The Importance of Being Earnest Oscar Wilde

Introduction

Background

Discussion Starters

Menu

The Importance of Being Earnest Oscar Wilde

The Importance of Being Earnest: Introduction

Algernon and Jack may look like proper young Victorian gentlemen.

But each—unknown to the other—

is leading a double life.

The Importance of Being Earnest: Introduction

Algernon has invented a sickly friend named Bunbury.

When Algernon wants to escape his social obligations in London, he “goes Bunburying.”

That is, he pretends to visit the ailing Bunbury in the country.

The Importance of Being Earnest: Introduction

Jack’s situation is even more complicated.

A wealthy bachelor, he lives an upright life in the country.

He wants to set a proper example for Cecily, his young ward.

The Importance of Being Earnest: Introduction

But Jack wants to have some fun too.

So he invents a wild brother named Ernest.

When Jack wants to go to London, he pretends he has to bail Ernest out of trouble.

The Importance of Being Earnest: Introduction

In London, Jack pretends to be the bad boy Ernest.

Are you confused yet?

The Importance of Being Earnest: Introduction

Imagine how “Ernest’s” fiancée, Gwendolen, feels when she learns he is really someone else!

The Importance of Being Earnest: Introduction

Imagine how Cecily feels when she finally meets the charming Ernest,

but he turns out to be Ernest’s—or rather,

Jack’s—friend Algernon!

The confusion and misunderstandings are all part of the fun.

The Importance of Being Earnest: Introduction

Will Gwendolen marry Jack even though he is not Ernest?

Will Algernon win the hand of the beautiful Cecily?

The Importance of Being Earnest: Background

“Life is far too important a thing ever to talk seriously about.”

—Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde liked to make fun of upper-class Victorian society.

The Importance of Being Earnest: Background

In this play he pokes fun at

• strict Victorian social rules

• the shallowness of the idle rich

The Importance of Being Earnest: Background

Wilde also pokes a bit of fun at himself.

Like Wilde, Algernon and Jack are dandies.

The Importance of Being Earnest: Background

In Victorian times only men could be dandies. An authentic dandy

• enjoyed fine clothes and expensive habits

• spent most of his time socializing

• lived to have fun

• used refined language

The Importance of Being Earnest: Background

A well-bred Victorian woman, on the other hand, was modest and reserved.

Few kinds of enjoyment were open to her outside the home.

The Importance of Being Earnest: Background

Moreover, to achieve the fashionable 18- to 20-inch waist,

The Importance of Being Earnest: Background

her corset often was so tight that she could barely breathe!

The Importance of Being Earnest: Discussion Starters

Discuss (1)

• What qualities do you look for in friends and loved ones?

• Which of these standards are truly important?

• Which could you let go of for the right person?

The Importance of Being Earnest: Discussion Starters

Discuss (2)

• What do you do when a social obligation conflicts with what you really want to do?

• Have you ever gotten into a scrape over a seemingly harmless white lie? How did you resolve the situation?