Affections that are used in the dialogues make the drama meaningful. It has a power since each character negotiate their own feelings expressly. We also
can know what Oscar Wilde actually implies from the affection words he made. To find out his power beyond the affection use in this drama, we also have to
consider the context of situation and the context of culture. I took some examples to be interpreted per turn speaker for more examples of affection, see appendix 1-
5 as follows:
4.1.1 Positive affection
46 Cecily
i I am glad to hear it.
Interpretation: the situation set in Cecily’s garden. She spoke with Algernon the person who assumed as Earnest. Therefore, she was very
interested and respect to him. In this clause, we see that Cecily respond him well by presenting her feelings that she is glad to hear
what Algy said. 48 Cecily
iii though I am sure
Interpretation: in this clause, Cecily talked optimistic to Algernon. She believed on her feeling that something he stated is very pleasant. We can
understand her feeling through the word ‘sure’. It shows people’s optimistic a feeling of believe ness.
132 Lady B iii I’m sure iv the programme will be delightful,
Interpretation: Lady Bracnell in this clause was communicating with Algernon and Gwendolen, her daughter. She looked very optimistic to the
programme that Algy discussed. She tended to believe Algernon well.
124 Lady B viii It’s delightful to watch them.
Interpretation: Lady Bracknell gave positive comment on Marry Farquhar’s family. She seems interested in them.
28 Chasuble ii he usually likes to spend his Sunday in London.
Interpretation: Chasuable said that Jack’s feeling that he likes to stay in London on Sunday. The word ‘likes’ shows Jack’s feeling to stay in
London on Sunday.
4.1.2 Negative affection
48 Cecily i I don’t think ii you should be so proud of that,
Interpretation: Cecily tends to have negative feeling to Algernon. She did not believe in Algernon’s feeling about hypocrisy.
99 Jack i For heaven’s sake, don’t try to be cynical. ii It’s
perfectly easy to be cynical.
Interpretation: in this turn, Jack talked to Algernon not to be cynical to him. This shows that Algernon is a gambol person. He often comments
negatively on Jack. Moreover, Jack is an orphan who did not have a high status like him.
9 Miss Prism iv Indeed I am not sure v that I would desire to reclaim
him. vi I am not in favour of this modern mania for turning bad people into good people at a moment’s notice.
Interpretation: the words ‘not sure’ and ‘not in favour’ express negative feelings since they draw that Miss Prism was not optimist and she also did
not like to a modern changes. 127 Chasuble
vi What seem to us bitter trials are often blessings in disguise.
Interpretation: Chasuable stated that the feeling of trials that were bitter is often useful. The word ‘bitter’ shows negative feeling how people to
face a terrible situation.
4.1.3 Direct affection
