sense of comedy throughout the entire play, but in particular the first act. The play is

set in victorian times, where there is a social struggle between the different classes of

society. It is important to see how Wilde distinguishes the social classes right from the

start of the play. The play as a whole is about two gentlemen: Algernon Moncrief and

Jack Worthing. Jack who is in love with Gwendolen Fairfax, and Algernon who is in

love with Cecily Cardew. The undoubtable fact is that Gwendolen and Cecily have

always desired a man by the name of Ernest. Throughout the play Jack and Algernon

put on a charade that their names are in fact Ernest. This becomes rather comical in

It is ironic in the opening lines of the play that Lane, Algernon's servant replies

"I didn't think it polite to listen, sir" (591) when Algernon asked him if he heard what

he was playing on the piano.While Algernon Moncrieff and his manservant prepared

for a visit from his aunt, the formidable Lady Bracknell, their conversation turned to

flirts back is disgraceful. At this point Worthing announced that he intended to

Some common words found in the essay are:
Lady Bracknell, Importance Ernest, Oscar Wilde, Ernest Worthing, Gwendolen Worthing, Algernon Worthing, Worthing Mildly, Lane Algernon's, Jack Algernon, lady bracknell, Ernest Act, name ernest, social classes, act play, ernest worthing, ernest lady bracknell, found hand, victorian times, importance earnest, algernon worthing, love name, found hand bag,
Approximate Word count = 857
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)