March 8, 2011
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
This play, written by Oscar Wilde in 1895, is a witty comedy that takes place in England. John Worthing (Jack) is a gentleman who owns a house in the country. He is the guardian of a young girl, Cecily Cardew. Jack likes to spend time in town, so he creates a fake younger brother, Ernest. “Ernest” is constantly getting into trouble, or so Jack tells everyone. He uses this excuse to go into the city, and goes by the name of Ernest Worthing when he is there. Algernon Moncrieff is “Ernest” Worthing’s good friend. He has a young cousin, Gwendolen Fairfax, who Ernest wants to marry. Algernon learns of Jack’s disguise, and goes into the country to visit Cecily. Algernon pretends to be Jack’s younger brother (Ernest), and ends up falling in love with Cecily. Both Gwendolen and Cecily think they are marrying Ernest Worthing, without realizing there is no such person. The play is full of misinterpretations and irony. Witty dialog and amusing, over the top characters make this play an excellent read.
- Molly D., Class of 2014
APB102694 said,
March 21, 2011 at 1:57 pm
Aw… very good summary… I don’t think i could do that hahaha… I”m a horrible writer as it is (although I’m told differently). And yes it is full of irony… it’s a very ironic play is it not?