Gwendolen Fairfax Quotes Flashcards
“Even before I met you I was far from indifferent to you…my ideal has always been to love some one of the name of Ernest. There is something in that name that inspires absolute confidence. The moment Algernon first mentioned to me that he had a friend called Ernest, I knew I was destined to love you”
Showing signs of inflated self-appraisal which give the impression of foolishness. Furthermore, it shows how carried away she is with her imagination and how superficial she is that she is destined to be with someone just because his name is Ernest. This is a classic example of the comedy of manners and Wilde satirizing the upper class.
“In matters of grave importance, style, not sincerity is the vital thing.”
Gwendolen is reversing the usual view that sincerity matters more than style. In this world, it is the beauty of what they say (the imagination) as opposed to the reality that is persuasive.
“I never change, except in my affections.”
Gwendolen’s obsession with the name Ernest is emphasised to the point of ridiculousness (could link back to the theme of the comedy of manners). This is an ironic comment in response to Jack’s question about his name, to show that her attempt to seem appeasing are useless.
“And I often wish that in public, at any rate, you had been more demonstrative. For me you have always had an irresistible fascination.”
Wilde is highlighting the superficiality of Gwendolen through her expectations of romance. Gwendolen clearly has a desire to publicize their love, which links back to the idea of love a way of boosting status and commercializing her reputation.
“I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train.”
This creates humour as Gwendolen and Cecily are both arguing about who is engaged to Ernest, using their diaries almost as a form of legal documentation to back up their points. This suggests that like cecily, Gwendolen creates her own reality within her diary and makes her life seem more sensational than it is.
“Something tells me that we are going to be great friends. I like you already more than I can say. My first impressions of people are never wrong.”
“From the moment I saw you I distrusted you. I felt that you were false and deceitful. I am never deceived in such matters. My first impressions of people are invariably right.”
This is a paradox to very soon after where she believes Cecily is trying to steal her fiance, suggesting that Gwendolen is quite a fickle character with fallible judgements, creating humour for the audience.
“I pity any woman who is married to a man called John. She would probably never be allowed to know the entrancing pleasure of a single moment’s solitude.”
Gwendolen is assuring Jack/ Ernest that she is loves his name, and unaware that Jack is actually called John, she disparages the name based on her stereotypes. Her idea that the names Jack and John are homebodies, creates a humorous contrast with the fictional Ernest who she sees as a man about town.
