AP Literature MAJOR WORKS DATA SHEET Title:
The Importance of Being Earnest Biographical Information about the Author Author:
Oscar Wilde Date of Publication:
February 14, 1895 Genre:
Comedy, Satire, Farce Historical Information about the period and place of publication – what was happening in the world the author lived in and how might that have influenced him? When “The Importance of Being Earnest” was published, Wilde was living in London. Wilde was in the peak of his writing career while being in an affair with Lord Alfred Douglas. This play was written in the Victorian Era, a time when reform was occurring within British society. People began to discover feminism, Marxism, socialism, and democracy. These more free willed expansions may have lead to Wilde’s desire to satirize the upper classes’ nature of being haughty. Oscar Wilde was a playwright born in Dublin on October 16, 19854. He went to school at Trinity College, Magdalen College, and Oxford. He dressed in a vibrant style of clothing, hated societal normalises, and embraced the beauty of art. His writing was often critiques as scandalous, much like his personal life. Wilde took on a man as a lover, whilst being married to Constance Llyod. He was seen as very opinionated as well as flamboyant throughout his life, but his works have left a legacy. Characteristics of the Genre Comedy:
aims to reflect the society’s usual ways in a comedic manor, aiming to amuse the audience. Satire:
aims to uncover issues within society either humorously or with a more serious tone. Farce: a comedic piece of literature that utilizes archetypes, improbable situations, and often excessive use of exaggeration. Plot Summary Act 1 Ernest visits his friend and “bunburying” friend Algernon. He admits that his name is actually Jack after an argument over an inscription of “Uncle Jack” on a cigarette case. Algernon admits to making up a Mr. Bunbury to attend to when he does not want to do something. Jack is in love with Gwendolen, who has a dream to marry a man named Ernest. Jack proposes to her under his alias, but Gwendolen’s aunt, Lady Bracknell does not approve of this marriage when he discusses how he was found in a handbag on a train platform. Jack tells Gwendolen the address to his country house where he keeps his beautiful young ward, Cecily. Algernon overhears the address and prepares to “bunbury.” Act 2 Cecily, at the country home, studies with Miss Prism fantasizing about Jack’s “brother” Ernest. Without meeting him, she has fallen madly in love with him. Algernon arrives an pretends to be Jack’s brother Ernest, and begins to romanticise Cecily. He plans to be christened by Doctor Chasuble, Miss Prism’s desired husband. Jack appears, surprised by Algernon’s presence, and also requests a baptism. Both men desire to have their names changed to Ernest to please the women in their lives. Gwendolen ran away to see her “very own Earnest” Lady Bracknell appears and continues to disapprove of the marriage. Act 3 Describe the author’s style An example that demonstrates that style Wilde writes with a sense of confidence and with a driving sarcastic and comedic tone. “I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train.” Memorable Quotes Quotation Significance “If I am occasionally a little
over-dressed, I make up for it by
being always immensely
over-educated.” This quote exemplifies the satirical irony that Wilde utilizes throughout the play. It also demonstrates how pretentious people relied on physical characteristics to seem superior. “In matters of grave importance,
style, not sincerity, is the vital
thing.” Again, this quote is seen satirizing the upper classes, as Wilde did throughout the play. Sincerity is further poked fun at and this quote further exemplifies this. “I really don't see anything
romantic in proposing. It is very
romantic to be in love. But there is
nothing romantic about a definite
proposal. Why, one may be
accepted. One usually is, I believe.
Then the excitement is all over.
The very essence of romance is
uncertainty. If ever I get married,
I'll certainly try to forget the fact.”
The purpose of this excerpt is to identify how shallow people of this time are and how those during this time are often overlook personality and romance in order to marry into a wealthy family. Characters Name Role in the Story Jack Protagonist Algernon Jack’s lying friend Gwendolen Jack’s love interest Significance Adjectives His initial lie propels the story dishonest, likeable into motion Also a liar, Algernon adds opportunistic, complications to the story by fabricator romanticizing Cecily. She exemplifies the traditional, conventional woman of this time, established, obsessed with the name Ernest. reliant Cecily Jack’s ward and Algernon’s love interest. Lady Bracknell Gwendolen’s Aunt Miss Prism Doctor Chausable Cecily’s Teacher Priest and Miss Prism’s love interst Setting Her obsession with the name naive, flirtatious, Ernst and her naive nature idealistic satirizes young people. She acts as a barrier to Jack's haughty, desires. pretentious She serves as a stern, prude He aids Algernon and Jack to kind, intelligent fufill their desires in being named Ernest. Significance of opening scene Act 1: Algernon’s home in the city Act 2: The garden of the country house The opening scene sets up the atmosphere in which the play is written. It allows the lying comedic nature of the show to be evident. Act 3: Front room of the country house Significance of ending/closing scene Symbols 1.
2.
3.
The name Ernst The handbag that Jack was found in Food The ending of the play is a cliche happy ending which makes everyone's desires come true and makes Jack's real identity be revealed, making his name Ernest legally. Old AP Questions Leave Blank for Now Possible Themes 1.
2.
3.
Being truthful is important for successful relationships. Higher classes are more pretentious than necessary. One should not lie in order to get what he wants.