"The Importance of Being Earnest" Study Guide: Oscar Wilde's Masterpiece Unveiled

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. 📚

Contents

“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

Character	Personality	Motivation	Development
Jack Worthing	Responsible, yet longing for excitement	To marry Gwendolen and reconcile his identity	Learns the importance of being true to oneself
Algernon Moncrieff	Witty, cynical, mischievous	To seek pleasure and marry Cecily	Discovers the value of sincerity and commitment
Gwendolen Fairfax	Sophisticated, somewhat shallow	To marry “Ernest”	Grows to value Jack’s sincerity over his name
Cecily Cardew	Imaginative, romantic	To marry “Ernest”	Sees beyond Algernon’s deceit to his true character
Lady Bracknell	Authoritative, status-conscious	To ensure Gwendolen marries well	Remains largely unchanged, representing societal norms
Miss Prism	Moral, with a whimsical side	To care for Cecily and hide her past mistake	Finds resolution and forgiveness for her past
Rev. Canon Chasuble	Comedic, somewhat naïve	To provide spiritual guidance (and find companionship)	Provides a light-hearted reflection on love and duty

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.

Irony

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.

Satire

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.

Epigrams

“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.”

Paradox

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.

Hyperbole

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.

Symbolism

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.

Repetition

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.

Quiz

Question	A	B	C	D	Correct Answer
What is the main reason Jack Worthing creates his alter ego, Ernest?	To escape his responsibilities	To court Gwendolen Fairfax	To entertain his ward, Cecily	To avoid Lady Bracknell’s scrutiny	B
Who is Bunbury?	Algernon’s imaginary invalid friend	Jack’s real brother	Cecily’s former fiancé	Gwendolen’s secret admirer	A
What is Lady Bracknell’s primary concern when it comes to Gwendolen’s potential husband?	His social status and wealth	His physical appearance	His honesty and sincerity	His education	A
Where was Jack found as a baby?	In a handbag at Victoria Station	In a carriage in Hyde Park	At the doorstep of a church	Inside a basket at Paddington Station	A
What literary device is predominantly used in the play’s title?	Metaphor	Simile	Pun	Alliteration	C
What does the character Miss Prism represent?	The Victorian moral compass	The rebellious youth	The importance of education	The flaws of the aristocracy	A
How does Algernon find out about Jack’s country home?	Through a private investigator	By overhearing a conversation	From a misplaced cigarette case	From Lady Bracknell	C
What ultimately resolves the conflict in the play?	Jack’s decision to abandon his alter ego	Lady Bracknell’s approval of Jack’s marriage to Gwendolen	The revelation of Jack’s true identity and heritage	Algernon’s marriage to Cecily	C
Which theme is NOT explored in the play?	The duality of human nature	The absurdity of social conventions	The inevitability of fate	The critique of marriage as a social institution	C
What does the name “Ernest” symbolize in the play?	The quest for truth and integrity	A critique of Victorian earnestness	The importance of having a noble name	All of the above	D

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.

Exercise

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.”

Answers:

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.