The Importance of Being Earnest Flashcards
Why is the name Ernest a pun?
To be earnest is to be honest and Jack/Algernon are being decietful
This play is a comedy of
manners
What did Wilde think of English education
He thought lowly of it and that little was learned so there was no threat to upper class
an exaggerated form of comedy with ridiculous/ stereotypical characters in silly situations
Farce
What are four characteristics of a Farce?
swift actions, clear and witty dialogue, unexpected reversals, physical clowning
What are the four major themes?
Marriage/Love, Dual identities, Idleness, Illusion vs. Reality
What is the nature of love between Jack and Gwendolen?
Name matters b/c Ernest inspires confidence and is her main reason for loving him; have known each other for a while and have some form of a relationship; Jack is attracted to her b/c of wealth and beauty; shallow relationship
What is the nature of love between Algernon and Cecily?
No prior meetings; instant love from Algy; Cecily believes she is in love with Algy b/c he says he is Ernest; relationship based on lies and beauty; Cecily is attracted to Ernest because he is wicked
What is the nature of love between Miss Prism and Dr. Chausible?
have known each other the longest; most mature
What is Wilde’s opinion on marriage?
He considers it demoralizing… two is company and three is none
What is Lady Bracknell’s opinion on marriage?
she considers marriage more of a business
What is Lady Bracknell’s attitude towards her husband?
She cares little about him… Sends him to his room during supper unless there’s company over
What does Algernon say all married men need?
A Bunbury to get away from their wives
How is the theme of dual identities shown throughout the play?
identity of Ernest; Bunburism; Lady Bracknell is not impressed by Cecily until she sees Cecily has money
How is the theme of idleness shown in the play?
no real occupations (Jack smokes); constantly bored; Cecily’s diary
How is the theme of Illusion vs. Reality shown in the play?
False identities; nothing seems as it should be; superficial pursuit of marrying a man named Ernest
something that seems out of place, time, or character
incongruity
examples of incongruities in the play are
all of the epigrams
What are examples of anticipation from the play?
Waiting for Cecily and Gwendolen to find out both of them are marrying Ernest; Algy shows up at Jack’s as Ernest but Jack has said that Ernest is dead
unrealistic contrivance used to resolve comedic plots (plot twist)
Deus ex machine
What are examples of ambiguity from the play?
puns
Who is the closest to Wilde?
Algernon b/c he is an irresponsible upperclassman, frivolous, and dresses like a “pretty boy”
words that play on meanings
puns
short, witty statements empty of meaning
epigrams
brief, cleverly worded statements that make wise observations about life
aphorisms
