Beginning of Essay
Critics of the play refer to Wilde's "acity and polish of his wit". Illustrate this mastery using examples which you have enjoyed from the play. According to Collins English Dictionary wit is "the talent or quality of using unexpected associations between contrast ....

Middle of Essay
.... it is more intellectual than straightforward humour which can include slapstick. An epigram is "a brief witty saying". ... Could also group by subject : wordplay, truth, love/marriage, diary, death, education, illness, Society, ... (Maybe too many groups this way, could perhaps cut them down). Examples: too many: to be winnowed: Play on words: Title: The Importance of Being Earnest I.5:5 Algernon: "As far as the piano is concerned, sentiment is my forte." (Play on the word pianoforte.) I.12:161 Algernon:"You look as if your name was Ernest. You are the most earnest looking person I ever saw in my life." (Play on Ernest and earne ....