70 pages • 2 hours read
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76
Play • Fiction
England • 1890s
1895
Adult
14+ years
The Importance of Being Earnest centers on two young men, Jack and Algernon, whose use of fictitious personas complicate their romantic pursuits with Gwendolen and Cecily, leading to a series of humorous misunderstandings and revelations about identities and social obligations. The play humorously critiques the pretensions and ethics of the British aristocracy.
Humorous
Playful
Romantic
Bittersweet
384,106 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest has been widely praised for its sharp wit, humorous dialogue, and satirical critique of Victorian society. Critics appreciate Wilde's clever wordplay and engaging characters. However, some feel the play's light-heartedness can overshadow deeper themes. Overall, it's a masterful comedy that continues to entertain.
A reader who enjoys sharp wit, social satire, and clever dialogue will appreciate Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest. This play appeals to fans of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and P. G. Wodehouse's Jeeves series, blending humor with a critique of Victorian society's pretensions.
384,106 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Algernon Moncrieff
Jack's friend in London who enjoys flouting societal norms and invents a sick friend, Mr. Bunbury, to escape social obligations. He is known for his provocative behavior and humorous contradictions.
Lady Augusta Bracknell
A formidable and authoritative figure who is Algernon's aunt and Gwendolen's mother, determined to control her daughter's marriage prospects and keen to point out the faults she sees in others.
Miss Gwendolen Fairfax
Lady Bracknell's daughter and the love interest of Jack, who she knows as Ernest. She is charmed by the name Ernest and idealizes it as part of her romantic aspirations.
Miss Cecily Cardew
Jack's ward in the countryside, who is intrigued by tales of Jack's fictitious brother Ernest and keeps a diary of her imaginations regarding him. She shares an idealistic view of romance.
Miss Prism
Cecily's governess, tasked with her education but often confused by her own teachings, and interested in the attentions of Dr. Chasuble.
Dr. Chasuble
The local church canon who frequently delivers sermons and harbors a timid affection for Miss Prism, struggling with the propriety of courtship.
Lane
Algernon's butler who assists in the facade of his master's double life by maintaining a composed demeanor while backing up Algernon's stories.
Merriman
Jack's butler in the country, responsible for attending to guests and creating diversions during visits.
76
Play • Fiction
England • 1890s
1895
Adult
14+ years
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