The existence of a “dark double” abounds in many literary works of the Victorian era. These "dark doubles" are able to explore the protagonist's forbidden and repressed desires and often represent the author's rebellion against inhibitions in a morally outspoken social climate. The "dark doubles" in these stories are able to explore the socially unacceptable side of human nature, and it is through these "dark doubles" that many of the main characters (and through them, the reader), are able to explore and vicariously experiencing the illicit, forbidden and often exciting underbelly of what was considered deviant behavior. The accepted “normal” behavior required by strict Victorian social protocol could be cast aside by these “dark doubles” and the “immoral” desires of the human heart could be explored in the safety of one's living room. Being Ernest”, we witness a satirical incitement to the hypocrisy associated with the rigid moral code of English “gentile” society. The protagonist of the play, Jack, creates his "dark double", his supposedly carefree, immoral and decadent brother, Ernest. It is through the creation of Ernest that Jack is able to lead his entertaining double life. As he plays himself as Ernest, we see Jack pursue all the things he isn't able to explore in his stuffy Victorian world as Jack. While explaining his presence in the city to Algy, Ernest states: “Oh, nice, nice! What else is supposed to take you somewhere?" (690). Ernest goes on to explain to Algy what he occupies his time in this way: “When one is in the city one has fun. When one is in the country the other has fun p ...... middle of paper ......clear through the literature of the time, that individuals were beginning to question the necessity, both morally and socially, of living a double life or having to repress one's desire It is through these "dark doubles" that many authors have been able to explore and expose the hidden truths in the personalities of their characters, and perhaps in themselves. , they were able to tell the truth. Works Cited Kipling, Rudyard. “The Mark of the Beast.” & Brown, 2010. Print.Wilde, Oscar. “The Importance of Being Ernest.” The Broadview Anthology of British Literature. Peterborough, Ontario: Broadview, 2006. Print.