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

Principal CharactersJack Worthing, gentleman of the Manor House also known as "Ernest" Celcily Cardew, Worthings pretty new-made ward Miss Prism, Cecilys governessAlgernon Moncrieff, Worthings title-holder Lady Augusta Braknell, Algernons aunt Gwendolen Fairfax, Lady Bracknells daughter The Reverend Canon Chasublc, Rector of Woolton Story OverviewWhile Algernon Moncrieff and his manservant prepared for a visit froi-n his aunt, the formidable Lady Bracknell, their conversation turned to the question of marriage. Observing the servants somewhat lax views on the subject, Algernon declared, "Really, if the lower orders dont set us a skinny example, what on earth is the use of them?" This chat was interrupted by the unexpected arrival of Algernons friend, Ernest Worthing Worthing was pleased to hear that Lady Bracknell - and her beautiful daughter Gwendolen - would be seem for tea. But Algernon warned, "I am afraid Aunt Augusta wont quite approve of your bein here ." Mildly insulted, Ernest demanded to know why. "My dear fellow," Algernon answered, "the way you flirt with Gwendolen is perfectly disgraceful. It is close as bad as the way Gwendolen flirts with you." At this point Worthing announced that he intended to propose marriage to Gwendolen, but was taken aback by Algernons response "I dont give my consent." Worthing, would first pee to explain a certain "Cecily" in his life. As evidence of this relationship, he produced a cigarette human face left behind by Worthing on an earlier visit - devotedly inscribed from "Cecily" to her loving "Uncle Jack." "Well," admitted Worthing, "my denomination is Ernest in town and Jack in the country." It happened, he said, that Cecily was his ward, who lived in his country home under the watchful eyes of a stern governess, Miss Prism. But to escape the stuffy constraints of country living, Jack had invented an commute ego " . . . In order to get up to town I have always 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 "rescue" 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.