EarnestA key theme in the book, referring to sincere or intense conviction
Definitions:
Resulting from or showing sincere and intense conviction"He was earnest in his pursuit of truth"
Serious in intention, purpose, or effort"She was earnest about her studies"
BunburyA fictional character that is used as an excuse to avoid social obligations
Definitions:
A term from the play referring to a fictional character or excuse"He used Bunbury as an excuse to escape the dinner party"
To use an imaginary person or excuse to justify absence"He bunburied his way out of the family gathering"
AestheticRelated to the philosophy of art and beauty, a recurring theme in Wilde's work
Definitions:
Concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty"The flowers provide an aesthetic appeal to the garden"
A set of principles guiding work in the arts"His minimalistic aesthetic is striking"