English IV Summer Reading – “The Importance of Being Earnest” – Oscar Wilde
This is a short satirical play by Wilde, an author we will be studying more closely when we read
The Picture of Dorian Gray in the fall. This play will be closely connected to the English IV
curriculum as it will be heavily referred to and analyzed in comparison to Dorian Gray. We will
also analyze literary theory using this play as our focus. “The Importance of Being Earnest” will
also play a part on the Dorian Gray Test, so it is imperative that you read this play closely and
carefully. You are expected to read this during the summer as there will not be any class time or
assigned reading time dedicated to this work in this fall.
You can download the play electronically or purchase it here:
http://www.amazon.com/Importance-Being-Earnest-OscarWilde/dp/0486264785/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1432827645&sr=81&keywords=the+importance+of+being+earnest
Part I: Read “The Importance of Being Earnest” – Oscar Wilde

While reading, annotate for content (major moments of epiphany, conflicts, character
development) and literary techniques (characterization, setting, figurative language, style
(diction and syntax), theme, tone). Note passages that interest you, as you will need them for
the assignment part two.
Part II: Create a dialectical character analysis journal that will explore characterization through the
Wilde’s dialogue while developing overall themes

You should complete this journal electronically. You may not copy notes from other sources.
The notes in the journal need to show me that you’ve read the ENTIRE play, so do not stop just
because you hit the minimum required number of entries if you have not gotten to the end of
the play. You should also vary your focus of discussion. Go beyond the surface and prove to
me that you have not only read the play carefully but have also analyzed it in its entirety.

Your dialectical character analysis journal should encompass quotes from different areas of the
play covering different aspects of characterization. You should clearly label the entry with the
character and characteristic you are choosing to focus on for the analysis portion. The
minimum requirement is 5 entries per Act (15 total). While you are to cover a variety of
characters that add to the play’s theme, it is expected that the most attention be given to the
major characters, some even analyzing their dialogue more than once for each scene.

You should set up your journal as follows:
PASSAGE
Use MLA format to cite your
quotes.
ANALYSIS
LABEL THE CHARACTER – LABEL THE CHARACTERISTIC
COMMENTARY—Discuss why the quote is important. How does
Here you should include quotes that it portray characteristics of a certain character OR how does it show
you find interesting, intriguing,
their development? What does this quote illustrate about a character
enticing, etc. Look for character
or his/her motivations? How does it contribute to the work as a
quotes that embrace the play’s
whole (theme)? What does it suggest/describe/foreshadow/critique?
themes, criticism of society,
character development, motifs, etc.
The following example is from To Kill a Mockingbird:
PASSAGE
“Atticus was right. One time he said you
never really know a man until you stand
in his shoes and walk around in them.
Just standing on the Radley porch was
enough” (Lee 232).
ANALYSIS
SCOUT – COMING OF AGE (character development)
As this quote is taken from the end of the novel, Lee
comes full circle in portraying Scout as an innocent,
naïve protagonist to one that has been influenced by
the world and has come to form her own opinions.
Here, Scout embraces the compassion that the society
lacks. At the beginning of the novel, Scout partakes in
the mocking of Boo, but after “walking around in [Boo’]
shoes,” Scout sees that he is an unfortunately
misunderstood character in a gossipy town.
*As you can see in this example, it is evident that the entire novel was read carefully, the quote is
carefully analyzed with insightful thought, and the character analysis is detailed.
****REMEMBER, YOU ARE ANALYZING THE CHARACTERS!!! DO NOT SIMPLY
RESTATE THEIR DIALOGUE. ANALYZE THEIR SPEECH IN HOW IT RELATES TO
OVERALL CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT AND THEMES****
The following is criteria for how these journals will be graded:
Quotations and Coverage should demonstrate a comprehensive and highly insightful understanding
of the significant ideas in quotes. Chosen passages should be worthy of in-depth analysis and should
cover the entire scope of the play.
Interpretation should cover the proficient analysis of Wilde’s use of language, themes, and aspects of
the text. Interpretation should show incredible insight and thorough thought.
Presentation should be neat, organized, and clear. Proficient grammar, mechanics, and sentence
structure is expected.
This assignment is due on the first day of school. (August 19th 2015)
If you have any questions, email me at kridley@delmarvachristian.com
Have a great summer!
Ms. Ridley