The Importance of Being Earnest
by Oscar Wilde
There is probably no better work to evoke book club discussion than Oscar Wilde’s famous satirical play The Importance of Being Earnest. The extreme characters as well as the situation are the source of humor as Wilde mocks the customs and manners of Victorian England. In our discussion we examined parody, satire, and sarcasm, when each is appropriate, and their potential hurtful nature. We also talked about what constitutes humor.
Wilde’s characters border on the absurd. The women are fluff, the men are profligates who nevertheless think highly of themselves, and no one tells the truth. In fact, the lies that both male protagonists have told are the basis of the humorous confusions in the story. Jack lives in the country, but pretends to need to go frequently to the city because of a younger brother named Ernest who gets into scrapes. When he is in the city, Jack goes by the name of Ernest. Jack’s friend Algernon wants to meet Jack’s ward so he goes to Jack’s house as Ernest. It just happens that Cecily, Jack’s ward, and Gwendolen, Jack’s fiancee agree that they could only love someone whose name is Ernest. The two young ladies’ diaries are a source of amusement as the events in the diary are fictional. For example, Cecily records the marriage proposal of Algernon as Ernest, their breakup, and subsequent reunion even though they have never met.
The Importance of Being Earnest was first presented on February 14, 1895. It continues to amuse audiences today in live theater presentations and in a number of video productions.
Rating: 5/5
Category: Drama, Satire
Publication: February 14, 1895—original production
March 1, 1997—Project Gutenberg
Memorable Lines:
The amount of women in London who flirt with their own husbands is perfectly scandalous. It looks so bad. It is simply washing one’s clean linen in public.
I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train.
Cecily: That certainly seems a satisfactory explanation, does it not? Gwendolen: Yes, dear, if you can believe him. Cecily: I don’t. But that does not affect the wonderful beauty of his answer. Gwendolen: True. In matters of grave importance, style, not sincerity is the vital thing.
education pathways 
Love!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I read this years ago, I need to read it again!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was the same. I remembered it was funny, but nothing of the details. It was worth a reread!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was pleasantly surprised when I read this a couple of years ago. It is so funny! My husband and I also watched the 2002 movie adaptation starring Colin Firth and Reese Witherspoon. I highly recommend it. I bet it made for a very interesting discussion.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It did. For most books, I am not really inspired to watch the movie, but this is a play so that probably makes a difference. Thanks for the recommendation.
LikeLike
I have never read this book, but seen the play at least twice. I should probably give it a read, I am sure I will enjoy it. It sounds like you had some great discussions, Linda.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m jealous that you have seen the play several times–how fun! I did enjoy the read. It’s great because you can go back and reread a line saying to yourself “Did that character really just say that?” It is over the top and that certainly makes it funny!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We have a local theatre group that did it once, and our University Players also performed it. I loved it both times. Yes, I am lucky to have options that aren’t far and don’t break the bank to go to theatre.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m embarrassed to say I’ve never read this, and I had no idea it was satire. I do love well-written, clever satire. The discussion topics it brought up are so good. I would love to have been there to participate!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Being a play, it is not a very long read and so worth the time, especially since you enjoy satire.
LikeLike
Adding it to my TBR!
LikeLiked by 1 person