"The Importance of Being Earnest" is an absurdist comedy that draws attention to the ridiculous divisions between areas of society and different classes.
One of the early examples of the reversal of classes is brought out by Algernon. While the common belief is that the upper class sets the role and precedence for the lower classes, Algernon states the opposite. He believes that "the lower orders don't set [the upper class] a good example, what on earth is the use of them? They seem, as a class, to have absolutely no sense of moral responsibility" (Act I page 2). From the beginning of Act I to the end of Act III ridiculous statements are used to point out the absurdity of societal norms. There is, however, one especially fantastically catty scene between Gwendolen and Cecily that makes fun of upperclass obsession with what is in fashion and the relationship between girls. On page 38 the girls sit down for tea and for every request that Gwendolyn makes, Cecily delivers the opposite. From bread and butter to sugarless tea all the things that Gwendolen declares unfashionable Cecily makes sure to serve. Not only does this make fun of Gwendolen's obsession with being in fashion but it also makes fun of her ridiculous requests.
Societal expectations are ridiculous now but positively absurd then. Wilde uses comedy to lightly point out the things society puts too much importance on.