Characters
This character leads a double life under the name "Ernest" in the city.
Who is Jack Worthing?
Jack wants to kill off this fictional character to stop living a double life.
Who is Ernest?
Who says “The truth is rarely pure and never simple.”
Who is Algernon Moncrieff.
The play’s main theme, also reflected in its title.
What is the importance of being (or appearing) earnest?
Wilde’s use of witty, paradoxical statements is called this.
What is epigram?
Algernon's aunt, who values social status and lineage above all.
Who is Lady Bracknell?
Cecily has long imagined herself engaged to this man before ever meeting him.
Who is Ernest (Algernon)?
“To lose one parent may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness.”
What does Lady Bracknell say when she learns Jack is an orphan?
The act of "Bunburying" represents this broader concept.
What is living a double life or avoiding social obligations?
This genre best describes The Importance of Being Earnest.
What is a comedy of manners?
She believes she is engaged to "Ernest," not realizing his real name is Jack.
Who is Gwendolen Fairfax?
Jack discovers this surprising fact about his real identity at the end.
What is that his name is actually Ernest?
“I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train.”
What does Gwendolen say, showing her love of drama and appearance?
Wilde satirizes this social class’s obsession with status and marriage.
What is the upper class / aristocracy?
Wilde uses this kind of humor to critique Victorian society.
What is satire?
Cecily’s governess, who disapproves of triviality but harbors romantic feelings for Dr. Chasuble.
Who is Miss Prism?
Miss Prism accidentally left this item in a handbag at Victoria Station.
What is a baby?
“In matters of grave importance, style, not sincerity, is the vital thing.”
Gwendolyn
Food is often used in the play to symbolize this.
What is indulgence or social control?
he contrast between what is said and what is meant.
What is irony?
This character was lost in a handbag as a baby.
Who is Jack Worthing?
This person turns out to be Jack’s biological older brother.
Who is Algernon?
“All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That’s his.”
Algernon
Cecily’s diary, Algernon’s cigarette case, and the name "Ernest" all fall under this literary device.
What are symbols of deception and identity?
Wilde’s work flips social conventions in this exaggerated, humorous way.
What is inversion?