NOW SHOWING THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST CAITLYN
NOW SHOWING THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST CAITLYN WA RD
General Information Who- Oliver Wilde What- Theater Play (social comedy, comedy of manners, satire, intellectual farce) When- 1895 (performed) 1899 (published) Where- St. James Theater in London
Cast List • John (Jack/Ernest) Worthing, J. P. - protagonist, adopted, in love with Gwendolen, guardian to Cecily, goes by “Earnest” in London. . Pretends to have a younger brother by that name, Justice of Peace • Algernon Moncrieff- secondary hero, nephew to Lady B, cousin to Gwendolen, Jack (Ernest’s) best friend, • Gwendolen Fairfax- cousin to Algernon, daughter of Lady B, in love with Jack (Ernest), model • Cecily Cardew- Jack’s ward, granddaughter of Jack’s adopted father
Cast List • Lady Bracknell- Algernon’s aunt, Gwendolen’s mother • Miss Prism- Cecily’s governess, Puritan, in love with Dr. Chasuble • Rev. Canon Chasuble, D. D. - rector on Jack’s estate, secret feelings for Miss Prism, Doctor of Divinity • Lane- Algernon’s manservant (only in Act I) • Merriman- butler at the Manor House, Jack’s Estate, (only in Acts II and III)
Earnest vs. Ernest • While Ernest is simply a name taken on by a character that is seen as a symbol of power and “creates vibrations” • Earnest means: • Serious in intention, purpose, or effort; sincerely zealous • Showing depth and sincerity of feeling • Seriously important; demanding or receiving serious attention
Exposition • 1890 s • London (ACT I) • Hertfodshire (ACT II and III) • Protagonist (John Worthing aka Jack/Ernest)
Rising Action • Algernon discovers Jack’s double life • Lady Bracknell forbids marriage • Algernon meets Cecily
Climax • ERNEST DOESN’T EXIST
Falling Action • Miss Prism’s relationship to Jack
Resolution • Triple Marriage • Ernest
Themes: Nature of Marriage • Pleasant vs Unpleasant • ALGERNON: “Nothing will induce me to part with Bunbury, and if you ever get married, which seems to me extremely problematic, you will be very glad to know Bunbury. A man who marries without knowing Bunbury has a very tedious time of it. ”
Themes: Constraints of Morality • Servant class sets standard for upper classes- ( Algernon: "Really, if the lower orders don't set us a good example, what on earth is the use of them? “ Act I ) • Reading private things is “ungentlemanly” • Restrictions indicate strict moral standards
Themes: Hypocrisy vs Inventiveness • Jack’s “killing” of his younger brother- hypocrisy • Algernon and Cecily’s love story- inventiveness
Themes: The Importance of Not Being “Earnest” • It’s impossible to be earnest (sincere)
Symbolism • Ernest & Bunbury = empty promises / deceit of Victorian Era • “Uphold” moral standards in the light while doing whatever in the dark
Critics Review • Source 1 - Jack & Ernest= extension of John • Source 2 - Theme = satire of upper classes • Country • No character depth
- Slides: 16