Oscar Wildes The Importance Of Being Earnest :: essays research papers

Principal CharactersJack Worthing, gentleman of the Manor House to a fault known as "Ernest" Celcily Cardew, Worthings pretty young ward Miss Prism, Cecilys governessAlgernon Moncrieff, Worthings star Lady Augusta Braknell, Algernons aunt Gwendolen Fairfax, Lady Bracknells daughter The Reverend principle Chasublc, Rector of Woolton Story OverviewWhile Algernon Moncrieff and his manservant prepared for a visit froi-n his aunt, the terrible Lady Bracknell, their conversation turned to the question of marriage. Observing the servants somewhat promiscuous views on the subject, Algernon declared, "Really, if the lower orders dont set us a good example, what on earth is the use of them?" This chat was interrupted by the unexpected stretch of Algernons acquaintanceship, Ernest Worthing Worthing was pleased to hear that Lady Bracknell - and her beautiful daughter Gwendolen - would be be for tea. exactly Algernon warned, "I am afraid Aunt Augusta wont kind of app rove of your bein here." Mildly insulted, Ernest demanded to know why. "My dear fellow," Algernon answered, "the way you flirt with Gwendolen is short disgraceful. It is almost as bad as the way Gwendolen flirts with you." At this spot Worthing announced that he intended to propose marriage to Gwendolen, but was interpreted aback by Algernons response "I dont give my consent." Worthing, would first endure to explain a certain "Cecily" in his life. As evidence of this relationship, he produced a cigarette case left behind by Worthing on an earlier visit - devotedly inscribed from "Cecily" to her loving "Uncle Jack." "Well," admitted Worthing, "my name is Ernest in town and Jack in the country." It happened, he said, that Cecily was his ward, who lived in his country crime syndicate under the watchful eyes of a stern governess, Miss Prism. But to escape the stuffy constraints of country living, Jack had invented a n alter ego " . . . In order to go about up to town I lose endlessly pretended to have a younger brother of the name of Ernest, who lives in Albany, and gets into the most dreadful scrapes." Thus, Jack was often "called away" to the city to " give up" irrepressible Ernest. Smiling, Algernon now confessed that he too was a "Bunburyist," a friend of the equally fictitious "Bunbury," a "permanent invalid," whom he visited whenever he chose to get away. When Lady Bracknell and Gwendolen arrived, Algernon took his aunt aside, leaving "Ernest" and Gwendolen alone. "Miss Fairfax," Worthing stammered, "ever since I met you I have admired you more than any girl - I have ever met since - I met you.