The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People by Oscar Wilde
"The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People" is a play by Oscar Wilde, first performed in 1895. Set in late Victorian England, the play satirizes the hypocrisies and social conventions of upper-class society through its witty dialogue and farcical plot.

The play follows the story of two young gentlemen, Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, who both lead double lives in order to escape the strict social codes of their time. Jack, who lives in the country, presents himself as a responsible guardian to his young ward, Cecily Cardew, while in London he goes by the name Ernest and leads a life of frivolity and pleasure. Algernon, on the other hand, has created an invalid friend named Bunbury, whom he claims to visit in the country whenever he needs to escape his social obligations in the city.

The plot thickens when Jack falls in love with Algernon's cousin, Gwendolen, and Algernon becomes enamored with Jack's ward, Cecily. The two men must navigate their tangled web of lies and deceptions while trying to win the hearts of their respective ladies.

Wilde's writing is filled with witty one-liners and clever wordplay, as he skewers the social norms of his time with a sharp sense of humor. The play explores themes of love, marriage, and identity, while poking fun at the rigid social structures of late Victorian England.

"The Importance of Being Earnest" has become a classic of English literature, celebrated for its clever dialogue, memorable characters, and enduring relevance. It has been adapted into numerous films and stage productions, and remains a popular choice for high school and college theater programs.

Wilde's play is a masterpiece of comedic writing, a biting satire of the hypocrisies and social conventions of upper-class society, and a timeless examination of the nature of identity and the complexities of human relationships.
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The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People by Oscar Wilde
"The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People" is a play by Oscar Wilde, first performed in 1895. Set in late Victorian England, the play satirizes the hypocrisies and social conventions of upper-class society through its witty dialogue and farcical plot.

The play follows the story of two young gentlemen, Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, who both lead double lives in order to escape the strict social codes of their time. Jack, who lives in the country, presents himself as a responsible guardian to his young ward, Cecily Cardew, while in London he goes by the name Ernest and leads a life of frivolity and pleasure. Algernon, on the other hand, has created an invalid friend named Bunbury, whom he claims to visit in the country whenever he needs to escape his social obligations in the city.

The plot thickens when Jack falls in love with Algernon's cousin, Gwendolen, and Algernon becomes enamored with Jack's ward, Cecily. The two men must navigate their tangled web of lies and deceptions while trying to win the hearts of their respective ladies.

Wilde's writing is filled with witty one-liners and clever wordplay, as he skewers the social norms of his time with a sharp sense of humor. The play explores themes of love, marriage, and identity, while poking fun at the rigid social structures of late Victorian England.

"The Importance of Being Earnest" has become a classic of English literature, celebrated for its clever dialogue, memorable characters, and enduring relevance. It has been adapted into numerous films and stage productions, and remains a popular choice for high school and college theater programs.

Wilde's play is a masterpiece of comedic writing, a biting satire of the hypocrisies and social conventions of upper-class society, and a timeless examination of the nature of identity and the complexities of human relationships.
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The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People by Oscar Wilde

The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People by Oscar Wilde

by Oscar Wilde
The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People by Oscar Wilde

The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People by Oscar Wilde

by Oscar Wilde

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Overview

"The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People" is a play by Oscar Wilde, first performed in 1895. Set in late Victorian England, the play satirizes the hypocrisies and social conventions of upper-class society through its witty dialogue and farcical plot.

The play follows the story of two young gentlemen, Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, who both lead double lives in order to escape the strict social codes of their time. Jack, who lives in the country, presents himself as a responsible guardian to his young ward, Cecily Cardew, while in London he goes by the name Ernest and leads a life of frivolity and pleasure. Algernon, on the other hand, has created an invalid friend named Bunbury, whom he claims to visit in the country whenever he needs to escape his social obligations in the city.

The plot thickens when Jack falls in love with Algernon's cousin, Gwendolen, and Algernon becomes enamored with Jack's ward, Cecily. The two men must navigate their tangled web of lies and deceptions while trying to win the hearts of their respective ladies.

Wilde's writing is filled with witty one-liners and clever wordplay, as he skewers the social norms of his time with a sharp sense of humor. The play explores themes of love, marriage, and identity, while poking fun at the rigid social structures of late Victorian England.

"The Importance of Being Earnest" has become a classic of English literature, celebrated for its clever dialogue, memorable characters, and enduring relevance. It has been adapted into numerous films and stage productions, and remains a popular choice for high school and college theater programs.

Wilde's play is a masterpiece of comedic writing, a biting satire of the hypocrisies and social conventions of upper-class society, and a timeless examination of the nature of identity and the complexities of human relationships.

Product Details

BN ID: 2940161065310
Publisher: Paul Calamusa
Publication date: 04/11/2023
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
File size: 121 KB

About the Author

About The Author
Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was an Irish playwright, poet, and novelist, best known for his wit, humor, and keen insight into human nature. Born in Dublin, Ireland, Wilde studied at Trinity College and went on to become one of the most prominent literary figures of his time.

Wilde's writing career began with poetry, but he quickly turned his attention to playwriting, and his works soon became popular in London's theater scene. His most famous plays include "Lady Windermere's Fan," "An Ideal Husband," and "The Importance of Being Earnest," which is widely regarded as one of the greatest comedies in the English language.

Wilde's writing often dealt with themes of social class, morality, and the nature of art. He was known for his witty and often subversive humor, which challenged the norms and conventions of Victorian society. However, his work also explored deeper themes of human suffering and the search for meaning in life.

Despite his success as a writer, Wilde's personal life was marked by scandal and tragedy. He was famously imprisoned for homosexuality, which was illegal at the time, and suffered greatly as a result. He died at the age of 46, penniless and in exile.

Today, Wilde is celebrated as one of the greatest writers of the late 19th century, a master of wit and satire whose work continues to captivate readers and audiences around the world. His legacy is one of artistic brilliance, social commentary, and a fierce commitment to individual expression in the face of social conventions.

Date of Birth:

October 16, 1854

Date of Death:

November 30, 1900

Place of Birth:

Dublin, Ireland

Place of Death:

Paris, France

Education:

The Royal School in Enniskillen, Dublin, 1864; Trinity College, Dublin, 1871; Magdalen College, Oxford, England, 1874
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