TIOBE (AO2) Flashcards
dramatic structure
well-made play
a well-made play is a term associated with the 19th-century French dramatist ‘Eugene Scribe’ and later adopted by other playwrights like Wilde. Characteristics of a well-made play include:
1. Exposition
Wilde explicitly establishes the characters and their relationships. We learn about Algernon Moncrieff, Jack Worthing, Gwendolen Fairfax, and Cecily Cardew. The exposition also introduces the fictitious character “Ernest” and the importance of being earnest. The setting is primarily Algernon’s flat in London.
2. Rising Action:
The rising action in the play involves a series of comedic events and misunderstandings. Jack’s use of the name “Ernest” leads to confusion and complications. Algernon’s impersonation of “Ernest” adds to the complexity. Gwendolen and Cecily both believe they are engaged to men named Ernest, creating a humorous and tangled web of relationships.
3. Climax
The climax of the play occurs in Act II when Gwendolen and Cecily discover the truth about the men they love. The revelation that neither Jack nor Algernon is truly named Ernest leads to a moment of crisis. The characters confront the consequences of their deceptions, and the tension reaches its peak.
4. Resolution
The resolution takes place in the final act when the characters untangle the misunderstandings and the truth is revealed. It is disclosed that Jack’s real name is Ernest, resolving the issue of the name. The play ends with engagements between the couples, and Lady Bracknell’s objections are humorously overcome.
5. Intrigue
Wilde incorporates elements of intrigue through mistaken identities, clever wordplay, and humorous revelations. The entire plot revolves around the characters’ attempts to navigate and resolve the complications arising from their deceptions. The use of the name “Ernest” serves as a central element of intrigue and adds to the comedic tone of the play.
dramatic structure
how the drama is set up and resolved in the opening and ending of the play
Wilde introduces a variety of mistaken identities, deceptions, and misunderstandings, leading to a resolution that ties up the plot in a humorous and satisfying way. These include:
- mistaken identities and deceptions
- romantic entanglements
- lady bracknell’s objections
- revelations and confrontations
These are all revealed at the end through Wilde’s use of clever wordplay, satire and comedic situations to resolve th plot. The play concludes with a humorous and satisfying resolution that exposes the absurdities of societal expectations and highlights the importance of honesty and sincerity.
stagecraft
Setting and Props:
The play features distinct settings, such as Algernon’s flat in London and the Manor House in the countryside. These settings are essential to the plot and provide a backdrop for the characters’ interactions. Props, such as the cucumber sandwiches and the handbag, are also used for comedic effect and contribute to the absurdity of certain situations.
Costumes:
The costumes worn by the characters reflect the fashion and style of the late Victorian era. The visual aspects of the characters’ appearances can emphasize their social status and contribute to the satirical commentary on the superficiality of the upper class.
Physical Comedy:
Physical comedy is incorporated into the play, particularly in scenes involving mistaken identities and humorous revelations. The timing of entrances and exits, as well as the actors’ physical movements, can enhance the comedic impact of the dialogue.
Satirical Tone and Expression:
The actors’ expressions and delivery of lines are crucial in conveying the satirical tone of the play. The exaggerated manners and reactions of the characters highlight the absurdity of societal conventions, contributing to the overall comedic effect.
Entrances and Exits:
Wilde uses entrances and exits strategically to create comedic situations and maintain the pace of the play. Characters often enter or exit at just the right moment to heighten the humor or reveal a plot twist.
Musical Elements:
While not a musical, the play may incorporate music, such as Algernon playing the piano, to enhance the atmosphere and mood of certain scenes.
stagecraft
play ending
play ends with ‘the importance of being earnest’. this refers back to the title of the play and appreciates being ‘earnest’ rather than the name ‘ernest’. this is a cleverly crafted example of wordplay by wilde to satirise the upper-class artificiality and draw attention to the concluding message of the comedy ending with a sense of all’s well that ends well.
stagecraft
pace
the play is generally fast-paced. the events are constantly shifting rapidly and this fast-paced element adds to the absurdity of the comedy.
stagecraft
tension/suspense/surprise
the play is filled with tension through comic anticipation of the pursuit of marriage and whether the couples will end up together. in addition to algernon + jack’s duplicitious identities that enhance the suspense.
stagecraft
disguise
use of disguise used to satirise the upper-class victorian society. also creates comedy through the sheer absurdity and human folly.
stagecraft
dramatic irony
(self explanatory)
dramatic characterisation
how characters are established / how they interact with others / what others think about them
- algernon as an aristocratic, hedonistic bachelor through his relationship and interaction with his servant lane. also further characterised through his discussions with jack.
- lane introduced as the servant through his treatment from algernon. this establishes the significance of social standing and social class.
- jack introduced as a mirror of algernon, despite not being as well-off.
- lady bracknell as an ‘obstacle’ consistently throughout the play. jack refers to her as a ‘gorgon’ which is a monster.
- gwendolen as the ‘new woman’, not afraid to stand up for herself. isn’t passive, witty, clever etc.
- cecily as the ingenue, introduced as looking after her garden. characterises her as an archetypal ingenue / ‘damsel in distress’
dramatic characterisation
how far characters subvert/conform to stereotypes
they all conform
dramatic speech & language
use of symbols as wider satirical messages
- cigarette case
- town and country
- bunbury / ernest
- tea service
- food
- the dandy
- orphans
- christenings
- jack’s mourning clothes
- diaries
- cecily’s love letters
- miss prism’s three-volume novel
- jack’s handbag
- jack’s business card
- coatroom at victoria station and the brighton line
- the army list
