What did Oscar Wilde say about The Importance of Being Earnest?
Wilde told Robert Ross that the play’s theme was “That we should treat all trivial things in life very seriously, and all serious things of life with a sincere and studied triviality.” The theme is hinted at in the play’s ironic title, and “earnestness” is repeatedly alluded to in the dialogue, Algernon says in Act II.
What does the last line of The Importance of Being Earnest mean?
It ends happily, resolving any tensions in such a way that all the characters get what they desire. This means that all secret identities are revealed and all the couples can get married in a socially acceptable way. Woo-hoo! Wedding rings for everyone.
Is there a serious theme in The Importance of Being Earnest?
Critical Essays Themes in The Importance of Being Earnest. The aristocratic Victorians valued duty and respectability above all else. Earnestness — a determined and serious desire to do the correct thing — was at the top of the code of conduct. Appearance was everything, and style was much more important than substance …
Is Mrs prism Jack’s mother?
Jack mistakenly thinks Miss Prism is his mother, but is corrected by Lady Bracknell, who tells him that a Mrs. Moncrieff is his mother. That makes Jack Algernon’s older brother.
Why is Jack also known as Earnest?
The Importance of Being Earnest As an alter ego of Wilde, Jack represents the idea of leading a life of respectability on the surface (in the country) and a life of deception for pleasure (in the city).
What does food stand for in The Importance of Being Earnest?
Food symbolizes excess, or overindulgence. For instance, Algernon cannot stop eating cucumber sandwiches, or muffins when they are put in front of him, suggesting that his appetites are just as excessive as his eccentric, flamboyant, and extravagant airs.
What is the conclusion of The Importance of Being Earnest?
Ultimately it is revealed that Jack is really Lady Bracknell’s nephew, that his real name is Ernest, and that Algernon is actually his brother. The play ends with both couples happily united.
Who is the most honest character in The Importance of Being Earnest?
Because Jack lies less than Algernon, is more serious and told the truth when Lady Bracknell interviewed him concerning his marriage proposal to her daughter Gwendolen I must say that even though they both are very dishonest and dishonorable the most honest and honorable of them is Jack Worthing. …read more.
What is the significance of cucumber sandwich?
Cucumber sandwiches are often used as a kind of shorthand in novels and films to identify upper-class people, occasionally in a derogatory manner.
What do the cucumber sandwiches symbolize in The Importance of Being Earnest?
Why does Algernon eat so much?
In reality, Algernon’s voracious appetite is used as a swap for the idea of sex. It is interesting to note that Algernon picks up a slice of cucumber every time people are talking about love and marriage.