Upper class members of Victorian society believed that as long as everything appeared to be moral, the true natures of the lies which lay underneath their facades did not matter, thus believing that appearance is more important than reality
This act of fiction allows her to escape the constraints of her everyday life, highlighting the theme of escapism through the creation of alternative identities
Cecily demonstrates how fiction can serve as a means of developing an alternative reality, enabling individuals to evade the truth and construct a more desirable appearance in their minds
Wilde mocks and criticises the upper classes' beliefs as the women's dreams have no basis on reality, the whole concept of marriage for them was therefore based on unreality
Cecily's seemingly innocent question and subsequent action reveal her playful manipulation of Gwendolen's preferences, highlighting the theme of deception and pretence in the play
Wilde's choice to have the character of Cecily speak "sweetly" adds a layer of irony, as it contrasts with her mischievous intent, underscoring the satirical tone of the work
The act of putting four lumps of sugar into Gwendolen's tea serves as a metaphor for the excessive sweetness and artificiality of societal interactions, echoing the superficiality prevalent in Victorian high society
Politeness and decorum were used as a cover-up, hiding social tensions and inequalities while promoting an aura of refinement and virtue among the elite