of satire to criticize the disparity between the Victorian ideology of respectability and the underlying issues such as alcoholism, drug use, and hypocrisy, similar to that highlighted by Realism and Naturalist writers of the era. The use of characters who are at odds with the natural world or prevailing social structures emphasizes the thematic exploration of the human condition and the power dynamics within society. Wilde's characters often use formal language, expected in Victorian society, to veil criticisms of that very society, showcasing how the use of language can both conceal and reveal truth.