The Importance of Being Ernest

A detailed Summary of The Importance of Being Ernest


Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest

While some critics contend that The Importance of Being Earnest is

completely fanciful and has no relation to the real world, others maintain that

Oscar Wilde's trivial comedy for serious people does make significant comments about social class and the institution of marriage. These observations include

the prevalent utilization of deceit in everyday affairs. Indeed the characters

and plot of the play appear to be entirely irreverent, thus lending weight to

the comedic, fanciful aspect. However, this same factor also serves to

illuminate the major points that Wilde tries to convey about the English society

Throughout the course of the play, Wilde portrays each of the main

characters in a way that reflects his views of the English aristocracy.

Algernon Moncrieff and Jack(Ernest) Worthington represent the prototypical male

bachelors. In the opening act, set in Algernon's flat, the two meet and display

what appears to be their usual daily activities. Neither is employed, and it is

apparent that their only occupation is the pursuit of leisure activities and

social matters, subjects of major importance to them. When Algernon inquires as


Gwendolyn and Algy to Cecily. These marriages are made available only because

fact, the end is only the result of a coincidental twist of fate.

deceit. Later in this act, Lady Bracknell and Gwendolyn are introduced. Even

re-e nters and informs Ernest of some preliminary qualifications that he must

Thus, the relationships forged arbitrarily on deceit and convenience are

others in their social sphere, as Algy and Jack do, holding these visits with



Some common words found in the essay are:
Algeron Ernest, Gwendolyn Algernon, Oscar Wilde's, Algy Cecily, JackErnest Worthington, Lady Bracknell, Ernest Gwendolyns, Algy Jack, Cecily Wilde, Importance Earnest, lady bracknell, importance earnest, oscar wilde's, english aristocracy, algy jack, formal proposal, wilde's conception, leisure activities, based deceit, flirting rituals,

Approximate Word count = 849
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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