the importance of being earnest essay

The Importance of Being Earnest

Introduction.

Welcome to a delightful journey through Oscar Wilde’s masterpiece, “The Importance of Being Earnest.” 🎭 This play, first performed in 1895, is a brilliant satire of the Victorian era’s social mores and attitudes, especially concerning marriage and the pursuit of love. Wilde, known for his sharp wit and flamboyant style, was one of the most famous playwrights of his time. 📚

“The Importance of Being Earnest” falls under the genre of comedy , more specifically, a farce and a comedy of manners. It ridicules the societal norms of the late Victorian London, cleverly exposing the superficiality and pretentiousness of the upper class. Through its ingenious plot, memorable characters, and witty dialogue , Wilde critiques the triviality with which society treats institutions as serious as marriage, all while entertaining his audience with relentless humor and irony.

So, let’s dive into the world of mistaken identities, double lives, and the ultimate quest for love and earnestness, all served with a generous side of Oscar Wilde’s incomparable wit . 🌹🎩

Plot Summary

“The Importance of Being Earnest” is a whirlwind of romance , mistaken identities, and witty banter, all wrapped up in Oscar Wilde’s critique of Victorian society. Here’s a closer look at the main events that shape this unforgettable comedy :

Exposition — The play opens in Algernon Moncrieff’s luxurious London flat, where Algernon discovers that his friend, Jack Worthing, leads a double life. Jack is known as “Ernest” in London, where he often escapes to enjoy himself away from his country estate and his ward, Cecily Cardew.

Rising Action — Jack wishes to propose to Algernon’s cousin, Gwendolen Fairfax, but faces obstacles, including Gwendolen’s mother, Lady Bracknell, who disapproves of Jack’s unknown parentage. Meanwhile, Algernon, intrigued by Jack’s description of his young and pretty ward Cecily, decides to visit Jack’s country home, posing as the fictitious brother, “Ernest.”

Climax — Gwendolen and Cecily both believe themselves to be engaged to “Ernest.” When they meet at Jack’s country home and discover the confusion, tensions rise. Jack and Algernon are forced to confess their deceptions, leaving both relationships in jeopardy.

Falling Action — As the couples reconcile, Lady Bracknell arrives to confront the situation. Her objections to Jack’s proposal to Gwendolen remain, but she is swayed when she discovers Cecily is wealthy. However, Cecily’s fortune is conditional on her marrying someone named Ernest, adding to the complexity.

Resolution — The play reaches its resolution when it’s revealed that Jack is actually Algernon’s older brother, making him a suitable match for Gwendolen by birth and wealth. Furthermore, Jack discovers that his real name is indeed Ernest, satisfying the conditions of Cecily’s inheritance and fulfilling the earnest desires of both couples for love and marriage.

Through this series of misunderstandings and revelations, Wilde critiques the superficial values of Victorian society while entertaining the audience with the characters’ elaborate schemes to live up to societal expectations and find true love.

Character Analysis

In “The Importance of Being Earnest,” Oscar Wilde introduces us to a cast of characters who are both delightfully absurd and deeply reflective of the societal norms of his time. Let’s dive into the main characters:

• Jack Worthing — Jack is the play’s protagonist , who leads a double life as “Ernest” in London. He is responsible and respectable in the country but seeks escape and excitement in the city. Throughout the play, Jack’s challenge is to reconcile his dual identities and find happiness in love and truth.
• Algernon Moncrieff — Algernon is Jack’s friend, characterized by his witty, cynical outlook on life and a penchant for creating trouble. He also adopts an alter ego , visiting Jack’s country home as the fictitious “Ernest.” Algernon represents Wilde’s critique of the idle upper class, showing both the charm and the superficiality of high society.
• Gwendolen Fairfax — Gwendolen is Algernon’s cousin and Jack’s love interest. She embodies the Victorian ideal of a sophisticated, somewhat shallow, society lady. Gwendolen is fixated on the name Ernest, symbolizing the absurdity of societal expectations. Her character arc shows growth towards valuing sincerity over superficial qualities.
• Cecily Cardew — Cecily is Jack’s ward, a young and imaginative girl who becomes engaged to Algernon (as “Ernest”). Her fanciful nature contrasts with Gwendolen’s more worldly persona , but both women are similarly obsessed with the name Ernest. Cecily represents innocence and the romantic idealism that Wilde both admired and satirized.
• Lady Bracknell — Lady Bracknell is Gwendolen’s mother and the embodiment of Victorian societal norms. Authoritative, snobbish, and utterly unyielding, she serves as the main antagonist , blocking the young lovers’ paths to happiness with her concerns over social status and propriety.
• Miss Prism — Miss Prism is Cecily’s governess, whose past mistake with a baby carriage is a pivotal plot point. She represents the Victorian moral compass, but with her own quirks and a hidden past that adds depth to her character.
• Rev. Canon Chasuble, D.D. — The rector of Jack’s parish, Chasuble, provides comic relief through his interactions with Miss Prism and the young couples. He represents the Church’s presence in society, but his character is drawn with a light touch, avoiding deep religious commentary.

Character Analysis Summary

Through these characters, Wilde explores themes of identity, societal expectations, and the pursuit of happiness, all while entertaining us with their quirks and foibles.

Themes and Symbols

Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” is rich with themes and symbols that critique Victorian society while entertaining the audience with its wit and irony. Here are the major themes and symbols explored in the play:

• Dual Identity — The theme of living a double life is central to the play, illustrated by Jack’s and Algernon’s alter egos. This duality satirizes the hypocrisy and superficiality of the Victorian upper class, showing how societal pressures lead individuals to lead secret lives.
• The Critique of Marriage — Wilde uses the play to critique the Victorian attitudes towards marriage, portraying it as a social contract motivated by status and wealth rather than love. Lady Bracknell’s interrogation of Jack and her concerns over Cecily’s dowry underscore this theme .
• The Importance of Being “Earnest” — The play’s title itself is a pun on the double meaning of “earnest” as both a name and a trait of sincerity. Wilde plays with the idea that being earnest (sincere) is less important in society than having the right appearances or connections. The resolution suggests a reconciliation between the two, as Jack discovers his true identity and learns the value of being sincere.
• Food as a Symbol — Food in the play often symbolizes the characters’ indulgence and the excesses of the upper class. Algernon’s voracious appetite, particularly for cucumbers sandwiches, serves as a comedic element that also critiques the trivial concerns of the aristocracy.
• The Misplaced Manuscript — The manuscript that Miss Prism accidentally leaves in the perambulator is a pivotal symbol in the play. It represents the hidden truths and mistakes that underlie the characters’ public personas, leading to the ultimate unraveling of the plot and resolution of the characters’ various dilemmas.
• Gardens — The gardens in the play, especially in the country estate, symbolize a natural, idyllic space away from the constraints of society. They are settings for romantic pursuits and misunderstandings, contrasting with the more stifling atmosphere of London society.

These themes and symbols work together to create a layered critique of Wilde’s society, questioning the values and norms of the Victorian era with humor and insight. Through “The Importance of Being Earnest,” Wilde invites the audience to reflect on the absurdity of societal expectations and the importance of authenticity, all within the framework of a highly entertaining theatrical experience.

Style and Tone

Oscar Wilde’s writing style in “The Importance of Being Earnest” is distinguished by its wit , irony, and satirical edge, all of which contribute significantly to the mood and atmosphere of the play. Here’s how Wilde’s style and tone serve as the backbone of this comedic masterpiece:

• Wit and Wordplay — Wilde’s dialogue sparkles with wit and clever wordplay , making the most of puns , double entendres, and paradoxes. This linguistic playfulness not only entertains but also sharpens the critique of societal norms, highlighting the absurdity and hypocrisy of Victorian attitudes.
• Satire and Irony — The play is a satirical masterpiece, using irony to expose the superficiality and triviality of upper-class society. Wilde’s tone often oscillates between light-hearted jest and biting critique, allowing him to comment on serious social issues without losing the play’s comedic edge.
• Aestheticism — Wilde was a proponent of the aesthetic movement, which held that art should be pursued for its beauty alone rather than for its moral or political message. This philosophy is reflected in the play’s emphasis on clever dialogue and a plot that prioritizes entertainment and irony over moralizing.
• Epigrams — Wilde’s use of epigrams, or memorable, succinct sayings, is a hallmark of his writing style. These witty observations, often delivered by Algernon and Lady Bracknell, encapsulate Wilde’s views on society, marriage, and human nature in a way that is both humorous and thought-provoking.
• Farce and Comedy of Manners — The play is structured as a farce , featuring improbable situations, mistaken identities, and slapstick elements, all serving to exaggerate the follies of the characters and their situations. As a comedy of manners, it also focuses on satirizing the behaviors and customs of the aristocratic society, particularly in matters of marriage and courtship.

The interplay of these stylistic elements creates a distinctive tone that is at once light and serious, frivolous and profound. Wilde masterfully balances humor with social commentary, making “The Importance of Being Earnest” not only a delightful theatrical experience but also a sharp critique of the mores of his time.

Literary Devices used in The Importance of Being Earnest

Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” is a treasure trove of literary devices that enhance its satirical tone and comedic effect. Here are the top 10 literary devices Wilde employs, each serving to enrich the play’s texture and depth:

• Irony — The use of irony is pervasive, with Wilde often saying the opposite of what is meant, especially to highlight the absurdity of societal norms and expectations. The very title is ironic, considering the play’s exploration of deceit and dual identities.
• Satire — Wilde satirizes the Victorian society’s superficial values, particularly around marriage, social status, and the importance of appearances. Through exaggerated characters and situations, he critiques the moral hypocrisy of the era.
• Epigrams — Wilde’s epigrams are witty, concise statements that convey his observations on life, society, and human nature. These memorable lines are both humorous and insightful, adding a layer of sophistication to the dialogue .
• Paradox — The play is filled with paradoxical statements that challenge conventional wisdom and societal norms, encouraging the audience to see the absurdity in everyday assumptions and behaviors.
• Hyperbole — Exaggeration is used for comedic effect, especially in the characters’ reactions to situations and in their descriptions of each other. This device amplifies the play’s critique of the excesses and frivolity of upper-class society.
• Puns and Wordplay — Wilde’s love for puns and clever wordplay is evident throughout the play, with characters often engaging in verbal sparring that entertains while subtly revealing their personalities and relationships.
• Dramatic Irony — The audience is often in on secrets that the characters are not, creating humorous situations where characters speak or act in ignorance of the full context , enhancing the comedic effect.
• Foreshadowing — Subtle hints at future events or revelations are woven into the dialogue and action , building anticipation and adding layers to the narrative .
• Symbolism — Objects and actions in the play often symbolize larger themes or societal critiques, such as the importance of names, food as a symbol of excess, and the handbag which plays a pivotal role in the plot’s resolution .
• Repetition — Repetition is used for emphasis and comic effect, especially in the characters’ obsessions (like the name “Ernest”) and in the play’s running gags, reinforcing the critique of society’s absurdities.

These literary devices are not just stylistic flourishes; they are integral to the play’s themes and its effectiveness as a satirical comedy . Wilde’s masterful use of these tools engages the audience on multiple levels, making “The Importance of Being Earnest” a rich, multi-dimensional work that continues to entertain and provoke thought long after the curtain falls.

Literary Devices Examples

Let’s explore examples and explanations for each of the top 10 literary devices used in “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde, showcasing how these devices contribute to the play’s wit , humor, and satirical commentary.

• Jack’s statement that he has “lost” his brother Ernest, which in reality means he is ceasing to pretend he has a brother.
• Lady Bracknell’s various pronouncements, such as her disapproval of Jack for not knowing his parents, which is ironic considering her obsession with social status.
• The entire concept of “Bunburying,” which is a fabrication but is treated with utmost seriousness by Algernon.
• Lady Bracknell’s interrogation of Jack about his suitability as a husband for Gwendolen, focusing on trivial matters rather than character.
• Algernon’s views on marriage and the importance of not being married, which satirize societal views on the institution.
• Miss Prism’s romantic novel , which she considers to be a serious work, satirizing the seriousness with which society takes itself.
• “The truth is rarely pure and never simple.”
• “All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy . No man does. That’s his.”
• “To lose one parent may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness.”
• The concept of being earnest in name but not in behavior, as seen with both Jack and Algernon.
• Lady Bracknell’s assertion that ignorance is a delicate exotic fruit; touch it, and the bloom is gone, which contradicts the value of knowledge.
• Miss Prism’s statement that the good end happily, and the bad unhappily, which is the very definition of fiction , highlighting the paradox of societal expectations versus reality.
• Lady Bracknell’s shock at Jack being found in a handbag, exaggerating the importance of one’s origins to absurdity.
• Algernon’s excessive consumption of cucumber sandwiches intended for Lady Bracknell.
• Gwendolen’s declaration that she could never love a man named anything but Ernest, exaggerating the importance of a name.

Puns and Wordplay

• The play on the name Ernest/earnest throughout the play.
• Algernon’s statement about “Bunburying” as an invaluable permanent invalid, which plays on the words to critique social excuses.
• Jack’s declaration that he plans to “kill” his brother Ernest, playing with the concept of ending his double life.

Dramatic Irony

• The audience knows Jack’s and Algernon’s deceptions from the start, while the other characters do not.
• Lady Bracknell does not know that her own nephew is posing as Ernest.
• The audience is aware of the mix-up with the handbag before the characters realize its significance.

Foreshadowing

• Miss Prism’s uncomfortable reaction to the mention of a handbag hints at her involvement in the mix-up.
• Algernon’s interest in Cecily before he meets her, suggesting their future relationship.
• Jack’s disdain for his imaginary brother Ernest foreshadows his own troubles with his double identity.
• The handbag symbolizes Jack’s mysterious origins and his true identity.
• Food, particularly cucumber sandwiches and muffins, symbolizes the characters’ indulgence and the trivialities of their concerns.
• The name Ernest symbolizes the importance of sincerity and the absurdity of societal emphasis on appearances.
• The repeated insistence on the name Ernest by both Gwendolen and Cecily, emphasizing the absurdity of societal expectations.
• Lady Bracknell’s repeated concerns about social status and connections, underscoring her character’s superficial values.
• The repeated act of “Bunburying,” highlighting the characters’ duplicity and the lengths to which they will go to escape societal pressures.

Through these examples, it’s clear how Wilde skillfully uses literary devices to enhance the humor, develop characters, and critique societal norms, making “The Importance of Being Earnest” a rich and enduring work of literature.

The Importance of Being Earnest – FAQs

What is the main plot of “The Importance of Being Earnest”? The main plot revolves around two friends, Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, who use alter egos to escape their daily lives. Jack, who goes by Ernest in London, falls in love with Gwendolen Fairfax, while Algernon, posing as Ernest, falls for Cecily Cardew. The play unfolds with a series of comedic misunderstandings and revelations, ultimately exploring themes of identity, social hypocrisy, and the importance of being earnest.

Who is the author of “The Importance of Being Earnest”? Oscar Wilde, an Irish playwright, poet, and author, wrote “The Importance of Being Earnest.” Wilde is renowned for his wit , literary skills, and critique of Victorian society, which are prominently displayed in this play.

What are the main themes in “The Importance of Being Earnest”? The play explores several themes, including the triviality of societal norms, the duality of public and private selves, the absurdity of romantic and social conventions, and the critique of marriage as a social tool rather than an expression of love.

Why is the title “The Importance of Being Earnest” considered a pun? The title is a pun on the dual meaning of the word “earnest”—as a name (Ernest) and as a quality of sincerity or seriousness. The play humorously contrasts the characters’ lack of sincerity with their obsession with the name Ernest, highlighting the superficiality of societal values.

How does Oscar Wilde critique Victorian society in the play? Wilde critiques Victorian society through satire and irony, targeting its rigid social codes, hypocrisy, and the importance placed on appearances and propriety over genuine feelings and moral integrity. Characters such as Lady Bracknell epitomize the extreme and often absurd standards of the era.

Can “The Importance of Being Earnest” be considered a comedy of manners? Yes, it is a prime example of a comedy of manners, a genre that satirizes the behaviors, customs, and etiquette of a particular social class, often through witty dialogue and an intricate plot. The play mocks the Victorian upper class’s pretensions and moral values.

What literary devices does Oscar Wilde use in the play? Wilde employs numerous literary devices, including irony, satire, epigrams (witty, concise statements), paradoxes, and wordplay , to enhance the humor and critique of social norms.

What is the significance of the characters’ dual identities? The dual identities of Jack and Algernon symbolize the duality of Victorian society, where individuals often led double lives to escape the constraints of respectability and societal expectations. This theme questions the authenticity of social identities and the value of earnestness.

How does “The Importance of Being Earnest” reflect Oscar Wilde’s personal views? The play reflects Wilde’s views on art, society, and morality, showcasing his belief in aestheticism (art for art’s sake), his disdain for the superficiality of social conventions, and his advocacy for individuality and sincerity.

What impact has “The Importance of Being Earnest” had on modern theater? “The Importance of Being Earnest” remains one of the most enduring and frequently performed plays in the English language, admired for its wit , masterful language, and insightful critique of society. It has influenced countless playwrights and continues to be relevant in discussions of social hypocrisy, identity, and the nature of love and marriage.

This quiz is designed to test comprehension of “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde, touching on key plot points, characters, themes, and literary devices.

Identify the literary devices used in the following excerpt from “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde:

“ALGERNON: The only way to behave to a woman is to make love to her, if she is pretty, and to someone else, if she is plain.” “JACK: That is nonsense.” “ALGERNON: What about your brother? What about the profligate Ernest?” “JACK: Oh, that is all nonsense. Ernest is a very different person indeed.”

• Irony – Algernon’s statement about how to behave to a woman is ironic, given the play’s exploration of superficiality in relationships.
• Epigram – Algernon’s line is a witty, memorable saying that encapsulates a view of the world with humor and brevity.
• Satire – This exchange satirizes the way Victorian society approached courtship and marriage, with a focus on appearances and convenience rather than genuine connection.
• Characterization – Through this dialogue , Wilde further develops Algernon and Jack’s characters, showcasing Algernon’s cynical view on love and Jack’s more pragmatic and skeptical perspective .
• Foreshadowing – Mentioning the “profligate Ernest” foreshadows the later revelations about Jack’s own double life and the consequences of his deception.

The Importance of Being Earnest

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The Importance of Being Earnest

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Summary and Study Guide

The Importance of Being Earnest, a comedy, is Oscar Wilde’s final play. It premiered at St. James’ Theatre in London on February 14, 1895 and skewered the contemporary habits and attitudes of the British aristocracy. The opening was hugely successful, but Wilde’s ongoing conflict with the Marquess of Queensberry, his lover’s powerful father, led the play to close prematurely after Wilde was charged with “gross indecency” for having sex with men. Despite this setback, The Importance of Being Earnest was almost immediately revived and has become Wilde’s most celebrated play. Three major screen adaptations have been produced: in 1952 by Anthony Asquith; in 1992 by Kurt Baker with an all-Black cast; and again in 2002 with Colin Firth, Judi Dench, and Reese Witherspoon in starring roles. The citations in this guide refer to the Samuel French edition used by most theater groups.

Plot Summary

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The play centers upon two young men, Algernon Moncrieff and Jack “Ernest” Worthing, and the farcical misunderstandings that trip up their respective courtships. When “Ernest” asks Algernon for permission to propose to Algernon’s cousin Gwendolen Fairfax, Algernon demands to know why his friend’s cigarette case has an engraving addressed to “Uncle Jack.” Jack has been living a double life, going by the name Ernest in London and by his legal name in the country. There, he is the guardian to Cecily Cardew, a young heiress, and must maintain his reputation with her as an upstanding, sober man. Jack pretends that he has a dissolute brother named Ernest whom he must visit in London frequently. By using an alias in London, he also manages to displace any negative gossip about himself onto his fictional brother. Algernon explains to Jack that he has done something similar by inventing a perpetually sick friend named Bunbury whose frequent illnesses serve as an excuse to avoid social obligations.

Algernon’s aunt Augusta (Lady Bracknell) and his cousin Gwendolen (Miss Fairfax) enter the room. While Algernon distracts Lady Bracknell offstage, Jack proposes to Gwendolen, who tells him that she has always longed to marry someone named Ernest and accepts. When Jack asks how she would feel if his name were Jack instead, she says she would not love him; and he resolves to be rechristened under the name Ernest.

Algernon reenters with Lady Bracknell who does not accept Jack and Gwendolen’s engagement and interrogates Jack about his background. She is mostly pleased with his answers until she discovers that he does not know his parents and was discovered in a handbag in the cloakroom at London’s Victoria Station. She storms off in a huff. Jack manages to pass on his country address to Gwendolen, but Algernon discovers the address as well.

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The location changes to the garden at Jack’s country estate on a sunny July day where Cecily is studying with her governess, Miss Prism . Dr. Chasuble , the local church canon, enters and chats with Miss Prism. They are clearly attracted to one another, and Dr. Chasuble invites Miss Prism to accompany him on an evening walk. Cecily is by herself when Algernon arrives unexpectedly and introduces himself as Ernest. He pretends to be Jack’s rakish younger brother and soon charms Cecily.

Algernon and Cecily enter the house as Miss Prism and Dr. Chasuble return. Jack soon joins wearing a black suit. He is pretending that his brother Ernest has died and he is in mourning, not realizing that Algernon has arrived pretending to be Ernest. Jack arranges for Dr. Chasuble to christen him later that afternoon. Cecily and Algernon emerge from the house, catching Jack in his lie about the death of his brother. When they are alone, Jack confronts Algernon and demands that he leave. Algernon and Cecily instead conspire to make Algernon miss his train, and Algernon proposes to her. She accepts, having fallen in love with the wicked behavior of both “Ernests.” Algernon now discovers that Cecily, like Gwendolen, would not love him if his name were not Ernest.

Cecily is left alone again by the time Gwendolen arrives unannounced. Cecily welcomes Gwendolen, and the two have a mutual liking until they realize that they are both engaged to a man named “Ernest,” thinking it is the same person. Jack and Algernon soon appear and must admit to their deception.

Jack and Algernon mollify their fiancés by promising to both be rechristened as Ernest. Lady Bracknell suddenly appears and refuses to allow Algernon to marry a woman she knows only as Jack’s ward. Her objections disappear when Jack tells her that she is enormously wealthy. Jack, however, refuses to give permission for the marriage unless he is permitted to marry Gwendolen.

When Dr. Chasuble mentions Miss Prism in front of Lady Bracknell, she demands to see her. Miss Prism is an old servant of hers who misplaced her infant nephew twenty-eight years earlier. Jack fetches the handbag in which he was discovered, and it is proved that he is the infant nephew in question. Jack is the son of Lady Bracknell’s sister and, therefore, Algernon’s older brother. Jack was to have been named for his father, so he checks the old Army lists and finds that his father’s name was Ernest. Lady Bracknell gives permission for Jack and Gwendolen to marry, and Jack gives permission for Algernon and Cecily to do the same. The play ends with three couples embracing: Algernon and Cecily, Jack and Gwendolen, and Dr. Chasuble and Miss Prism.

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The Importance of Being Earnest: Brief Overview and Thorough Analysis

If you're intrigued by the wit and whimsy of 'The Importance of Being Earnest,' then settle in for a delightful journey through this literary gem. In an era when seriousness reigned supreme in literature, Oscar Wilde's eccentric comedy breathed fresh life into British society of the late 1800s.

At first glance, one might dismiss it as mere frivolity, but that would be a mistake. Behind every comedic flourish lies a profound layer of meaning waiting to be unearthed. Let this article be your guide to The Importance of Being Earnest analysis as we delve into the depths of Wilde's wit, offering a unique perspective and perhaps even a touch of inspiration for your own scholarly pursuits and custom research paper .

Shortly about Oscar Wilde

Born on October 16, 1854, in Dublin, Ireland, Oscar Wilde was destined for literary greatness from the start. With a razor-sharp wit and a penchant for drama, he dazzled those around him from an early age.

After receiving an education at Trinity College, Dublin, Wilde set sail for England, where he quickly became a literary sensation. His plays, novels, and essays captured the essence of Victorian society with a sharpness and humor unparalleled in his time.

Wilde's magnum opus, 'The Importance of Being Earnest,' stands as a testament to his comedic genius and satirical prowess. With its biting wit and clever wordplay, the play remains a staple of English literature, captivating audiences with its timeless humor.

However, behind Wilde's public persona lay a life rife with scandal and controversy. His relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas, known as 'Bosie,' sparked outrage and condemnation in Victorian society, ultimately leading to Wilde's downfall.

In 1895, Wilde faced a series of trials that culminated in his conviction for 'gross indecency' and subsequent imprisonment. Despite the adversity he faced, he maintained his irrepressible spirit, penning one of his most famous works, 'De Profundis,' during his time in prison.

The author's legacy endures not only in his literary works but also in his unapologetic embrace of individualism and defiance of societal norms. His famous aphorisms, such as 'I can resist anything except temptation' and 'We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars,' continue to resonate with readers around the world, reminding us to live life with wit, style, and unyielding authenticity.

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Before we dive into the The Importance of Being Earnest analysis, let's take a moment to familiarize ourselves with the play and briefly review the main characters.

Jack Worthing

A gentleman of wealth and property, Jack leads a double life. In the city, he goes by the name Ernest, while in the countryside, he is Jack. He is responsible, well-meaning, and deeply in love with Gwendolen Fairfax. However, his tangled web of lies threatens to unravel as the play progresses.

Algernon Moncrieff

Jack's close friend and charming bachelor, Algernon, is known for his wit and love of pleasure. He adopts the identity of Ernest to pursue his romantic interests, leading to humorous misunderstandings and complications. Algernon's carefree demeanor contrasts sharply with Jack's more serious nature.

Cecily Cardew

Jack's ward and a charming young woman, Cecily, is sheltered yet spirited, with a penchant for romantic fantasies. She falls deeply in love with the idea of Ernest before even meeting him, setting the stage for a series of comedic misunderstandings with Algernon.

Gwendolen Fairfax

The sophisticated and determined love interest of Jack, Gwendolen, is enamored with the name Ernest and believes it to be a vital prerequisite for a husband. She is headstrong, witty, and unapologetically romantic, determined to marry a man by that name regardless of any obstacles.

Lady Bracknell

Gwendolen's formidable and snobbish mother, Lady Bracknell, is the epitome of Victorian societal expectations. She is determined to secure a suitable match for her daughter and is highly critical of anyone who does not meet her exacting standards, including Jack.

Cecily's governess, Miss Prism, is a well-intentioned but absent-minded character with a mysterious past. She becomes entangled in the romantic entanglements of the other characters, inadvertently revealing secrets that have long been buried.

Rev. Canon Chasuble, D.D.

The local rector, Canon Chasuble, is a somewhat oblivious clergyman who becomes embroiled in the romantic escapades of the other characters. He provides a source of comic relief with his peculiarities and misunderstandings.

First performed in 1895, the play revolves around mistaken identities, societal conventions, and the absurdities of romance in Victorian England.

The story begins with Algernon Moncrieff, a charming bachelor, and his friend Jack Worthing. Jack leads a double life, presenting himself as Ernest in the city and Jack in the country. Algernon, intrigued by Jack's mysterious past and his beautiful young ward, Cecily Cardew, decides to visit Jack's country estate.

Meanwhile, Jack is in love with Gwendolen Fairfax, Lady Bracknell's sophisticated and determined daughter. Gwendolen shares Jack's passion, particularly for the name 'Ernest, believing it to be the epitome of masculine charm.

As the plot unfolds, mistaken identities abound. Algernon masquerades as Jack's fictitious brother, Ernest, to court Cecily, who quickly falls in love with the idea of being engaged to someone named Ernest.

The arrival of Gwendolen at Jack's country estate further complicates matters when she discovers that Jack's real name is not Ernest, as she had believed. Nevertheless, both Gwendolen and Cecily remain determined to marry a man named Ernest.

Amidst the chaos, Lady Bracknell arrives, determined to ensure that her daughter marries into a suitable family. However, she is appalled by Jack's mysterious parentage and refuses to consent to his marriage to Gwendolen.

In the end, secrets are revealed, misunderstandings are resolved, and true love triumphs. Jack learns of his true parentage and his real name, Ernest. Lady Bracknell relents, giving her blessing to the marriages of both Jack and Algernon to Gwendolen and Cecily, respectively. The play concludes with a humorous twist as Jack reflects on the absurdity of his own story and the importance of being earnest in matters of both love and social etiquette.

The Importance of Being Earnest Essay Sample

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The Importance of Being Earnest Analysis

The playwright masterfully dissects the hypocrisies and absurdities of the Victorian upper class through a lens of satire and humor. Let's delve deeper into the analysis of The Importance of Being Earnest and examine the key elements of this timeless play:

• Dual Identities and Deception: Wilde explores the theme of dual identities and deception through the characters of Jack and Algernon, who adopt false personas ('Ernest') to navigate social expectations. This theme highlights the disconnect between appearance and reality, exposing the superficiality of societal norms.
• Social Class and Marriage: The play satirizes the rigid social hierarchies and expectations surrounding marriage in Victorian society. Characters like Lady Bracknell embody the aristocratic disdain for those deemed beneath their station, while the pursuit of marriage becomes a farcical endeavor driven by wealth and status rather than genuine affection.
• Morality and Hypocrisy: Wilde exposes the hypocrisy and moral decay lurking beneath the veneer of respectability. The characters engage in deceitful behaviors and moral relativism, challenging conventional notions of virtue and propriety.

2. Characters:

• Jack Worthing (Ernest): Jack serves as a representative of the upper-middle class grappling with societal expectations and personal desires. His adoption of the persona 'Ernest' reflects his desire to escape the constraints of his social identity while also highlighting the absurdity of societal conventions.
• Algernon Moncrieff: Algernon embodies the dandyish charm and hedonistic tendencies prevalent among the aristocracy. His pursuit of pleasure and romantic conquests masks a deeper sense of ennui and disillusionment with societal norms.
• Gwendolen Fairfax: Gwendolen represents the prototypical Victorian woman constrained by societal expectations of femininity and marriage. Her obsession with the name 'Ernest' symbolizes her desire for romantic fulfillment and escape from her stifling existence.
• Cecily Cardew: Cecily embodies youthful innocence and romantic idealism, eagerly awaiting her own romantic hero in the form of 'Ernest.' Her sheltered upbringing and penchant for melodrama serve as a foil to the cynicism of the adult characters.
• Lady Bracknell: Lady Bracknell personifies the aristocratic disdain for social mobility and the pursuit of personal happiness. Her interrogation of potential suitors highlights the absurdity of marriage as a transactional arrangement driven by wealth and lineage.

3. Satirical Techniques:

• Epigrams and Paradoxes: Wilde's use of epigrams and paradoxes infuses the dialogue with wit and irony, challenging conventional wisdom and exposing the contradictions inherent in Victorian society.
• Exaggeration and Farce: The play employs exaggeration and farce to heighten the absurdity of its characters and situations, eliciting laughter while also provoking reflection on deeper societal issues.

4. Resolution:

• Revelations and Irony: The resolution of the play sees the unraveling of deception and the revelation of the characters' true identities. However, the irony lies in the fact that despite the chaos and absurdity, the characters ultimately conform to societal expectations, underscoring the entrenched nature of Victorian values.

As we continue Importance of Being Earnest analysis, let's examine some of the central themes explored in the play that offer insight into the Victorian upper class while challenging traditional norms.

Earnestness

At the heart of the play lies the theme of earnestness, or the lack thereof, among the characters. Wilde examines the contrast between those who take life seriously and those who adopt a more carefree attitude. Characters like Jack and Algernon grapple with their responsibilities, while others, such as Algernon's butler, Lane, exhibit a nonchalant approach to life's obligations.

Responsibility

Wilde explores the notion of responsibility through the actions of his characters. While some, like Jack, exhibit a strong sense of duty towards their societal obligations, others, like Algernon, shirk their responsibilities in favor of pleasure-seeking. This theme highlights the tension between individual desires and societal expectations.

Religion serves as a backdrop against which Wilde critiques the superficiality and hypocrisy of the upper class. The characters' shallow attitude towards religious rituals reflects a broader skepticism towards traditional institutions and moral values. Wilde suggests that religion is often used as a facade to maintain appearances rather than a genuine expression of faith.

Marriage emerges as a central theme in the play, with Wilde satirizing the institution and the societal expectations surrounding it. Despite the characters' aversion to the idea of matrimony, they find themselves entangled in a web of engagements and proposals. Wilde highlights the tension between societal pressure to marry and the desire for personal freedom, particularly among the male protagonists.

Freedom and Individuality

Wilde subtly critiques the constraints placed on individuals by Victorian upper classes, particularly in terms of gender roles and social expectations. Characters like Cecily and Gwendolen assert their independence and agency in pursuing their romantic interests, challenging traditional notions of femininity and passivity.

Social Class

Social class plays a significant role in the play, with characters like Lady Bracknell embodying the aristocratic disdain for those deemed beneath their station. Wilde exposes the absurdity of class distinctions and the superficiality of societal hierarchies, suggesting that one's worth should not be determined by birth or wealth.

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The Importance of Being Earnest Symbols

What are some symbols in The Importance of Being Earnest? They appear throughout the play, bringing additional meaning to the scenes. Let's examine the major figures:

Ernest and Bunbury

Undeniably, both 'brother Ernest' and 'friend Bunbury' are fundamental to the play. 'Ernest' is the fictional alter ego created by Jack and Algernon to escape the constraints of their everyday lives. He represents the desire to break free from societal expectations and indulge in frivolity. Similarly, 'Bunbury' symbolizes the fabricated excuses and deceitful practices employed by the characters to evade responsibility and pursue their desires.

Big city and countryside

The contrast between the bustling city life of London and the tranquil countryside serves as a symbolic reflection of societal attitudes and class distinctions. The characters' discussions about their preferences for city living versus country living highlight their aspirations for social status and cultural refinement. The city represents sophistication and wealth, while the countryside is associated with simplicity and lower social standing. Wilde uses this symbolism to critique the superficiality of societal judgments based on geography and class, challenging the notion that one's worth is determined by one's surroundings.

Food and Dining

Scenes set around the dining table are often accompanied by witty banter and social commentary, highlighting the performative nature of Victorian etiquette. Food becomes a symbol of status and refinement, with characters using elaborate dinner parties and tea ceremonies to assert their social superiority. However, beneath the veneer of civility lies a world of deception and hypocrisy, as characters engage in verbal sparring and manipulation over tea and cucumber sandwiches.

The Importance of Being Earnest Movie

While you can relish Oscar Wilde's play on stage, you can also savor 'The Importance of Being Earnest' movie from the comfort of your home. Unlike the works of George Bernard Shaw, Charles Dickens, or Jane Austen, Wilde's comedic genius creates an atmosphere that is both cozy and humorous, a vibe that shines through in the 2002 film adaptation.

The movie boasts high-quality set decorations and costumes that transport viewers to the England of Queen Victoria. The attention to detail helps recreate the opulence and elegance of the Victorian era, providing a visually stunning backdrop for the witty banter and comedic antics of the characters.

In terms of success, the film achieved impressive financial returns, raking in over seventeen million dollars in revenue worldwide. This widespread success speaks to the enduring appeal of Wilde's timeless humor and the universal themes explored in the play.

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The Importance of Being Earnest Quotes

Oscar Wilde is renowned for his unforgettable quotes, and 'The Importance of Being Earnest' is brimming with brilliant lines that capture the essence of its characters.

Take, for example, Lady Bracknell's infamous line, 'To lose one parent may be regarded as a misfortune… to lose both seems like carelessness.' This quip not only showcases Wilde's razor-sharp humor but also characterizes Lady Bracknell as a woman lacking in empathy and understanding.

Similarly, Cecily Cardew's remark, 'I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read on the train,' speaks volumes about her shallow and melodramatic nature. It's a witty observation that perfectly encapsulates Cecily's penchant for romantic fantasy and self-absorption.

Throughout the play, Wilde's dialogue is peppered with clever and incisive lines, each tailored to the character uttering them. Whether it's Algernon's irreverent wit or Jack's earnest sincerity, every character's voice rings true, adding depth and humor to the narrative.

As we conclude The Importance of Being Earnest analysis, the phenomenal comedy by Oscar Wilde shook the conservative empire that got used to Charles Dickens, George Bernard Shaw, and Jane Austen. Comedic elements, exaggerations, and different literary devices entertain the audience while reminding them of an important trait like honesty. This author was truly ahead of his time, as the play still wins people's hearts today.

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What Literary Devices Does Oscar Wilde Use in The Importance of Being Earnest?

What makes the importance of being earnest a comedy of manners, what is the main message of the importance of being earnest, what is the book the importance of being earnest about, what is the significance of the repetition of the word absurd in the importance of being earnest.

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“The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde

Welcome to our The Importance of Being Earnest essay sample! Here, you’ll find the analysis of the story’s main themes and comedy elements. Get ideas for your essay on The Importance of Being Earnest with our essay sample.

The Importance of Being Earnest Essay Thesis Statement

The importance of being earnest essay introduction, morality and marriage, why a comedy, the importance of being earnest essay conclusion, works cited.

Oscar Wilde had written during the Victorian time which was an era that laid much emphasis on moral values. It can be contended that The Importance of Being Earnest is in essence a play on morality since the major argument surfacing after its reading relates to honesty as being the best policy.

Although the learning from the play strengthens the values as prevailing during the period, there is quite a lot in the play that is not as per convention. The primary reason for Wilde’s success was that he was able to narrate an appealing story that further strengthened the prevailing social values. This he was able to do by making use of the untraditional relationships and images.

The Importance of Being Earnest was the last play written by Oscar Wilde and it undoubtedly became the most celebrated. George Bernard Shaw and H G Wells considered the play amongst the funniest that were ever written and to this day the play continues to absorb and entertain theatre lovers through out the world.

The play makes fun of the literary world, the aristocratic society and the customs and mannerisms of the British, while at the same time questions the concept of identity. The plans of the different characters in the play are seen to be going topsy-turvy due to the occurrence of unexpected developments. Wilde has skilfully taken up the issues of romantic gamesmanship, social ambitions and class pretensions through wit sharpened dialogues.

A major reason for the play’s success is the large number of spicy epigrams used by Wilde. Although some of the succinct and inconsistent statements relate to contemporary happenings, most of them are general manifestations of beauty, classes, women and men.

Most of the statements are being quoted to this day and keep on delighting the audience with their mix of absurdities and sophistication. Other than revealing the beauty, the play is a masterpiece in depicting Victorian styles as prevalent during the time, especially in relation to morality and marriage.

For long, marriage had been a significant issue and Wilde had depicted its scheming use as a social instrument of progression. Other than Miss Prism, all the ladies in the play are seen as having hidden motives in regard to romance. Wilde has convincingly criticized the superficial ways of politeness as practiced by society and has outlined the nature of the shallow masks that were worn by aristocratic Victorians.

A major source of humour in the play is the confused source of values as displayed by the characters. In this regard, Wilde had commented about the play as being “exquisitely trivial, a delicate bubble of fancy, and it has its philosophy that we should treat all the trivial things of life seriously, and all the serious things of life with sincere and studied triviality,” (Oscar Wilde, 2005).

Wilde had impressed upon his actors to speak out their words very seriously so that the audience did not think that they were joking. Although in essence the play is a comedy that relates to protocol, it has openly used ridiculous means to minimize its significance. Fortunately the audience is ever willing to ignore the inconsistency and indiscretions in the play.

Within the structure of the play one can feel the allusions of homosexuality implied in the male characters. It is known that while he was writing this play, Wilde was leading a twin life of a married man as also of a homosexual.

The original audiences of the play were utterly shocked at the reference of such a culture in the play and unfortunately for Wilde, the success of the play was not carried too further as his well known trial began after the opening night of the play and his career began to get loose.

There are two major issues forming the critique of The Importance of Being Earnest. Firstly, although the play was very well received by audiences when it opened for the first time, critics during the time openly questioned the moral aspects pertinent in the play.

The play was attacked by George Bernard Shaw for its “real degeneracy” (Bob Nelson, 1993), and described the playwright’s word play as being rather hateful and sinister. The second issue relates to the dramatic framework of the play in exhibiting aspects of parody, comedy of manners and mockery. Critics have been unable to come to a conclusion in regard to what category the play belongs to.

Critics are divided on the issue of morality in The Importance of Being Earnest. According to Edouard Roditi, who wrote the book Oscar Wilde, the playwright’s comedy did not rise higher than “the incomplete or the trivial” (Edouard Roditi, 1947).

Roditi felt that the play did not have ethical perspectives since no character saw through other characters nor criticized their values. Eric Bentley also felt the same way and concluded that “because of its ridiculous action, the play fails to break… into bitter criticism of serious issues” (Eric Bentley, 1987).

Otto Reinert has opined that Wilde’s comedy has had the effect of “an exposure both of hypocrisy and of the unnatural convention that necessitates hypocrisy” (Otto Reinert, 1956). Consequently there was a superficial cover up of the white lies that maintained politeness in the so called polite society, which alone was able to give the plot a moral meaning.

This is exemplified by the instance in the play when Algernon is criticized by Lady Bracknell for having taken care of his make believe friend, Bunberry who was supposed to make a decision whether he was going to die or live. In criticizing him she voices her conservative belief that “illness in others is always faked [and]… consequently sympathy with invalids is faked also” (Oscar Wilde, 2005)

Although Lady Bracknell is portrayed as respecting convention she is believed to have had no illusions about “the reality her professed convention is supposed to conceal” (Otto Reinert, 1956). She presumes that both Bunberry and Algeron are “bubburying” and she behaves in a way that “exposes the polite cynicism that negates all values save personal convenience and salon decorum” (Otto Reinert, 1956).

The lady’s behaviour is in the nature of exposing the polite cynicism in negating all desired values except salon decorum and personal convenience. Lady Bracknell is not protected from her own shortcomings in being extra earnest.

She disapproves of marriages amongst mercenaries and admits that when she had married Lord Bracknell she did not have any fortune, which implied that she was opposed to marrying for money, and that she was not in possession of much wealth at the time she married a wealthy man.

According to Reinert, “this position is neither cynical nor funny. It represents… [a] compromise between practical hardheadedness and conventional morality” (Otto Reinert, 1956).

In all, the play has not endorsed social dishonesty and for some time it makes a mockery of respectability. The use of paradoxical morality by Wilde has served as an evaluation of the “the problem of manners.”

This is so because Algeron, in trying to escape the pretence of conventions, becomes a hypocrite himself when he pretends to be a person that he actually is not. Wilde has conveyed that the so called Victorian morality forced people to lead a life of double standards, one that was frolicsome and another that was respectable, none of them being solemn.

A critical issue in the play relates to the categorization of the play. It has been described as a “farce that represents the reality that Victorian convention pretends to ignore” (Otto Reinert, 1956). The characters have not been ironic enough by way of saying something but meaning something else.

In fact they really mean what ever they state, which is evident from the fact that Algernon does not wish to attend lady Bracknell’s dinner party since she will invariably make him sit near Mary Farquhar who is in the habit of flirting while sitting with her own husband.

Reinert has written in this regard that, “Algernon is indignant with a woman who spoils the fun of extramarital flirtation and who parades her virtue. He is shocked at convention. And his tone implies that he is elevating break of convention into a moral norm,” (Otto Reinert, 1956). This makes things conventional out of unconventional situations.

Wilde’s comedy is seen as working through a caricature in transforming the techniques of comedy, plot situations and the characters.

The play has been defended against the charge that it was just a mockery because mockery “depends for its effects upon extremely simplified characters tangling themselves up in incongruous situations, as in Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors or Goldsmith’s She Stoops to Conquer.

Instead, the comedy of Earnest subsists, for the most part, not in action or situation but in dialogue, which is too witty and intellectual to be described simply as a farce,”(Forster, 1956).

Instead of being a comedy of manners or a mockery, Forster believed that Wilde used characters and familiar plot devices satirizing the Victorian community. The relationship that Jack has with Gwendolen symbolizes the problems faced by lovers in being forced to stay away from getting married due to class differences.

Wilde found a novel solution by establishing Jack’s patrimony in being the child at the railway station. A common feature of romantic literature pertains to falling in love at first sight which too is demonstrated by Wilde in total contrast when Cecily falls in love with Algernon, not at first sight but simply because she is under the impression that his name is Everest.

Although Algernon is depicted as being cynical, but there is evidence in indicating that such cynicism is shallow since after he met Cecily, “Algernon is engaged to be married and reconciled to getting christened,” (Forster, 1956).

In appearing to be innocent and protected, Cecily conveys that it would become a hypocritical situation if Algernon tries to be good while trying to project himself as being fiendish. According to Forster, “The moral of Wilde’s parody: the rake is a fake, girlish innocence is the bait of a monstrous mantrap, the wages of sin in matrimony,” (Forster, 1956).

In essence the dramatic troubles as identified by some critics in the play, are seen as being its strengths. Forster emphasizes that the whole point of the play lies in the machinations of its plot and the convenience outlined behind the numerous coincidences that are neatly placed in its resolutions.

Bob Nelson, The Importance of Being Earnest , A study Guide.

Edouard Roditi, Oscar Wilde, 1947, Norfolk: New Directions

Eric Bentley, The Playwright as Thinker, 1987, Harvest Books Foster, Richard. “Wilde as Parodist: A Second Look at The Importance Of Being Earnest.” October, 1956, College English

Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest, 2005, Prestwick House Inc

Reinert, Otto. “Satiric Strategy in The Importance Of Being Earnest.” October, 1956, College English

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The Importance of Being Earnest

Oscar wilde, ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions.

The Art of Deception: Fact v. Fiction

As a leader of the Aesthetic movement, Wilde was especially interested in the relationship between life and art, pondering the eternal question, “Does art imitate life, or life imitate art?” Wilde explores this relationship in The Importance of Being Earnest through the conflict that arises when fact collides with fiction. The conflict between fact and fiction is driven by Algernon and Jack’s lies about their respective identities, specifically the fictional personas they create in order…

The Pursuit of Marriage

The pursuit of marriage is a driving force behind much of the play’s action. Similar to many Victorian novels of the period, the play reads as a marriage plot, documenting the errors in social etiquette and romantic upheavals that come about as Jack and Algernon stumble towards the altar. Jack pursues Gwendolen’s hand, while Algernon pursues Cecily . Because Jack and Algernon are willing to go to such outlandish lengths to appease Gwendolen and Cecily’s…

Cash, Class, and Character

The Victorian society in which Wilde lived was concerned with wealth, family status, and moral character, especially when it came to marriage. Lady Bracknell’s interrogation of Jack’s proposal to marry Gwendolen demonstrates the three “Cs”—cash, class, and character. First she asks him about his finances and then his family relations, a measure of his class. That Jack has none—no family relations, or family name, reflects poorly on his character. Upon finding that Jack has no…

Name and Identity

Through Jack’s search for his origins and family name, Wilde satirizes the Victorian Era’s intense scrutiny of cash, class, and character. Wilde subversively prods this question through the name of “ Ernest ,” a Christian name, or given name, as opposed to a family name. The name of “Ernest” comes to symbolize different things for different people. For Gwendolen and Cecily it “inspires absolute confidence” but also symbolizes the ideal husband/ lover. For Jack, “Ernest”…

Hypocrisy, Folly, and Victorian Morality

A witty wordsmith, Wilde exposes the hypocrisy of the Victorians’ strict social mores through puns, paradoxes, epigrams, and inversions in the characters’ actions and dialogue. For instance the characters often say and do the opposite of what they mean, or intend. Gwendolen flips “style” and “sincerity” when she says, “In matters of grave importance, style, not sincerity is the vital thing.” One would expect that “sincerity” should take precedence over “style” in “matters of grave…

Men and Women in Love

In the game of love that Wilde plays throughout The Importance of Being Earnest , Jack and Algernon , who strive for love, are pitted against the fickleness of the women they desire. Even though Wilde assigns stereotypical gender roles to each sex—Jack and Algernon are suave dandies , while Cecily and Gwendolen are vapid beauties—when it comes to marriage and love, he places women in a position of power because they are able to…

The Importance of Being Earnest

By oscar wilde, the importance of being earnest essay questions.

Explain the pun of the title. Who is being Earnest in this play? Do Gwendolen and Cecily prefer having husbands named Ernest to having earnest husbands?

Analyze the gender reversals in this text. Does the feminized Lord Bracknell foreshadow what Jack and Algernon may become? Are males or females more passive/dominated in this play?

How does dramatic irony create humor in The Importance of Being Earnest? Identify a handful of instances in which the audience members know more about what is going on than the characters on stage. Why does this create humor?

What is the role of textuality in this play-do letters and diaries have a stronger reliability or ring of truth than conversation?

Analyze the various times that the characters eat in this play, primarily the cucumber sandwiches and the muffins. Does eating serve a primarily social or anti-social function?

Does Wilde prevent any version of true love? Does the extent to which Gwendolen and Cecily are self-centered affect your analysis?

Algernon observes that: "Women only call each other sister when they have called each other a lot of other things first." How does the development of the relationship between Cecily and Gwendolen bear out this remark? What causes them to bond together? What causes them to behave competitively?

What does the common classification of The Importance of being Earnest as a "comedy of manners" refer to? Could this play operate in a classless, non-hierarchical society?

How do words take on a life of their own in this play? How does this relate to why it is it so easy for Prism to substitute her manuscript for a baby? Analyze diaries as a source of power and truth-making.

Analyze the role of class in Lady Bracknell's worldview. If she more impressed by land, by nobility, or by wealth?

The Importance of Being Earnest Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for The Importance of Being Earnest is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

What happened as a result of the following situation?

When Jack tells Lady Bracknell that Cecily will be a rich woman, Lady Bracknell immediately changes her mind about Cecily and decides that she will be a suitable wife for Algernon.

The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde

Algernon's throwaway quip to Lane that "anyone can play [piano] accurately but I play with wonderful expression" is a good thumbnail of Wilde's philosophy of art. Wilde was heavily influenced by Walter Pater and the other aesthetes of the...

What can I say about the NARRATIVE TECHNIQUE ?

The play, The Importance of Being Earnest , does not have a narrator.

Study Guide for The Importance of Being Earnest

The Importance of Being Earnest study guide contains a biography of Oscar Wilde, literature essays, a complete e-text, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About The Importance of Being Earnest
• The Importance of Being Earnest Summary
• Character List

Essays for The Importance of Being Earnest

The Importance of Being Earnest essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Importance of Being Earnest.

• Maxims and Masks: The Epigram in "The Importance of Being Earnest"
• Paradox through Pacing in Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest"
• Sincere Triviality: The Comedy of Oscar Wilde
• Structural Stereotypes of the Characters in The Importance of Being Earnest
• The Institution of Marriage in Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” and Susan Glaspell’s “Trifles”

Lesson Plan for The Importance of Being Earnest

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to The Importance of Being Earnest
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• The Importance of Being Earnest Bibliography

E-Text of The Importance of Being Earnest

The Importance of Being Earnest e-text contains the full text of The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde.

Wikipedia Entries for The Importance of Being Earnest

• Introduction
• Composition
• Productions

Marriage in the Importance of Being Earnest: Analysis

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What are Algernon’s and Lady Bracknell’s views on marriage? Find the answer here! This essay analyzes the themes of love and marriage in The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde.

Introduction

• Algernon’s View on Marriage
• Lady Bracknell’s Views on Marriage

Works Cited

The concept of marriage has been given preeminence in Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. Love is the thing that people of any social class aspire to, and marriage can be the logical consequence of it.In the play, marriage is discussed in the context of plot progression and as a subject for theoretical assumption and discussion. All throughout The Importance of Being Earnest, marriage is present as the main topic, thus demonstrating the importance that society accorded this matter.

Although there are varying views on the subject among various characters, it is evident from reading the play that the matrimony institution was held in high esteem at that time. While there is a division on whether marriage is pleasant or unpleasant, all the characters agree that love and marriage are essential parts of life. (Wilde 5)

What Is Algernon’s View on Marriage?

To underscore the importance of matrimony, the author introduces the subject in the opening part of the play. It is used in a discussion between Algernon and his servant, Lane. Once the subject is introduced, it becomes a recurring concept in the entire play. First, the butler insinuates that married households usually lack a sense of taste to a point where they cannot purchase “first-rate” champagne. Then he observes that the champagne in a bachelor establishment is of higher quality, and that is the reason why servants tend to over drink. This makes Algernon wonder if the marriage has become so demoralizing to a point where people lack a sense of taste. Despite the butler’s failed marriage, he still thinks that love and marriage is a pleasant experience that anyone should endeavor to have. (Wilde 6)

Although Algernon’s view on love and marriage is not known during the conversation with his butler, we get to know his thoughts on the subject in a monologue where he claims that marriage is an institution that has “absolutely no sense of moral responsibility.” (Wilde 5) In the ensuing conversation with Jack, Algernon’s thoughts on marriage come out on the surface. During the pleasantries, Jack claims that he decided to travel from the country to town purposely for pleasure.

As the conversation with Algernon continues, Jack claims that he has come to propose to Gwendolen, the girl he has been flirting with. This throws his friend Algernon aback since he believes that a proposal is more of a business venture than pleasure. According to him, marriage kills the excitement of being in love and leads to uncertainty. (Raby 26)

Algernon Moncrieff has such a negative mentality on marriage to a point where he vows to “forget the fact” that he is married the moment he does so. This mentality, according to Jack, is what led to the formation of Divorce Courts, but Algernon disagrees and claims, “Divorces are made in Heaven.” (quoted from Wilde 7) Defending his position, Algernon claims that most married people do not value their marriages, and most of them are even capable of flirting with other men while their husbands are sitting right across the dinner table.

Although Algernon is opposed to the idea of his first cousin Gwendolen getting married to Jack, he advises him that he will have to lie occasionally to be able to get away from his wife. This clearly shows that Algernon Moncrieff thinks that all marriages are unpleasant an opinion that Jack and Lane do not share. (Raby 28)

What Is Lady Bracknell’s View on Marriage?

On her part, Lady Bracknell addresses the issue of marriage by claiming, “An engagement should come on a young girl as a surprise, pleasant or unpleasant, as the case may be.” By looking at the set of questions that Lady Bracknell subjects Jack, it is clear that she has a distorted view on love and marriage.

By looking at the list of bachelors and the prepared script that Lady Bracknell addresses Jack from, it is apparent that the social class on which the story is based viewed marriage in terms of social standing, income, and character of the participants. Indeed, Lady Bracknell does not seem to have respect for the marriage institution, and that is why she tries to pair Algernon with Mary, who is already married. (Wilde 11)

Although Algernon is cynical about marriage institution and thinks that people’s opinions on the topic are “somewhat lax,” his views on marriage and divorce change once he meets and falls in love with Cecily. On his part, Jack is a romantic who believes that having the right attitude towards marriage is the ingredient that makes it last.

Although he believes the truth “isn’t quite the sort of thing one tells to a nice, sweet, refined girl,” (Wilde 91), he ends up telling Gwendolen the truth once he realizes that it is not in his nature to lie. Once Jack apologizes to Gwendolen, her reaction becomes a clear pointer that she was also cynical about men and the marriage institution in general. (Wilde 148)

This essay analyzed the concept of marriage in The Importance of Being Earnest. y. In summary, Wilde has brought out the nature of marriage in the morality of Victorian society. As shown by the quotes from the text, the characters are divided into those who believe that marriage is pleasant (that is Algernon’s view on marriage) and those who believe that it is unpleasant (that is Lady Bracknell’s view on the theme). Even among those who believe marriage is unpleasant, something happens at the end that restores their faith in love and the marriage institution as a whole.

Raby, Peter. The Cambridge Companion to Oscar Wilde , 1997. Cambridge University Press. 25-41. Print.

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IvyPanda. (2018, September 21). Marriage in the Importance of Being Earnest: Analysis. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-concept-of-marriage-in-the-importance-of-being-earnest/

"Marriage in the Importance of Being Earnest: Analysis." IvyPanda , 21 Sept. 2018, ivypanda.com/essays/the-concept-of-marriage-in-the-importance-of-being-earnest/.

IvyPanda . (2018) 'Marriage in the Importance of Being Earnest: Analysis'. 21 September.

IvyPanda . 2018. "Marriage in the Importance of Being Earnest: Analysis." September 21, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-concept-of-marriage-in-the-importance-of-being-earnest/.

1. IvyPanda . "Marriage in the Importance of Being Earnest: Analysis." September 21, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-concept-of-marriage-in-the-importance-of-being-earnest/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Marriage in the Importance of Being Earnest: Analysis." September 21, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-concept-of-marriage-in-the-importance-of-being-earnest/.

• DOI: 10.1016/j.paed.2024.06.002
• Corpus ID: 270746632

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