The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) was an Irish playwright, poet, and author known for his wit, flamboyant style, and sharp social commentary. Born in Dublin, Ireland, Wilde attended Trinity College, Dublin, and later pursued studies at Oxford, where he gained a reputation for his brilliance and aestheticism. He became a prominent figure in London's literary scene, known for his extravagant lifestyle and biting humor.
Wilde's works often satirized Victorian society, exploring themes of identity, morality, and societal expectations. His plays, such as "The Importance of Being Earnest" and "An Ideal Husband," are celebrated for their clever dialogue and comedic brilliance. Despite his success, Wilde's life took a tragic turn when he was imprisoned for his homosexuality, enduring public scandal and personal hardship.
Nevertheless, Wilde's legacy endures through his enduring works, which continue to be studied, performed, and cherished worldwide. His mastery of language and his insights into human nature ensure that he remains one of the most influential figures in literature.
1881: "Poems" - Wilde's first published collection of poetry.
1888: "The Happy Prince and Other Tales" - A collection of children's stories, including "The Happy Prince" and "The Selfish Giant," showcasing Wilde's ability to blend fantasy with moral themes.
1890: "The Picture of Dorian Gray" - Wilde's only novel, exploring themes of vanity, hedonism, and the consequences of aestheticism. It caused controversy upon publication due to its perceived immorality.
1891: "Lord Arthur Savile's Crime and Other Stories" - A collection of short stories, including the titular tale, which satirizes Victorian society and morality.
1891: "Salomé" - Originally written in French, this play is based on the biblical story of Salome and John the Baptist. It was banned in England due to its controversial themes and depiction of sexuality.
1892: "Intentions" - A collection of essays where Wilde discusses art, literature, and criticism, advocating for the philosophy of "art for art's sake."
1895: "The Importance of Being Earnest" - Wilde's most famous and enduring play, a comedic satire of Victorian society and its conventions.
1898: "The Ballad of Reading Gaol" - Written after his release from prison, this poem reflects on Wilde's experiences in jail and contains themes of suffering, redemption, and capital punishment.
The Importance of Being Earnest "The Importance of Being Earnest" is a comedic play written by Oscar Wilde, first performed in 1895. Set in Victorian England, the play is a satire of the social conventions and hypocrisies of the time, particularly focusing on the institution of marriage and the facade of respectability.
The plot revolves around two young gentlemen, Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, who lead double lives to escape the burdens of social obligations. They both use the alias "Ernest" to pursue romantic interests, leading to a series of misunderstandings and comedic situations. The play explores themes of identity, love, and the absurdities of societal norms, all delivered with Wilde's trademark wit and humor.
"The Importance of Being Earnest" is celebrated for its sparkling dialogue, clever wordplay, and comedic timing. Wilde's sharp observations on human nature and society remain relevant today, ensuring the play's enduring popularity and status as a classic of English literature.
Meet the Characters
John Worthing, J.P. Country squire, called "Jack" in the country and masquerading as "Ernest" in the city. Abandoned as a baby and adopted by Thomas Cardew. Later discovers his real parents.
Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax Wealthy debutante who becomes engaged to Jack, thinking he is "Ernest
Mother of
Proposes to
Lady Augusta Bracknell Formidable Victorian woman who represents upper class society and its value and opinions.
Aunt of
Brother of
Ward of
Algernon Monerieff A wealthy bachelor who pretends to be "Ernest" in the country and has a fictitious invalid friend. Loves Cecily and later discovers his relationship to Jack.
Cecily Cardrew Ward of Jack Worthing who falls in love with Algernon, thinking he is "Ernest."
Miss Prism Governess of Cecily, she holds the key to Jack's identity.
Rev. Canon Chasuble, D.D. Local minister in Jack's county, he lusts after Miss Prism.
Governess of
Hotly Pursuing
Proposes to
Historical Context
Queen Victoria was born on 24 May
1819. On 10th June 1837, following
the death of her uncle, William IV, she
became queen at the age of eighteen.
She fell instantly in love with her
German cousin, Prince Albert and
they were married on 10 February
1840. Between 1841 and 1857 Queen
Victoria had nine children - four sons,
five daughters. Prince Albert was very
interested in art, science and
manufacturing and took a keen interest in the building of the Crystal Palace. He died suddenly of typhoid in 1861. Queen Victoria at the age of 80 in 1901.
For much of this century the
term Victorian, which literally
describes things and events (roughly)
in the reign of Queen Victoria,
conveyed connotations of "prudish,"
"repressed," and "old fashioned."
Although such associations have some
basis in fact, they do not adequately
indicate the nature of this complex,
paradoxical age that saw great
expansion of wealth, power, and
culture.
Historical Context
Courtship was considered
more a career move than a romantic
interlude for young men, as all of a
woman's property reverted to him
upon marriage. Therefore courting
was taken very seriously--by both
sides. Men and women were careful
not to lead the other on unnecessarily.
From the time she was young, a
woman was groomed for this role in
life--dutiful wife and mother. Properly
trained, she learned to sing, play piano
or guitar, dance and be conversant
about light literature of the day. She
also learned French and the rules of
etiquette as well as the art of
conversation and the art of silence.
Fashions of Victorian England
Original Production Photo
ALGERNON and JACK
This photograph from the original production of The Importance of Being Earnest in 1895 shows Algernon (left, played by Allan Aynesworth) refusing to return the cigarette case that belongs to Jack (right, played by George Alexander).
The Importance of Being Earnest
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Transcript
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) was an Irish playwright, poet, and author known for his wit, flamboyant style, and sharp social commentary. Born in Dublin, Ireland, Wilde attended Trinity College, Dublin, and later pursued studies at Oxford, where he gained a reputation for his brilliance and aestheticism. He became a prominent figure in London's literary scene, known for his extravagant lifestyle and biting humor. Wilde's works often satirized Victorian society, exploring themes of identity, morality, and societal expectations. His plays, such as "The Importance of Being Earnest" and "An Ideal Husband," are celebrated for their clever dialogue and comedic brilliance. Despite his success, Wilde's life took a tragic turn when he was imprisoned for his homosexuality, enduring public scandal and personal hardship. Nevertheless, Wilde's legacy endures through his enduring works, which continue to be studied, performed, and cherished worldwide. His mastery of language and his insights into human nature ensure that he remains one of the most influential figures in literature.
1881: "Poems" - Wilde's first published collection of poetry. 1888: "The Happy Prince and Other Tales" - A collection of children's stories, including "The Happy Prince" and "The Selfish Giant," showcasing Wilde's ability to blend fantasy with moral themes. 1890: "The Picture of Dorian Gray" - Wilde's only novel, exploring themes of vanity, hedonism, and the consequences of aestheticism. It caused controversy upon publication due to its perceived immorality. 1891: "Lord Arthur Savile's Crime and Other Stories" - A collection of short stories, including the titular tale, which satirizes Victorian society and morality. 1891: "Salomé" - Originally written in French, this play is based on the biblical story of Salome and John the Baptist. It was banned in England due to its controversial themes and depiction of sexuality. 1892: "Intentions" - A collection of essays where Wilde discusses art, literature, and criticism, advocating for the philosophy of "art for art's sake." 1895: "The Importance of Being Earnest" - Wilde's most famous and enduring play, a comedic satire of Victorian society and its conventions. 1898: "The Ballad of Reading Gaol" - Written after his release from prison, this poem reflects on Wilde's experiences in jail and contains themes of suffering, redemption, and capital punishment.
The Importance of Being Earnest "The Importance of Being Earnest" is a comedic play written by Oscar Wilde, first performed in 1895. Set in Victorian England, the play is a satire of the social conventions and hypocrisies of the time, particularly focusing on the institution of marriage and the facade of respectability. The plot revolves around two young gentlemen, Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, who lead double lives to escape the burdens of social obligations. They both use the alias "Ernest" to pursue romantic interests, leading to a series of misunderstandings and comedic situations. The play explores themes of identity, love, and the absurdities of societal norms, all delivered with Wilde's trademark wit and humor. "The Importance of Being Earnest" is celebrated for its sparkling dialogue, clever wordplay, and comedic timing. Wilde's sharp observations on human nature and society remain relevant today, ensuring the play's enduring popularity and status as a classic of English literature.
Meet the Characters
John Worthing, J.P. Country squire, called "Jack" in the country and masquerading as "Ernest" in the city. Abandoned as a baby and adopted by Thomas Cardew. Later discovers his real parents.
Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax Wealthy debutante who becomes engaged to Jack, thinking he is "Ernest
Mother of
Proposes to
Lady Augusta Bracknell Formidable Victorian woman who represents upper class society and its value and opinions.
Aunt of
Brother of
Ward of
Algernon Monerieff A wealthy bachelor who pretends to be "Ernest" in the country and has a fictitious invalid friend. Loves Cecily and later discovers his relationship to Jack.
Cecily Cardrew Ward of Jack Worthing who falls in love with Algernon, thinking he is "Ernest."
Miss Prism Governess of Cecily, she holds the key to Jack's identity.
Rev. Canon Chasuble, D.D. Local minister in Jack's county, he lusts after Miss Prism.
Governess of
Hotly Pursuing
Proposes to
Historical Context
Queen Victoria was born on 24 May 1819. On 10th June 1837, following the death of her uncle, William IV, she became queen at the age of eighteen. She fell instantly in love with her German cousin, Prince Albert and they were married on 10 February 1840. Between 1841 and 1857 Queen Victoria had nine children - four sons, five daughters. Prince Albert was very interested in art, science and manufacturing and took a keen interest in the building of the Crystal Palace. He died suddenly of typhoid in 1861. Queen Victoria at the age of 80 in 1901.
For much of this century the term Victorian, which literally describes things and events (roughly) in the reign of Queen Victoria, conveyed connotations of "prudish," "repressed," and "old fashioned." Although such associations have some basis in fact, they do not adequately indicate the nature of this complex, paradoxical age that saw great expansion of wealth, power, and culture.
Historical Context
Courtship was considered more a career move than a romantic interlude for young men, as all of a woman's property reverted to him upon marriage. Therefore courting was taken very seriously--by both sides. Men and women were careful not to lead the other on unnecessarily. From the time she was young, a woman was groomed for this role in life--dutiful wife and mother. Properly trained, she learned to sing, play piano or guitar, dance and be conversant about light literature of the day. She also learned French and the rules of etiquette as well as the art of conversation and the art of silence.
Fashions of Victorian England
Original Production Photo
ALGERNON and JACK This photograph from the original production of The Importance of Being Earnest in 1895 shows Algernon (left, played by Allan Aynesworth) refusing to return the cigarette case that belongs to Jack (right, played by George Alexander).