Question

How is the consumption of food used as a symbol in the play? What does food stand for in the play? How does Oscar Wilde use symbolism in his social commentary? Use examples from the play to support your answer. (25 points)

Answer 1

Food consumption is used as a symbol for social status in the play. The more food is consumed by a person, the higher is his social status and the more prominent people he knows. Oscar Wilde uses the play to show that excessive society.

Answer 2

It shows how selfish Jack and Algernon are because they basically dine and dash. They go out to eat at expensive restaurants and eat tons of food, but then they leave without paying for it.