The impo

Study Guide: The Importance of Being Earnest (Act I)

By Oscar Wilde

Summary

The play opens in Algernon Moncrieff's London flat, where he is preparing for the arrival of his Aunt Augusta (Lady Bracknell) and her daughter, Gwendolen. Algernon is conversing with his servant, Lane, about marriage and the consumption of champagne. Soon, his friend Jack Worthing (who goes by the name "Ernest" in the city) arrives. Jack confesses that he is in love with Gwendolen and wishes to propose. However, Algernon refuses to give his blessing until Jack explains an inscription inside his cigarette case, which is from a girl named Cecily.

Jack admits that he has a double life: in the country, he is known as Jack, and he takes on the name "Ernest" when he visits the city. This allows him to escape his responsibilities as a guardian to Cecily Cardew. Algernon, amused, confesses that he has a similar trick: he pretends to have a sick friend named Bunbury, which allows him to avoid social obligations.

Lady Bracknell and Gwendolen arrive. Jack proposes to Gwendolen, and she eagerly accepts, declaring that she has always been in love with the name "Ernest." However, when Lady Bracknell questions Jack about his background, she is horrified to learn that he was found in a handbag at Victoria Station. She refuses to approve the engagement unless Jack finds a respectable lineage.

Meanwhile, Algernon secretly notes down Jack’s country address, setting the stage for more comedic misunderstandings.

Key Themes

1. Identity and Double Lives

   - Jack and Algernon both live double lives: Jack as "Ernest" in town and "Jack" in the country, while Algernon invents “Bunbury” to escape responsibilities.

   - The play critiques Victorian hypocrisy, where appearance matters more than reality.

2. The Absurdity of Social Conventions

   - Marriage is treated like a business deal rather than a romantic commitment.

   - Lady Bracknell’s strict standards for a suitor (family background, income, and social standing) contrast with Gwendolen’s romantic obsession with a name.

3. Satire of the Upper Class

   - The aristocracy is portrayed as shallow, snobbish, and more concerned with appearances than morals.

   - Algernon’s comment that "relations are simply a tedious pack of people" mocks how the upper class views family obligations.

4. Love and Marriage as Performance

   - Jack and Gwendolen’s love is based on superficial factors (the name "Ernest").

   - Algernon and Jack’s manipulations highlight how marriage is often based on deception rather than sincerity.

Important Details

- Jack’s real name: Jack Worthing, but he goes by "Ernest" in town.

- Jack’s ward: Cecily Cardew, who lives in the country.

- Algernon’s made-up friend: Bunbury, whom he uses as an excuse to avoid social obligations.

- Gwendolen’s preference: She is obsessed with the name "Ernest" and refuses to marry anyone with a different name.

- Lady Bracknell’s opinion on Jack: She disapproves of his engagement to Gwendolen because he was found in a handbag and has no known lineage.

Literary Devices

1. Irony (Situational & Verbal)

   - Lady Bracknell considers ignorance a virtue: “Ignorance is like a delicate exotic fruit.”

   - Gwendolen loves Jack only because she thinks his name is "Ernest."

2. Satire & Parody

   - The play mocks Victorian social norms, especially the importance of class and marriage.

   - The idea that one’s name determines their romantic desirability is exaggerated for comedic effect.

3. Epigrams & Witticisms

   - Algernon: “The truth is rarely pure and never simple.”

   - Wilde’s clever wordplay and paradoxes highlight the absurdity of upper-class society.

4. Farce & Comedy of Manners

   - Mistaken identities, misunderstandings, and exaggerated behavior drive the humor.

   - The play uses witty banter and social satire rather than physical comedy.

What Type of Story Is This?

- Genre: Comedy, Satire, Farce

- Style: A "comedy of manners" that satirizes Victorian society’s obsession with appearance, class, and marriage.

- Tone: Light-hearted, witty, and ironic.

Study Notes for Quick Review

- Jack and Algernon both lead double lives (Bunburying).

- Jack wants to marry Gwendolen, but she only loves him because she thinks his name is Ernest.

- Lady Bracknell rejects Jack because he was found in a handbag.

- Algernon secretly learns Jack’s country address, hinting at future complications.

- Themes include identity, social conventions, class satire, and marriage.

- Wilde uses irony, satire, and witty dialogue to mock Victorian society.