<p>Oscar Wilde, arguably the wittiest writer in English, was at the height of this powers when he wrote <em>The Importance of Being Earnes</em>t.&nbsp;&nbsp; Wilde wrote it quickly, but then extensively revised and shortened this work to create a gem.&nbsp; Despite its apparent humour, the play addresses the state of Victorian society; indeed, it is subtitled &ldquo;A Trivial Comedy for Serious People.&rdquo;</p>