1. The Importance of Being Earnest Oscar Wilde
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Introduction
Background
Discussion Starters

2. The Importance of Being Earnest Oscar Wilde

3. The Importance of Being Earnest: Introduction
Algernon and Jack may look like proper young Victorian gentlemen.
But each—unknown to the other—
is leading a double life.

4. The Importance of Being Earnest: Introduction
Algernon has invented a sickly friend named Bunbury.
When Algernon wants to escape his social obligations in London, he “goes Bunburying.”
That is, he pretends to visit the ailing Bunbury in the country.

5. The Importance of Being Earnest: Introduction
Jack’s situation is even more complicated.
A wealthy bachelor, he lives an upright life in the country.
He wants to set a proper example for Cecily, his young ward.

6. The Importance of Being Earnest: Introduction
But Jack wants to have some fun too.
So he invents a wild brother named Ernest.
When Jack wants to go to London, he pretends he has to bail Ernest out of trouble.

7. The Importance of Being Earnest: Introduction
In London, Jack pretends to be the bad boy Ernest.
Are you confused yet?

8. The Importance of Being Earnest: Introduction
Imagine how “Ernest’s” fiancée, Gwendolen, feels when she learns he is really someone else!

9. The Importance of Being Earnest: Introduction
Imagine how Cecily feels when she finally meets the charming Ernest,
but he turns out to be Ernest’s—or rather, Jack’s—friend Algernon!

10. The Importance of Being Earnest: Introduction
The confusion and misunderstandings are all part of the fun.
Will Gwendolen marry Jack even though he is not Ernest?
Will Algernon win the hand of the beautiful Cecily?

11. The Importance of Being Earnest: Background
“Life is far too important a thing ever to talk seriously about.”
—Oscar Wilde

12. The Importance of Being Earnest: Background
Oscar Wilde liked to make fun of upper-class Victorian society.
In this play he pokes fun at
strict Victorian social rules
the shallowness of the idle rich

13. The Importance of Being Earnest: Background
Wilde also pokes a bit of fun at himself.
Like Wilde, Algernon and Jack are dandies.

14. The Importance of Being Earnest: Background
In Victorian times only men could be dandies. An authentic dandy
enjoyed fine clothes and expensive habits
used refined language
spent most of his time socializing
lived to have fun

15. The Importance of Being Earnest: Background
A well-bred Victorian woman, on the other hand, was modest and reserved.
Few kinds of enjoyment were open to her outside the home.

16. The Importance of Being Earnest: Background
Moreover, to achieve the fashionable 18- to 20-inch waist,

17. The Importance of Being Earnest: Background
her corset often was so tight that she could barely breathe!

18. The Importance of Being Earnest: Discussion Starters
What qualities do you look for in friends and loved ones?
Which of these standards are truly important?
Which could you let go of for the right person?

19. The Importance of Being Earnest: Discussion Starters
What do you do when a social obligation conflicts with what you really want to do?
Have you ever gotten into a scrape over a seemingly harmless white lie? How did you resolve the situation?