Irony and Absurdity

Wilde employs dark irony and absurd situations, such as Lord Arthur's failed murder attempts and the comedic treatment of a ghost being outwitted by modern American pragmatism.

The trivial social setting of a palm-reading party contrasts sharply with the profound dread and existential horror Lord Arthur experiences.

Lord Arthur is struck by the 'comedy of suffering' and its 'grotesque want of meaning,' highlighting the absurdity he perceives in his predicament.

Arthur's practical, calm approach to murder and the absurdity of selecting a victim from a list of friends.

The poison capsule remains untouched while Lady Clementina dies naturally, and Sybil innocently discovers it, highlighting the absurdity of Arthur's ordeal.