Karen King
Designer/Director Collaboration Lab
Rigdon/Wallace
July 21, 2008
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST
Script Analysis Outline
I. Where does the play take place?
A. What does the author say in the stage directions?
ACT
Char
Text
Pg
I
I
AUTH Algernon Moncrieff's Flat in Half-Moon Street, W
AUTH LONDON: ST. JAMES'S THEATRE
I
AUTH Morning-room in Algernon's flat in Half-Moon Street.
2
The room is
luxuriously and artistically furnished. The sound of a
piano is heard in
the adjoining room.
…
AUTH tea on the table
2
AUTH Lady Bracknell sweeps out
18
AUTH [Algernon, from the other room, strikes up the
18
Wedding March. …., and goes to the door.]
AUTH [Algernon retires to the fireplace.]
21
AUTH Lane presents several letters on a salver to Algernon
22
AUTH The Garden at the Manor House, Woolton. A flight of grey23
stone steps leads up to the
house. The garden, an old-fashioned one, full of roses.
Basket chairs, and a table covered with books, are set under a large yew-tree. [Miss
Prism discovered seated at the table. Cecily is at the back
watering flowers.]
I
I
I
I
I
II
II
II
II
AUTH [Calling]
AUTH …to come down here…[Cecily begins to write in her
diary.]
AUTH Cecily from the house
1
1
23
24
31
King 2
II
II
II
II
AUTH
AUTH
AUTH
AUTH
II
AUTH
II
II
II
II
III
AUTH
AUTH
AUTH
AUTH
AUTH
III
III
III
III
AUTH
AUTH
AUTH
AUTH
Runs back into the house
Goes back into the house
Goes into the house.
Enter Cecily at the back of the garden. She picks up the
can and begins to water the flowers.
Kneels at table, opens box, and produces letters tied up
with blue ribbon.
…rushes down the garden.
…salver, table cloth, and plate stand.
…clear table and lay cloth…
…retire into the house…
Drawing-Room at the Manor House,
Woolton…window, looking out into the garden
…crossing to the sofa and sitting down…
Sitting down….Cecily goes across.
Cecily goes over.
She looks anxiously round as if desirous to escape.
32
33
34
35
37
39
42
42
46
49
53
54
56
58
B. What do the characters say specifically about where
they are?
ACT
Char
I
I
I
I
Jack
Alg
Alg
Jack
Alg
I
I
Jack
Alg
I
Lady
B
Gwen
AUTH
Lady
B
Lady
B
Lady
B
Lady
B
Jack
Lady
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Text
Tunbridge Wells
…B. 4, The Albany
…at Tunbridge Wells
…that the place is not in Shropshire
I have Bunburyed all over Shropshire on two separate
occasions.
…who lives in the Albany
…be able to go down into the country ….. dine with
you at Willis's
Won't you come and sit here Gwendolen?
Pg
6
6
7
7
7
8
8
10
I'm quite comfortable where I am.
go into the music-room
..will wait for me below in the carriage.
10
12
14
[Gwendolen goes to the door]
14
[Sitting down.] You can take a seat, Mr. Worthing
14
in Grosvenor Square
15
Belgrave Square
In Belgrave Square
16
16
King 3
ACT
I
I
I
II
II
II
II
II
II
II
II
II
II
II
II
II
II
II
II
II
II
III
III
III
III
III
III
III
Char
B
Jack
Jack
Alg
Miss
Prism
Chasu
ble
Cecily
Jack
Merri
man
Jack
Algern
on
Jack
Text
Pg
149 (Belgrave Square)
The Manor House, Woolton, Hertfordshire.
A glass of sherry
This parish
16
21
22
30
Outlying cottages on your own estate.
31
Who do you think is in the dining room?
My brother is in the dining-room?
I have put Mr. Ernest’s things in the room next to
yours…
…called back to town
…go up…
31
32
33
…presence in my garden…have a pleasant journey
back to town…
Algern …Bankruptcy Court….
on
Merri Mr. Worthing went over in the direction of the Rectory
man
Cecily I live here.
Merri …I lay tea here…
man
Gwen …interesting walks in the vicinity
dolen
Cecily …you live in town?
Gwen Quite a well-kept garden this is…
dolen
Gwen I had no idea there were any flowers in the county.
dolen
Cecily …flowers are as common here…
AUTH …chair…
Alg
…somewhere else…
Lady Hertfordshire
B
Jack 149 Belgrave Square, S.W.; Gervase Park, Dorking,
Surrey; and the Sporran, Fifeshire, N.B.
Jack …during my temporary absence in London…
Lady Lord Bracknell’s house, Number 104, Upper Grosvenor
B
Street
Miss …cloak-room of one of the larger railway stations in
Prism London…
Jack I must reture to my room for a moment.
33
34
34
38
39
40
42
43
43
43
43
43
49
52
53
53
55
58
59
59
King 4
C. What do the characters say that implies a place?
ACT
Char
I
I
I
Jack
Jack
Alg
“…on earth…”
…is Ernest in town and Jack in the country
…Ernest in town and Jack in the country.
I
Lane
no cucumbers in the market this morning, sir. I went
down twice.
10
I
Gwen
12
I
Lady
B
Lady
B
Mamma has a way of coming back suddenly into a
room that I have often had to speak to her about.
In land…
a cloak-room at a railway station might serve to conceal
a social indiscretion--has probably, … it could hardly
be regarded as an assured basis for a recognised
position in good society
In Paris…at harvest celebrations, christenings,
confirmations, on days
of humiliation and festal days
…leaves the pleasures of London to sit by a bed of pain.
The homes seems to me to be the proper sphere for the
man.
…train.
17
…a great. From the top of one of te hills quite close one
can see five countries.
Algern …dinner parties
on
Algern …in Paris…
on
Lady Three addresses always inspire confidence…
B
Lady …platform…
B
43
I
II
Chasu
ble
II
II
Cecily
Gwen
dolen
Gwen
dolen
Cecily
II
II
II
II
III
III
Text
Pg
5
7
7
15
30
32
40
42
47
48
53
57
D. How do the characters describe the place they are in?
ACT
Char
I
I
I
Alg
Alg
Alg
Text
a bachelor's establishment
the happy English home
[The sound of an electric bell is heard.] …..Wagnerian
manner
Pg
2
9
9
King 5
ACT
Char
Text
Pg
I
I
Alg
Lady
B
10
15
I
Jack
I
Lady
B
Jack
Chas
[Goes over to tea-table.]
A country house! How many bedrooms? You have a
town house, I hope? A girl with a simple, unspoiled
nature, like Gwendolen, could hardly be expected to
reside in the country.
I have a country house with some land, of course,
attached to it,
about fifteen hundred acres, I believe
The unfashionable side. I thought there was something.
However, that could easily be altered.
Do you mean the fashion, or the side?
House of sorrow
I
II
15
16
16
31
E. What do the characters say about items or clothing that
might indicate a specific place?
ACT
Char
Text
Pg
I
I
II
Jack
Jack
Mima
n
Cecily
In the cloak-room at Victoria Station
The Brighton Line
Three portmanteaus, a dessing-case, two hat-boxes, and
a large luncheon-basket.
…under this dear old tree here.
17
17
33
II
37
F. What is the significance to the place or places in which
each scene takes place?
Act
I
II
III
Significance
Set in Algernon’s London bachelor place in order to convey a sense of the
“naughty” and “untamed” in a young man’s fancy.
Takes place at in order to show the gentry lifestyle, wealth, and to bring
Same estate, but has moved inside to the drawing room with a window looking
out to the garden.
G. Summary, in what country, city, town building room
does the play take place and why did the playwright chose
this location for this story.
Act
I
II
Summary
Takes place in Algernon’s bachelor flat located in the west end of London.
Wilde chose this location as it was one he was familiar with and where a smart
young upper crust would reside.
Takes place at The Manor House, in Woolton in Southern England outside in the
garden. Wilde chose this location because it adds dignity and wealth to the
King 6
III
setting and also shows why Jack escapes from the burden of such a
responsibility as Ernest in town
Same estate, but has moved inside to the drawing room with a window looking
out to the garden. The drawing room adds to the overall elegance of Jack’s
wealth and affords a “proper” place in which to tie up all the loose ends.
H. How does each character feel about the places they are
in?
Character
Algernon
What they say
Algernon seems very content with his London flat and enjoys the
nearby amenities of his area. He seems extremely pleased with
himself that he has found Jack out and discovered Jack’s country
home.
Jack
Jack enjoys his country home, but craves the excitement of the city.
He seems to feel as if he must behave austere in the country and can
let loose in the city.
Lady Bracknell A little uncomfortable at Algy’s because it is a bachelor’s pad and she
can only imagine the “possibilities” of goings on, which place her on
edge. She’s not very pleased with having to have gone to Jack’s
estate, but is satisfied with it.
Gwendolen
Algernon’s flat provides Gwendolen excitement and just the hint of
“things which are desired”. She’s very happy to go to the country
where Jack is.
Cecily
Enjoys her estate, but wishes for more excitement. She finds it much
more appealing after Algernon’s arrival.
Miss Prism
Comfortable where she is and feels obligation and duty to her
surroundings.
Dr. Chasuable Pleased to visit and commune with the gentry.
Lane
It’s his place of employment and he knows all the ins and outs.
Merriman
Ditto
I. Why do you think the playwright chose this/these
place/s?
Oscar Wilde set his play in the fashionable West End because his audience would know
of the places the characters mention. The country estate shows the wealth and expected
societal norms of Wilde’s time. Both settings add to the plot and story line by
establishing character.
King 7
II. When Does the Play Take Place?
A. What does the author say in the stage directions?
Act Text
The Present: 1895- When First Presented
1
Afternoon
2
. . . July
Page
1
2
23
B. What do the characters say specifically about the time
date, month, day, year, season ?
Act
Char
1
Alg
1
Alg
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
Text
…On Thursday Night…
When one is in town one amuses oneself. When one
is in the country one amuses other people.
Pg
2
3
Alg
…I dined there on Monday, and once a week…
Lady B
Lady B
Alg
Cecily
Jack
Alge
Jack/Alge
Alge
Lady B
Jack
I'm sorry if we are a little late, Algernon, . . .
…before the season is quite over.
… say a severe chill. (winter)
… no time, this afternoon.
… by the four-five train.
… christened at a quarter to six…
… we are going to be christened this afternoon.
I killed Bunbury this afternoon.
Gwendolen! the time approaches for our departure.
… This afternoon during my temporary absence in
London…
… waiting for you there for an hour and three-quarters 58
Miss P
8
10
17
19
27
34
48
51
52
54
55
C. What do they say that implies time?
Act Char
Text
1
Alg
… slight refreshment at five o'clock
1
Lady …. quite a treat for you to-night, Algernon….
B
1
Jack
… before the end of the week I shall have got rid of
him.
1
Alg
… trot round to the Empire at ten?
2
Jack Would half-past five do?
2
Alg … it is the first time I have come here.
2 Cecily He arrived about half an hour ago
2
Alg … more than a week this time.
Pg
5
11
19
20
31
32
32
33
King 8
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
Cecily
Cecily
Cecily
Cecily
Cecily
MP
Jack
Jack
… exactly three months on Thursday.
… we have been engaged for the last three months.
On the 14th of February last.
On the 22nd of last March.
… newspaper is sure to chronicle the fact next
week.… engaged to be married
… On the morning of the day you mention, a day that
is forever…
…must retire to my room for a moment.
… I’ve now realized for the first time in my life…
36
36
37
37
41
58
59
62
D. How do the characters describe the time period in which
they are in?
1
1
1
2
2
3
3
3
… modern education is radically unsound.
…nowadays that is no guarantee of respectability…
… reminds one of the worst excesses of the French
Revolution.
Cecily …Agricultural depression . . . aristocracy are suffering
very much from it
just at present.
Gwen Modern, no less than Ancient History, supplies us with
many most painful examples of what I refer to.
Auth … dreadful popular air from a British Opera.
LB
We live…in an age of surfaces.
Jack … Colonel, General 1869, Christian names, Ernest
John.
LB
LB
LB
15
16
17
43
41
50
54
62
E. What do the characters say about items or clothing that might
indicate a specific period?
1
Alg
1
1
1
1
1
Jack
Jack
Alg
Gwen
Gwen
2
MP
… Mr. Worthing left in the smoking-room the last
time he dined here.
…my cigarette case all this time?
… dine with me anywhere to-night.
Modern life … and modern literature …
…We live, … in an age of ideals. ….
Few parents nowadays pay any regard … The oldfashioned respect for the…
… why the Primitive Church has not lasted up to the
present day
5
5
8
8
12
21
28
King 9
F. Over what timeframe does the action of the play occur?
Act
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
Char
LB
LB
Alg
Alg
Jack
Jack
Alg
Alg
Alg
Miss P
Chaus
Cecily
Cecily
Alg
Jack
2
2
2
2
2
2
Cecily
Alg
Cecily
Alg
Gwen
Gwen
2
2
3
Cecily
Alge
DC
3
3
3
LB
LB
LB
3
3
LB
Jack
Text
…to have a relapse on Saturday…
…to have a relapse on Saturday…
…must go and dress… it is nearly seven?
…must go and dress… it is nearly seven?
…nearly seven.
…nearly seven.
...back till Monday.
...back till Monday.
To-morrow, Lane,…
….as he was leaving for town yesterday.
And how are we this morning?
… he said at dinner on Wednesday night,…
… till Monday afternoon.
… to go up by the first train on Monday morning.
… I would like to be christened myself, this
afternoon,…
It can wait . . . five minutes.
… to come round next week, at the same hour.
But I forgave you before the week was out.
I must see him at once….
… to be his wife yesterday afternoon at 5.30.
…announcement will appear in the Morning Post on
Saturday at the latest.
Ernest proposed to me exactly ten minutes ago.
… ask me to go without having some dinner.
… by the pew-opener that for the last hour and a half
Miss Prism has been waiting for me…
. . . we have already missed five, if not six, trains.
… Twenty-eight years ago, Prism,…
A few weeks later, through the elaborate
investigations…
… was discovered at midnight, standing…
The Army Lists of the last forty years are here.
Pg
11
11
20
20
20
20
22
22
22
23
25
27
27
27
30
35
36
37
38
42
42
42
48
57
57
58
58
58
61
G. Summarize, in what time of day, day of the week, date,
month, year, season, decade, century doe the play take
place?
ACT I: 1895, Play starts in the afternoon, at teatime, 5:00 to be exact, Dinner is
being prepared for later. There is a sense of coolness in the air at the beginning
King 10
with the lines, “…a severe chill”, and a season for lovers. (i.e., the interrupted
proposal by Lady Bracknell.)TIME: 2:00pm DAY: Thursday
ACT II: Act II opens with morning time, in July. It is a clear day outside,
summery. We assume this act probably takes place on a Thursday/Friday or
Friday/Saturday. TIME: 9:00am DAY: Friday
ACT III - The weather has changed metaphorically. The time is the same day in July,
afternoon. TIME 3:00pm DAY: Friday
H. What is the significance to the time period, day, date, month,
year, season, decade, century?
It is the end of the social season in late 1890’s England – a time which becomes a
desperate season for those who have not secured their futures through an
advantageous marriage.
I. Why do you think the playwright chose this period of time?
Oscar Wilde, as all good writers do, wrote about what he know his own time and
social structure.
III. What happened before the play began?
A. List the lines of dialogue for each character that indicate
what happened before the play began in that character’s
point of view?
B. Write a short statement for each character that indicates
what happened before the play began from that character’s
point of view? (NOTE: HANDLED IN THE SUMMARY AT
THE END OF EACH CHARACTER’S TABLE)
ALGERNON
Character
Line
Algy
(The sound of a piano is heard in the adjoining room)
Did you hear what I was playing, Lane?
Oh! . . . by the way, Lane, I see from your book that on Thursday night, when
Lord Shoreman and Mr. Worthing were dining with me, eight bottles of
champagne are entered as having been consumed.
Algy
Page
(Gutenberg)
2
3
Algy
Bring me that cigarette case Mr. Worthing left in the smoking-room the last
time he dined here.
5
Algy
Algy
I have introduced you to every one as Ernest.
I have invented an invaluable permanent invalid called Bunbury, in order that I
may be able to go down into the country whenever I choose.
6
8
King 11
Algy
Summary
I dined there on Monday (Aunt Augusta’s home)
Before the play begins Algy has been playing the piano. On Monday Algy
dined at Aunt Augusta’s home. On Thursday he has had drinks with Jack. He
only knows Jack by the name of Ernest. Algy also has a made up friend that
he visits to get out of town.
8
GWENDOLIN
Character
Line
Gwendolyn
Even before I met you I was far from indifferent to you.
The moment Algernon first mentioned to me that he had a friend called
Ernest, I knew I was destined to love you.
Summary
Gwendolyn has been previously introduced to Jack.
Page
(Gutenburg)
12
JACK
Character
Line
Jack
Algy: Where have you been since last Thursday?
Page
(Gutenberg)
4
Jack: In the country.
Algernon: What on earth do you do there?
Jack. [Pulling off his gloves] When one is in town one amuses oneself. When
one is in the country one amuses other people. It is excessively boring.
Jack
Jack
I am in love with Gwendolen.
Well, my name is Ernest in town and Jack in the country, and the cigarette case
was given to me in the country.
4
6
Jack
Old Mr. Thomas Cardew, who adopted me when I was a little boy, made me in
his will guardian to his
grand-daughter, Miss Cecily Cardew.
I have always pretended to have a younger brother of the name of Ernest, who
lives in the Albany, and gets into the most dreadful scrapes.
Miss Fairfax, ever since I met you
I have lost both my parents.
The late Mr. Thomas Cardew…found me… In a hand-bag
Jack lost both of his parents. He was found in a bad at a train station by
Thomas Cardew. Jack is now the guardian to Mr. Cardews granddaughter,
Cecily. Jack has assumes a false identity of “Ernest” when he is in town. He
has fallen in love with Gwendolen. Jack dined with Algy last Thursday, and left
his cigarette case. He has recently come up from the county.
7
Jack
Jack
Jack
Jack
Summary
8
12
16
16
LANE
Character
Line
Lane
I didn't think it polite to listen, sir.
Page
(Gutenburg)
2
King 12
Stage
Directions
Lane
Lane
Lane
Summary
Lane is arranging afternoon tea on the table
2
Algernon: And, speaking of the science of Life, have you got the
cucumber sandwiches cut for Lady Bracknell?
3
Lane: Yes, sir. [Hands them on a salver.]
I attribute it to the superior quality of the wine, sir.
I have only been married once.
Lane drank some of the wine on Thursday evening. He has been ignoring
Algy while setting up for tea. He has prepared cucumber sandwiches for
Lady Bracknell’s arrival. Lane was previously married.
3
3
LADY BRACKNELL
Character
Line
Lady B
Lady B
I was obliged to call on dear Lady Harbury.
I've quite a treat for you to-night, Algernon. I am going to send you
down with Mary Farquhar.
I should be much obliged if you would ask Mr. Bunbury, from me, to be kind
enough not to have a relapse on Saturday, for I rely on you to arrange my music
for me. It is my last reception,
Lady Bracknell has come from visiting Lady Harbury. She is having a diner
party this evening. She is planning a final reception on Saturday.
Lady B
Summary
Page
(Gutenberg)
10
11
11
CECILY
Character
Line
Stage
Directions
Cecily
Cecily is at the back watering flowers.
Page
(Gutenberg)
22
Miss Prism: We will repeat yesterday's lesson.
22
Cecily
Cecily
I keep a diary in order to enter the wonderful secrets of my life.
Well, he said at dinner on Wednesday night
Well, ever since dear Uncle Jack first confessed to us that he had a younger
brother who was very wicked and bad… but I fell in love with you, Ernest
Cecily last Jack on Wednesday when they had dinner. She take’s German
lessons from Miss Prism and keeps a diary. When Cecily heard Jack mention
Ernest she fell in love with him. As the play open she has been watering
flowers in the garden,
23
26
34
Summary
MISS PRISM
Character
Line
Miss
Prism
Miss
Prism
Miss
Prism
Miss
Prism
Summary
We will repeat yesterday's lesson.
Do not speak slightingly of the three-volume novel, Cecily. I wrote one myself
in earlier days.
The manuscript unfortunately was abandoned. [Cecily starts.] I use the word in
the sense of lost or mislaid
Dr. Chasuble! This is indeed a pleasure.
Miss Prism has been working with Cecily on her German. She wrote a threevolume novel when she was younger, but she lost it. Miss Prism is in love with
Page
(Gutenberg)
22
23
23
23
King 13
Dr. Chasuble.
DR. CHASUBLE
Character
Line
Dr.
Chasuble
Dr.
Chasuble
Summary
Were I fortunate enough to be Miss Prism's
pupil, I would hang upon her lips.
With pleasure, Miss Prism, with pleasure. We might go as far as the schools
and back.
Dr. Chasuble is in love with Miss Prism.
Page
(Gutenberg)
23
24
C. Summarize the story before the action of the play
begins:
Algy and Jack are friends who do not know of each other’s “made up” lives. Jack and
Gwendolen have met previously and Jack has fallen in love with her. Algy has found
Jack’s cigarette case and knows that his friend is hiding something. Lane and Algy are
preparing for Lady Bracknell’s visit. Lady Bracknell has been visiting a friend who
husband passed away. She hosts many social gatherings and is preparing for her last
gathering on Saturday. At Jack’s country home, Cecily has been taking German lessons
from Miss Prism, a once aspiring novelist. Cecily keeps a diary and has fallen in love
with “Earnest” based on the stories told by Jack. Dr. Chausable apparently has sometime
before fallen for Prism.
IV.
What happens in the play?
A. What is the most important event in the play?
The revelation of Jack’s strange past.
B. How is each character related to or participate in this
event?
Character
Algernon
Jack
Lady Bracknell
Gwendolen
Cecily
Miss Prism
Dr. Chasuable
Lane
Merriman
Relation to Event
Wants to see if Jack can succeed to be a legitimate person
Wants to know if he “is or isn’t” legitimate
Opposed to Jack’s happiness because of the legitimacy issues
Can’t have Jack if her mother doesn’t approve
Jack is her guardian because her grandfather adopted Jack
Left Jack as a baby in the train station
Becomes caught up in the “supposed” scandal and wary for his
position
Amused at the tribulations of his betters
Shepherds the main players in and out of the situation.
King 14
C. How is the play structurally organized – is it causal,
abstract, episodic, combination, etc?
The play is climatic structure.
D. Based on the structure construct visual action chart for
the play.
1. Algernon prepares for a visit from Lady Bracknell and his cousin Gwendolen.
2. Jack arrives unexpectedly.
3. Algernon confronts Jack with the cigarette case with the inscription to Ernest
from Cecily.
4. Jack confesses his real name is Jack and pretends he has a brother named Ernest
so he can escape his responsibilities of the manor house and his J. P position.
5. Algernon gleefully admits he too has a secret identity so he can escape social
obligations with grace.
6. Algernon tries to discover Jack’s country address so he can meet Cecily.
7. Jack talks of his love for Gwendolen.
8. Lady Bracknell and Gwendolen arrive.
9. Algernon steers Lady Bracknell away so Jack and Gwendolen may be alone.
10. Jack proposes to Gwendolen, who believes his name is Ernest.
11. Lady Bracknell interrupts the proposal.
12. Lady Bracknell quizzes Jack on his wealth and background.
13. Jack admits he is adopted and was found in a handbag at Victoria station.
14. Lady Bracknell cannot accept Jack’s non-parentage and exits.
15. Algernon commiserates with Jack about the situation.
16. Gwendolen returns to inform Jack she will love him forever.
17. Algernon pretends to be in the corner giving them privacy.
18. Jack tells Gwendolen his address in the country.
19. Algernon overhears the address and makes a note of it.
20. Gwendolen and Jack exit.
21. Algernon informs Lane he is going on a trip.
ACT II
1. Cecily and Miss Prism are in the garden.
2. Miss Prism comments on having been a writer of a three volume novel.
3. Cecily hedges on doing her homework.
4. Dr. Chasuble arrives.
5. Dr. Chasuble utters comments showing his buried affections for Miss Prism.
6. Cecily sets up Miss Prism to go walking with Dr. Chasuble and they leave.
7. Algernon arrives as Jack’s errant brother Ernest.
8. Cecily and Algernon flirt and go into the house
9. Prism and Chasuble return
10. Jack arrives in mourning, telling P and C that Ernest passed away
11. Jack asks Chasuble if he could perform a Christening.
12. Cecily enters and tells Jack that his brother is well and is there
13. Cecily returns with Algernon
King 15
14. Everyone retires to leave “supposed” brothers alone.
15. Jack fumes at Algernon’s Bunburying
16. Algernon tells Jack he has fallen for Cecily
17. Jack forbids the love and exits to arrange for Algy’s departure.
18. Cecily returns
19. Cecily confesses how much she adores the name Ernest.
20. Algernon proposes to Cecily.
21. Algernon goes into the house to speak with C about a christening..
22. Gwendolen arrives.
23. Cecily and Gwendolen both believe they are in love with the same Ernest.
24. Cecily and Gwendolen spat.
25. Cecily and Gwendolen discover there are two different Ernests and become
friends.
26. Jack and Algy enter.
27. Jack and Algy confess their real names.
28. Gwendolen and Cecily stalk off into the house.
29. Jack and Algernon discover they both have made arrangements to be christened
Ernest.
ACT III
1. Gwendolen and Cecily fret over Algy and Jack’s confessions.
2. Algy and Jack enter to assuage their fears.
3. Algy and Jack state they planned on changing their names.
4. Algy and Jack are forgiven by Gwendolen and Cecily.
5. Lady Bracknell arrives
6. Lady Bracknell learns that Algy is engaged to Cecily.
7. Lady Bracknell performs her inquisition of Cecily.
8. Lady Bracknell approves of the marriage.
9. Jack refuses his consent unless he can marry Gwendolen.
10. LB holds firm and finds out when Cecily will be of age.
11. Cecily confesses she won’t be of age until age 35 and can’t wait until then.
12. Dr.C arrives to say he’s ready to perform the christenings.
13. When he learns he won’t be doing any christenings, he states he’s going to return
to Prism.
14. Lady Bracknell reacts and calls for Prism.
15. Prism enters and Lady Bracknell demands to know what happened to the baby.
16. Prism regales the story.
17. Jack runs off to retrieve the handbag.
18. Prism identifies it as hers.
19. Jack believes Prism is his mother.
20. Lady Bracknell tells Jack that he is the son of her sister and Algy’s blood brother.
21. Lady Bracknell reveals that Jack’s real name is Ernest.
22. The truth told, everyone can be with their true heart’s desire.
King 16
V. The Big Picture
A. Idea
1. What is the significance of the title?
The Importance of Being Earnest is a pun regarding the overall
sense of the play, in that earnest means honest – and no one is
very honest, truthful or there circumstances which veil the truth.
The pun is on the name of Ernest, which is the subterfuge which
both Jack and Algy play and the name both girls insist the man they
love have.
2. What is the significance of the characters names?
Character
Algernon
Jack / Ernest
Lady Bracknell
Gwendolen
Cecily
Miss Prism
Dr. Chasuble
Lane
Merriman
Name Significance
Derived from William the Conquer –
French Norman name meaning have a
moustache – Algy very much likes to play
games and wants to be a conquer
Means independent – Jack is that without
knowing who he is
Ernest – means serious
Very formal sounding and “hacking” as her
character is like a battle axe.
Means fair or blessed – much like the
character
Means blind – character is blind to all
faults of those she lvoes
Catches the light, but throws things off
whack and splits up the real thing.
Name of the vestments worn by priests –
suitable for his type
Very straight laced, not quite as good as a
street, but a nice simple lane.
A pun as he is always very stiff and
straight.
King 17
3. Are there any discussions or debates that seem
separate from the plot but some way relate to the main
idea of the play?
Gwendolen and Cecily’s tiff over who is really engaged to
Ernest adds to the confusion of knowing the truth.
4. Are there any lengthy monologues that contain
issues?
No
5. Are there any epigrams, allusions, imagery, or
intentional symbolism?
There are plenty of puns, but no real intentional symbolism.
6. If there is a prologue or epilogue what is the central
idea it contains?
No
7. Is there any parallelism?
The love story of Miss Prism and Dr. Chasuble foils those of
Jack and Gwendolen and Algy and Cecily who parallel each
other’s stories.
8. What are the conflicts?
Jack cannot marry his true love unless he knows his true
identity. The ways of society interfere with the path of true
love and happiness.
9. What are the options to chose from for a climax?
The cigarette case; revelation of Jack’s adoption, Prism’s
revelation about the handbag.
10. What are the options to chose from for a “main”
idea” for the play as a whole?
The truth shall set you free – Honesty is the best policy
B. State the main idea as a super-objective or spine?
Will Jack discover the truth about his past and achieve his heart’s desire?
C. State the main idea as a theme?
Honesty is always the best policy.
King 18
D. State the main idea as an action summary?
Through falsehood and innuedos, two turn-of-the-twentieth-century gentlemen vie for
their ladies hands.
E. State the main idea as a single sentence then shorten
the sentence to a short phrase
It’s important to be honest in order to achieve ones desires. The truth shall set you free.
King 19
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST
Character Analysis Outline
A. Who are the principal characters?
1. Who is the protagonist?
Jack Worthing
a) Why do you think this character is the protagonist?
Jack is the one who is searching for the truth in order to
achieve his desires.
b) What type of character is this?
Representative
2. Who is the antagonist?
Lady Bracknell
a) Why do you think this character is the antagonist?
Lady Bracknell, representing society, is the obstacle to
Jack’s desires.
b) What type of character is this?
Representative
3. Who are the other principal characters?
Algnernon, Gwendolen, and Cecily
a) Why do you think these characters are principal
characters?
They move along the plot and are integral to Jack’s finding
his desire or blocking his desires.
b) What are the functions of each of the principal characters?
Algernon, Gwendolen and Cecily are foils and confidants
c) What type of characters are these?
Representative
B. Who are the secondary characters?
Miss Prism
Dr. Chasuble
Merriman
Lane
1. Why do you think they are secondary characters?
a) They are not obstacles to the principal’s objectives.
2. What is the function of each?
Miss Prism – to reveal the truth and foil the main love story
Dr. Chasuble – to add respectability and foil the main love story
Merriman – to introduce characters and exposition
Lane – to introduce characters and exposition
3. What type of characters are these?
Prism and Chasuble are stereotypical
Merriman and Lane are functional stock characters
King 20
4. Are there any characters not seen on stage?
a) Grandfather Cardew, a stereotypical English gentleman of the
old school who provided the monetary means of the principal’s
desires.
C. Are there any crowds and groups?
No
D. How are the characters related?
Character
Algernon
Jack
Lady Bracknell
Cecily
Gwendolen
Prism
Chasuble
Relationship
Jack’s friend and (undiscovered brother)
Lady Bracknell’s nephew
Gwendolin’s first cousin
Lane’s employer
Cecily’s lover
Dr. Chasuble’s potential client
Algernon’s friend and (undiscovered
brother)
Cecily’s Guardian
Gwendolen’s lover
Merriman’s Employer
Prism’s Employer
Chasuble’s parishioner
Lady B’s potential son-in-law
Algy’s Aunt
Gwendolen’s Mother
Cecily’s future in-law
Prism’s former employer’s sister
Jack’s future mother-in-law
Jack’s ward
Prism’s pupil
Chasubles parishioner
Gwendolen’s confidant
Lady B’s potential in-law
Algy’s fiancé
Lady’s B’s daughter
Algy’s and first cousin
Jack’s fiancé and (ooh) first cousin
Cecily’s confidant
Jack’s employee and former nanny
Cecily’s Governess
Chasuble’s love interest
Lady B’s sister former employee
Merriman’s hierarchy in the household
Jack and Cecily’s Pastor
Algy’s possible Pastor
Prism’s love interest
King 21
Lane
Merriman
E. What are their roles in life?
Character
Algernon
Jack
Lady Bracknell
Cecily
Gwendolen
Prism
Chasuble
Lane
Merriman
Algy’s servant – butler/man, etc
Jack’s servant, butler/man, etc.
Role in Life
Gentleman of leisure – upper class
Gentleman of leisure – upper class – but
also a guardian
Defender of societal rules, Gwen’s mother,
and Algy’s Aunt
Young upper class lady with a promising
future
Young upper class lady with a promising
future
Governess and aspiring writer
Rector/Pastor/Spiritual leader
Servant
Servant
Character Analysis
The Importance of Being Ernest
F. What they think of each other
G. What they think of themselves
Note: These are combined in the charts.
What Jack says about Algy:
Text
ACT I
Eating as usual…
Why such reckless extravagance in one so young?
How utterly unromantic you are!
…you have been eating them all the time
…you have no right whatsoever to read what is written inside.
It is a very ungentlemanly thing to read a private cigarette case.
…you talk exactly as if you were a dentist
You are not going to be invited…
My dear Algy, I don't know whether you will be able to
understand my real motives. You are hardly serious enough.
I haven't asked you to dine with me anywhere to-night.
…don't try to be cynical.
Pg in
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book
Guttenburg
Prestwick
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King 22
How idiotic you are!
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16
You always want to argue about things.
29
16
What extraordinary ideas you have about the way to behave to a 29
17
woman!
I will take very good care you never do. [To see Cecily]
30
17
I never knew you when you weren't . . .[hungry]
30
18
What on earth are you so amused at?
32
20
If you don't take care, your friend Bunbury will get you into a
32
20
serious scrape some day.
Oh, that's nonsense, Algy. You never talk anything but
32
20
nonsense.
SD Jack looks indignantly at him…
32
20
Summary of Act I- Jack think Algy eats way to much. Jack finds him amusing but
untrustworthy and playboyish.
ACT II
Nothing will induce me to take his hand. I think his coming
down here disgraceful. He knows perfectly well why.
I won't have him talk to you about Bunbury or
about anything else. It is enough to drive one perfectly frantic.
Well, this is the last time I shall ever do it. [Shakes with
Algernon and glares.]
42
28
42
29
42
29
You young scoundrel, Algy, you must get out of this place as
soon as possible. I don't allow any Bunburying here.
42
29
Your duty as a gentleman calls you back.
You are not to talk of Miss Cardew like that. I don't like it. [On
Algy’s opnion of Cecily]
You are certainly not staying with me for a whole week as a
guest or anything else. You have got to leave
Well, at any rate, that is better than being always over-dressed
as you are.
Your vanity is ridiculous, your conduct an outrage, and your
presence in my garden utterly absurd.
Well, you've no right whatsoever to Bunbury here.
Serious Bunburyist! Good heavens!
As for your conduct towards Miss Cardew, I must say that your
taking in a sweet, simple, innocent girl like that is quite
inexcusable.
There is certainly no chance of your marrying Miss Cardew.
Well, that is no business of yours. [Jack and Gwendolen being
married]
How can you sit there, calmly eating muffins when we are in
this horrible trouble, I can't make out. You seem to me to be
43
43
30
30
43
30
43
31
43-44
31
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55
55
43
43
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55
55
43
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55
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King 23
perfectly heartless.
I say it's perfectly heartless your eating muffins at all, under
55
44
the circumstances.
Well, that is no reason why you should eat them all in
56
44
that greedy way.
I said it was perfectly heartless of you, under the circumstances. 56
44
I wish to goodness you would go.
56
44
You have been christened already.
56
45
Oh, that is nonsense; you are always talking nonsense.
57
45
Algernon! I have already told you to go. I don't want you here. 57
45
Why don't you go!
Summary Act II- Jack finds out how truly conniving and annoyingly persistent Algy
really is.
ACT III
…I do not approve at all of his moral character. I suspect him
65
of being untruthful.
…he obtained admission to my house by means of the false
65
pretence of being my brother. Under an assumed name he
drank…Continuing his disgraceful deception, he succeeded in
the course of the afternoon in alienating the affections of my
only ward. He subsequently stayed to tea, and devoured every
single muffin. And what makes his conduct all the more
heartless is, that he was perfectly well aware from the first
that I have no brother, that I never had a brother, and that I don't
intend to have a brother, not even of any kind. I distinctly told
him so myself yesterday afternoon.
I will most gladly allow your nephew to form an alliance with
66
my ward. [Only to get what he wants, so Algy can’t be that
bad.]
Algy, you young scoundrel, you will have to treat me with more 70
respect in the future. You have never behaved to me like a
brother in all your life.
52
52
53
57
Summary ACT III- Jack accepts Algy as a worthy adversary and wants to challenge
him…as long as he gets what he wants.
Summary of the play- At the beginning of the play Jack finds Algy to be less than
him and below him in many ways. As the play progresses Jack finds that Algy is
really just as smart and conniving as he is and together they can get what they want.
They are truly kindred spirits and brothers always.
What Jack says about Lady Bracknell:
Text
Pg in
Pg in text
book
Guttenburg
Prestwick
King 24
ACT I
And I would like to be allowed to take advantage of Lady
23
Bracknell's temporary absence . . .
I really think that should satisfy you, Lady Bracknell.
28
Her mother is perfectly unbearable. Never met such a Gorgon 28
. . . I don't really know what a Gorgon is like, but I am quite
sure that Lady Bracknell is one. In any case, she is a monster,
without being a myth, which is rather unfair…
You don't think there is any chance of Gwendolen becoming
29
like her mother in about a hundred and fifty years…
Summary Act I- Jack finds LB very overbearing and unreasonable.
11
16
16
16
ACT II
Jack says nothing about LB in Act II.
ACTIII
[Very irritably.] How extremely kind of you, Lady Bracknell! 63
50
So pleased to have seen you.
63
50
It pains me very much to have to speak frankly to you, Lady
65
52
Bracknell,
That is very generous of you, Lady Bracknell.
65
52
Summary Act III- Still sees her as overbearing but he feels on her level and can
manipulate her some way.
Summary of play- Jack sees her as an overbearing woman who stands in the way of
what he wants.
What Jack says about Gwendolen:
Text
ACT I
I am in love with Gwendolen. I have come up to town
expressly to propose to her.
If I marry a charming girl like Gwendolen, and she is the only
girl I ever saw in my life that I would marry…
You're quite perfect, Miss Fairfax.
Miss Fairfax, ever since I met you I have admired you more
than any girl . . . I have ever met since . . . I met you.
You really love me, Gwendolen?
Darling! You don't know how happy you've made me.
But you don't really mean to say that you couldn't love me if
my name wasn't Ernest?
… darling…
You know that I love you, and you led me to believe, Miss
Fairfax, that you were not absolutely indifferent to me.
My own one, I have never loved any one in the world but you.
Pg in book Pg in text
Prestwick Guttenburg
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King 25
I need hardly say I would do anything in the world to ensure
28
15
Gwendolen's happiness.
Oh, Gwendolen is as right as a trivet.
28
16
You don't think there is any chance of Gwendolen becoming
29
16
like her mother in about a hundred and fifty years…
My dear fellow, the truth isn't quite the sort of thing one tells
29
17
to a nice, sweet, refined girl.
Cecily and Gwendolen are perfectly certain to be extremely
30
17
great friends. I'll bet you anything you like that half an hour
after they have met, they will be calling each other sister.
My own darling!
31
18
Dear Gwendolen!
31
19
My own one!
31
19
…my own darling
31
19
There's a sensible, intellectual girl! the only girl I ever cared
32
20
for in my life.
Summary Act I- Jack is extremely fond of Gwedolen and puts her above all other
women. She is the ideal girl whom he wishes to marry.
ACT II
Darling!
53
40
I wanted to be engaged to Gwendolen, that is all. I love her.
55
43
Gwendolen would wish it. [Being christened]
56
45
Summary Act II- Jack is still in love with her and he will go to any length to secure
her mutual feelings.
ACT III
I am engaged to be married to Gwendolen
The moment you consent to my marriage with Gwendolen…
Your decision on the subject of my name is irrevocable, I
suppose?
Can you forgive me?
61
66
70
48
53
57
Summary Act III- Jack still wants to marry Gwendolen and he fights very hard to
win her favor. In the end he has received her love.
Summary of play- Jack is completely enamored with Gwendolen. He sees her as the
perfect wife for someone like him.
What Jack says about Cecily:
Text
ACT I
I don't know any one of the name of Cecily.
Cecily happens to be my aunt.
Charming old lady she is, too. Lives at Tunbridge Wells
Pg in book Pg in text
Prestwick Guttenburg
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17
5
5
5
King 26
…made me in his will guardian to his grand-daughter, Miss
18
7
Cecily Cardew. Cecily, who addresses me as her uncle from
motives of respect that you could not possibly appreciate,
lives at my place in the country under the charge of her
admirable governess, Miss Prism.
Cecily is a little too much interested in him. [Ernest]
20
8
Summary Act I- Cecily is Jack’s ward. Jack doesn’t want anyone in town to know
about Cecily, especially Algernon.
ACT II
You are not to talk of Miss Cardew like that.
To dear little Cecily!
…your pretty little head
As for your conduct towards Miss Cardew, I must say that
your taking in a sweet, simple, innocent girl like that is quite
inexcusable. To say nothing of the fact that she is my ward.
43
53
53
55
30
41
41
43
There is certainly no chance of your marrying Miss Cardew.
55
43
Summary Act II- Jack believes his ward to be young, innocent and naïve and cannot
be corrupted by the likes of Algernon.
ACT III
That lady is Miss Cecily Cardew, my ward.
Miss Cardew is the grand-daughter of the late Mr. Thomas
Cardew of 149 Belgrave Square, S.W.; Gervase Park,
Dorking, Surrey; and the Sporran, Fifeshire, N.B.
62
62-63
49
49
Miss Cardew's family solicitors are Messrs. Markby, Markby,
and Markby.
I have also in my possession, you will be pleased to hear,
certificates of Miss Cardew's birth, baptism, whooping cough,
registration, vaccination, confirmation, and the measles; both
the German and the English variety.
I am Miss Cardew's guardian, and she cannot marry without
my consent until she comes of age. That consent I absolutely
decline to give.
I decline to give my consent. [To marry Algy]
…according to the terms of her grandfather's
will Miss Cardew does not come legally of age till she is
thirty-five.
…I will most gladly allow your nephew to form an alliance
with my ward.
63
50
63
50
64
52
65
65
52
52
66
53
Miss Prism, Lady Bracknell, has been for the last three years
Miss Cardew's esteemed governess and valued companion.
Cecily,--how could you have ever doubted that I had a
67
54
70
57
King 27
brother?
Summary Act III- We find out all about Cecily’s situation and the details of her life.
Jack has no problem using her to reach his own ends.
Summary- Jack sees Cecily as a father sees a child, precious, fragile and expendable
to get what he wants. He also believes her to be silly, naïve, and innocent.
What Jack says about Miss Prism:
Text
Pg in book Pg in text
Prestwick Guttenburg
ACT I
…under the charge of her admirable governess, Miss Prism.
6
Summary Act I- Jack regards Miss Prism as adequate as a governess and doesn’t
give her must thought otherwise.
ACT II
Jack makes no mention of Miss Prism in Act II
ACT III
Miss Prism, Lady Bracknell, has been for the last three years
54
Miss Cardew's esteemed governess and valued companion.
…mother!
56
Summary Act III- Jack still regards Miss Prism as a valued member of the
household and for a brief moment thinks she could be his mother. When he realizes
she isn’t she is returned to a member of the household.
Summary of the play- Jack simply thinks of Miss Prism as a servant, nothing more,
until he realizes she holds the key to his identity. For a brief moment he believes her
to be his mother but quickly realizes to the contrary and she is returned to status as
servant.
What Jack says about Dr. Chausble:
Text
Pg in book Pg in text
Prestwick Guttenburg
ACT I
Jack makes no mention of Dr. Chausble in Act I.
ACT II
Dr. Chasuble, I hope you are well?
I suppose you know how to christen all right? I mean, of
course, you are continually christening, aren't you?
dear Doctor
Of course I don't know if the thing would bother you in any
way, or if you think I am a little too old now.
26
27
27
27
King 28
I made arrangements this morning with Dr. Chasuble to be
44
christened myself at 5.30
Summary Act II- Jack sees DC as a means to an end, nothing more. He is polite out
of society fashion but really DC is just a way for he to be Ernest and win
Gwendolen.
ACT III
Jack has nothing to say about DC in Act III
Summary of the play- Jack sees DC as a means to an end, nothing more. He is polite
out of society fashion but really DC is just a way for he to be Ernest and win
Gwendolen.
What Jack says about himself:
Text
ACT I
I am in love with Gwendolen.
I don't know any one of the name of Cecily.
I wish to goodness you had let me know. I have been writing
frantic letters to Scotland Yard about it. I was very nearly
offering a large reward.
I don't propose to discuss modern culture.
It isn't Ernest; it's Jack. [His name]
my name is Ernest in town and Jack in the country
Old Mr. Thomas Cardew, who adopted me when I was a little
boy, made me in his will guardian to his grand-daughter, Miss
Cecily Cardew. Cecily, who addresses me as her uncle from
motives of respect that you could not possibly appreciate
…in order to get up to town I have always pretended to have a
younger brother of the name of Ernest…
I'm not a Bunburyist at all.
[Gwendolen]she is the only girl I ever saw in my life that I
would marry, I certainly won't want to know Bunbury.
I don't much care about the name of Ernest . . . I don't think
the name suits me at all.
I think Jack, for instance, a charming name.
I must admit I smoke.
Twenty-nine. [age]
I know nothing,
Between seven and eight thousand a year. [money]
In investments…[how he makes money]
I have a country house with some land, of course, attached to
it, about fifteen hundred acres, I believe; but I don't depend on
that for my real income.
I own a house in Belgrave Square
Pg in book Pg in text
Prestwick Guttenburg
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6
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King 29
I am afraid I really have none. [politics] I am a Liberal
14
Unionist.
I have lost both my parents.
15
I don't actually know who I am by birth. I was . . . well, I was
15
found.
The late Mr. Thomas Cardew… found me, and gave me the
15
name of Worthing, because he happened to have a first-class
ticket for Worthing in his pocket at the time.
In a hand-bag. [where he was found]
15
In the cloak-room at Victoria Station. [where he was found]
15
I would do anything in the world to ensure Gwendolen's
15
happiness.
I can produce the hand-bag at any moment.
16
I am sick to death of cleverness. I wish to goodness we had a
16
few fools left.
I loathe listening.
18
I hate talking.
18
I can't bear looking at things.
18
The Manor House, Woolton, Hertfordshire. [where the
19
country house is]
Summary Act I- We find out in act I all the details about Jack including his
questionable parentage. Jack thinks highly of himself and is in love with
Gwendolen. We find out where he lives in town and in the country, the fact that he
has a ward and he was found in a handbag and has no idea who his parents are. We
also see that Jack tells lies about who he is and who Cecily is. We never know when
he is being truthful about information.
ACT II
I would like to be christened myself…
27
I don't remember anything about it. [the christening]
27
I don't see much fun in being christened along with other
27
babies
I haven't got a brother.
27
You are not to talk of Miss Cardew like that. I don't like it.
30
But my name certainly is John. It has been John for years.
42
I will tell you quite frankly that I have no brother Ernest. I
42
have no brother at all. I never had a brother in my life, and I
certainly have not the smallest intention of ever having one in
the future.
I wanted to be engaged to Gwendolen, that is all. I love her.
43
I naturally will take the name of Ernest.
44
There is no evidence at all that I have ever been christened by
44
anybody.
Summary Act II- We find out that Jack is not afraid to go to any length to get what
he wants. We find out his real name and that he really has no brother.
King 30
ACT III
I am engaged to be married to Gwendolen…
48
I was the baby you placed in it. [handbag]
56
Algy's elder brother! Then I have a brother after all. I knew I
57
had a brother! I always said I had a brother!
Then I was christened!
57
Well, it is Ernest after all. [his name]
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I've now realised for the first time in my life the vital
59
Importance of Being Earnest.
Summary of Act III- We find out who Jack really is and his real name.
Summary of the play- Jack hides who he is because he doesn’t know who he really
is. We find out about his situation as it stands at the time of the play in the first act.
As the play progresses we see how far he is willing to go to get what he wants. In the
last act we finally find out who he it.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST
Character Analysis
Algernon
Guttenberg Plain Text Version (SD refers to stage direction. Kim, Karen, & Steve
did Act I, Steve compiled Act II, and Karen compiled Act III.
What Algernon thinks about Algernon?
Act I – Scene 1
SD
Dialogue
Did you hear what I was playing, Lane
I don't play accurately... any one can play accurately--but I play with
wonderful expression.
Thursday night, when Lord Shoreman and Mr. Worthing were
dining with me
Why is it that at a bachelor's establishment the servants invariably
drink the champagne?
I don't know that I am much interested in your family life, Lane.
I believe it is customary in good society to take some slight
refreshment at five o'clock
I thought you had come up for pleasure? . . . I call that business.
PG
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King 31
SD
X
Dialogue
I really don't see anything romantic in proposing. It is very romantic
to be in love. But there is nothing romantic about a definite
proposal. Why, one may be accepted. One usually is, I believe.
Then the excitement is all over. The very essence of romance is
uncertainty. If ever I get married, I'll certainly try to forget the fact.
Divorces are made in heaven
[Takes one and eats it.]
Well, in the first place girls never marry the men they flirt with.
Girls don't think it right.
. It accounts for the extraordinary number of bachelors that one
sees all over the place. In the second place, I don't give my consent
before I allow you to marry her, you will have to clear up the whole
question of Cecily.
I happen to be more than usually hard up.
I have Bunburyed all over Shropshire on two separate occasions.
I have invented an invaluable permanent invalid called Bunbury, in
order that I may be able to go down into the country whenever I
choose
I wouldn't be able to dine with you at Willis's to- night, for I have
been really engaged to Aunt Augusta for more than a week.
I haven't the smallest intention of doing anything of the kind. To
begin with, I dined there on Monday, and once a week is quite
enough to dine with one's own relations. In the second place,
whenever I do dine there I am always treated as a member of the
family, and sent down with either no woman at all, or two. In the
third place, I know perfectly well whom she will place me next to,
to-night. She will place me next Mary Farquhar, who always flirts
with her own husband across the dinner-table. That is not very
pleasant.
will induce me to part with Bunbury
if you ever get married, which seems to me extremely problematic,
you will be very glad to know Bunbury.
A man who marries without knowing Bunbury has a very tedious
time of it.
Yes, but you must be serious about it. I hate people who are not
serious about meals. It is so shallow of them.
I'm feeling very well, Aunt Augusta
. [Picking up empty plate in horror.]
Good heavens! Lane! Why are there no cucumber sandwiches? I
ordered them specially.
I am greatly distressed, Aunt Augusta, about there being no
cucumbers, not even for ready money
. I am afraid, Aunt Augusta, I shall have to give up the pleasure of
dining with you to-night after all.
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King 32
SD
X
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Dialogue
It is a great bore, and, I need hardly say, a terrible disappointment to
me, but the fact is I have just had a telegram to say that my poor
friend Bunbury is very ill again.
[Exchanges glances with Jack.]
I'll speak to Bunbury, Aunt Augusta, if he is still conscious, and I
think I can promise you he'll be all right by Saturday.
. But I'll run over the programme I've drawn out, if you will kindly
come into the next room for a moment.
Algernon, from the other room, strikes up the Wedding March.
My dear boy, I love hearing my relations abused. It is the only
thing that makes me put up with them at all. Relations are simply a
tedious pack of people, who haven't got the remotest knowledge of
how to live, nor the smallest instinct about when to die.
That is exactly what things were originally made for
All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No
man does. That's his.
It is perfectly phrased
The only way to behave to a woman is to make love to her, if she is
pretty, and to some one else, if she is plain.
I would rather like to see Ceily
Now, my dear boy, if we want to get a good table at Willis's, we
really must go and dress
Well, I'm hungry.
Go to a theatre?....to the club?...to the Empire
. It is awfully hard work doing nothing. However, I don't mind
hard work where there is no definite object of any kind.
Really, Gwendolen, I don't think I can allow this at all.
[Algernon, who has been carefully listening, smiles to himself, and
writes the address on his shirt-cuff. Then picks up the Railway
Guide.]
[Lane presents several letters on a salver to Algernon. It is to be
surmised that they are bills, as Algernon, after looking at the
envelopes, tears them up.]
I shall probably not be back till Monday. You can put up my dress
clothes, my smoking jacket, and all the Bunbury suits . .
I hope to-morrow will be a fine day, Lane.
I'm a little anxious about poor Bunbury, that is all
I love scrapes. They are the only things that are never serious.
Nobody ever does
Algernon lights a cigarette, reads his shirt-cuff, and smiles.]
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King 33
SD
Dialogue
PG
Act I – Summary - Algernon believes himself to be a witty, clever gentleman in need of
secure funds to continue his extravagant bachelor womanizing lifestyle. He is intrigued
though with the idea of Cecily. He caters to his relatives, while still selfishly inventing
devices to appear proper for polite society, while still enjoying himself. He is a game
player.
ACT II – Scene 1
SD
Dialogue
x
Enter Algernon, very gay and debonair
x
[Raising his hat.] You are my little cousin Cecily, I’m sure
Oh! I am not really wicked at all, cousin Cecily. You mustn’t think that I am
wicked.
X
[Looks at her in amazement.]
Oh! Of course I have been rather reckless
In fact, now you mention the subject, I have been very bad in my own small way.
I am obliged to go up by the first train on Monday morning. I have a business
appointment that I am anxious . . . to miss
: the appointment is in London
Australia! I’d sooner die
. This world is good enough for me, cousin Cecily
I’m afraid I’m not that. That is why I want you to reform me. You might make
that your mission, if you don’t mind, cousin Cecily
will. I feel better already
is because I am hungry
. Might I have a buttonhole first? I never have any appetite unless I have a
buttonhole first.
No, I’d rather have a pink one
Brother John, I have come down from town to tell you that I am very sorry for all
the trouble I have given you, and that I intend to lead a better life in the future.
Of course I admit that the faults were all on my side. But I must say that I think
that Brother John's coldness to me is peculiarly painful. I expected a more
enthusiastic welcome, especially Considering it is the irst time I have come here.
I am afraid I can't stay more than a week this time.
I have not been called back to town at all.
I haven't heard any one call me
My duty as a gentleman has never interfered with my pleasures in the smallest
degree
I certainly won't leave you so long as you are in mourning. It would be most
unfriendly. If I were in mourning you would stay with me, I suppose. I should
think it very unkind if you didn't.
Yes, if you are not too long. I never saw anybody take solong to dress, and with
such little result.
If I am occasionally a little over-dressed, I make up for it by being always
immensely over-educated.
I think it has been a great success. I'm in love with Cecily, and that is everything.
PG
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King 34
SD
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Dialogue
I am afraid so. It's a very painful parting.
[Somewhat taken aback.] Ahem! Ahem!
[Speaking very rapidly.] Cecily, ever since I first looked upon your wonderful
and incomparable beauty, I have dared to love you wildly, passionately,
devotedly, hopelessly.
Did I give you this?
My letters! But, my own sweet Cecily, I have never written you any letters.
What had I done? I had done nothing at all. Cecily, I am very much hurt indeed to
hear you broke it off. Particularly when the weather was so charming.
[Rises]
I shan't be away more than half an hour.
I'll be back in no time.
The most wonderful Bunbury I have ever had in my life.
I happen to be serious about Bunburying.
...What on earth you are serious about I haven't got the remotest idea. About
everything, I should fancy
I can see no possible defence at all for your deceiving a brilliant, clever,
thoroughly experienced young lady like Miss Fairfax. To say nothing of the fact
that she is my cousin.
If it was my business, I wouldn't talk about it. [Begins to eat muffins.]
Well, I can’t eat muffins in an agitated manner. The butter would probably get on
my cuffs. One should always eat muffins quite calmly. It is the only way to eat
the
When I am in trouble, eating is the only thing that consoles me. Indeed, when I
am in really great trouble, as any one who knows me intimately will tell you, I
refuse everything except food and drink. At the present moment I am eating
muffins because I am unhappy. Besides, I am particularly fond of muffins.
I don't like tea-cake
[He seizes the muffin-dish from Jack.]
I never go without my dinner...Besides I have just made arrangements with Dr.
Chasuble to be christened at a quarter to six under the name of Ernest. A
Yes, but I have not been christened for years.
...[Takes them.] I told you I was particularly fond of muffins.
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I haven't quite finished my tea yet! and there is still one muffin left.
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X
[Algernon still continues eating.]
50
Algernon is quite pleased with how the situation is turning out and cares not for anyone’s
feelings, but Cecily’s.
ACT III – Scene 1
SD Dialogue
PG
X Enter Jack followed by Algernon. They whistle some dreadful popular air from a 44
British Opera.]
In order that I might have an opportunity of meeting you.
44
Jack and Algernon [Speaking together.] Our Christian names! Is that all? But we 44
King 35
X
are going to be christened this afternoon.
I am!
Algernon. [To Cecily.] Darling! [They fall into each other’s arms.]
The couples separate in alarm.
. [Stammering.] Oh! No! Bunbury doesn’t live here. Bunbury is somewhere else
at present. In fact, Bunbury is dead.
[Airily.] Oh! I killed Bunbury this afternoon. I mean poor Bunbury died this
afternoon.
. Bunbury? Oh, he was quite exploded.
My dear Aunt Augusta, I mean he was found out! The doctors found out that
Bunbury could not live, that is what I mean—so Bunbury died
I am engaged to be married to Cecily, Aunt Augusta
And I don’t care twopence about social possibilities
[Algernon and Cecily look at him in indignant amazement.]
Of course I could, Cecily.
Well, not till to-day, old boy, I admit. I did my best, however, though I was out of
practice
Cecily! [Embraces her.] At last!
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Algernon is pleased with himself.
What Algernon thinks about Cecily?
ACT I – Scene 1
SD
Dialogue
PG
before I allow you to marry her, you will have to clear up the whole question of
5
Cecily.
Your aunt!
6
But why does she call herself little Cecily if she is your aunt and lives at
6
Tunbridge Wells? [Reading.] ‘From little Cecily with her fondest love.’
But why does your aunt call you her uncle? ‘From little Cecily, with her fondest 6
love to her dear Uncle Jack.’ There is no objection, I admit, to an aunt being a
small aunt, but why an aunt, no matter what her size may be, should call her own
nephew her uncle, I can’t quite make out
Miss Cardew was a little too much interested in your poor brother Ernest?
19
Have you told Gwendolen yet that you have an excessively pretty ward who is
19
only just eighteen?
Algernon is curious about Cecily and builds a utopian image of her beauty
ACT II – Scene 1
SD
Dialogue
PG
It is much pleasanter being here with you.
24
You might make that your mission, if you don’t mind, cousin Cecily
24
King 36
SD
X
X
Dialogue
Well, would you mind my reforming myself this afternoon
are like a pink rose, Cousin Cecily
You are the prettiest girl I ever saw
They are a snare that every sensible man would like to be caught in
I certainly won't leave you so long as you are in mourning. It would be most
unfriendly. If I were in mourning you would stay with me, I suppose. I should
think it very unkind if you didn't.
Yes, if you are not too long. I never saw anybody take solong to dress, and
with such little result.
If I am occasionally a little over-dressed, I make up for it by being always
immensely over-educated.
I think it has been a great success. I'm in love with Cecily, and that is
everything.
I am afraid so. It's a very painful parting.
[Somewhat taken aback.] Ahem! Ahem!
[Speaking very rapidly.] Cecily, ever since I first looked upon your wonderful
and incomparable beauty, I have dared to love you wildly, passionately,
devotedly, hopelessly.
Did I give you this?
I’d give anything to look at it. May I?
[Nervously.]
I cannot deny it .
I’m in love with Cecily, and that is everything.
I hope, Cecily, I shall not offend you if I state quite frankly and openly that
you seem to me to be in every way the visible personification of absolute
perfection.
Do you really keep a diary?
Cecily, ever since I first looked upon your wonderful and incomparable
beauty,
I don’t care for anybody in the whole world but you. I love you, Cecily. You
will marry me, won’t you? A
Darling!
...But, my own sweet Cecily...
But was our engagement ever broken off?
But why on earth did you break it off?
[Crossing to her, and kneeling.] What a perfect angel you are, Cecily.
Yes, darling,...
You’ll never break off our engagement again, Cecily?
But, my dear child, do you mean to say you could not love me if I had some
other name?
Well, my own dear, sweet, loving little darling, I really can’t see why you
should object to the name of Algernon... But seriously, Cecily . . . [Moving to
her]... if my name was Algy, couldn’t you love me?
[Kisses her and rushes down the garden.]
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King 37
SD
Dialogue
[Goes straight over to Cecily without noticing any one else.] My own love!
[Offers to kiss her.]
[Laughing.] Of course not! What could have put such an idea intoyour pretty
little head?
X
[Algernon kisses her.]
Well, I simply wanted to be engaged to Cecily. I adore her.
Algernon becomes totally smitten with Cecily even going so far as to tell her the truth.
ACT III – Scene 1
SD
Dialogue
In order that I might have an opportunity of meeting you.
Algernon. [To Cecily.] Darling! [They fall into each other’s arms.]
Cecily is the sweetest, dearest, prettiest girl in the whole world
You know I could
[General consternation. … Algernon and Jack pretend to be anxious to shield
Cecily and Gwendolen from hearing the details of a terrible public scandal.]
Cecily! [Embraces her.] At last!
Algernon is in love with Cecily and admires and desires both her charms, beauty, and
monetary benefits.
What Algernon thinks about Gwendolen?
ACT I – Scene 1
SD Dialogue
Oh! merely Aunt Augusta and Gwendolen.
It is almost as bad as the way Gwendolen flirts with you.
The bread and butter is for Gwendolen. Gwendolen is devoted to bread and
butter
My dear fellow, Gwendolen is my first cousin.
Ah! that must be Aunt Augusta. Only relatives, or creditors, ever ring in that
Wagnerian manner. Now, if I get her out of the way for ten minutes, so that
you can have an opportunity for proposing to Gwendolen, may I dine with
you to-night at Willis's?
Dear me, you are smart!
? You don't mean to say Gwendolen refused you? I know it is a way she
has. She is always refusing people. I think it is most ill-natured of her
My dear boy, I love hearing my relations abused. It is the only thing that
makes me put up with them at all. Relations are simply a tedious pack of
people, who haven't got the remotest knowledge of how to live, nor the
smallest instinct about when to die.
Have you told Gwendolen yet that you have an excessively pretty ward who
is only just eighteen?
Really, Gwendolen, I don't think I can allow this at all.
Algernon is protective towards his first cousin Gwendolen, but has a snobbish opinion
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King 38
SD Dialogue
PG
about relatives and female worth
ACT II – Scene 2
SD
Dialogue
PG
I can see no possible defence at all for your deceiving a brilliant, clever,
50
thoroughly experienced young lady like Miss Fairfax. To say nothing of the fact
that she is my cousin.
ACT III – Scene 3
SD Dialogue
[General consternation. … Algernon and Jack pretend to be anxious to shield
Cecily and Gwendolen from hearing the details of a terrible public scandal.]
Algernon is protective of Gwen.
What Algernon thinks about Jack?
SD
Dialogue
How are you, my dear Ernest?
How immensely you must amuse them!
but I am afraid Aunt Augusta won’t quite approve of your being here.
My dear fellow, the way you flirt with Gwendolen is perfectly disgraceful.
X
--[Jack puts out his hand to take a sandwich. Algernon at once interferes.]
Please don’t touch the cucumber sandwiches. They are ordered specially for
Aunt Augusta.
Well, my dear fellow, you need not eat as if you were going to eat it all. You
behave as if you were married to her already. You are not married to her
already, and I don’t think you ever will be.
before I allow you to marry her, you will have to clear up the whole question
of Cecily.
Bring me that cigarette case Mr. Worthing left in the smoking- room the last
time he dined here.
Well, I wish you would offer one.
I think that is rather mean of you, Ernest
Yes; but this isn’t your cigarette case. This cigarette case is a present from
some one of the name of Cecily, and you said you didn’t know any one of
that name.
Besides, your name isn’t Jack at all; it is Ernest.
You have always told me it was Ernest. I have introduced you to every one
as Ernest. You answer to the name of Ernest. You look as if your name was
Ernest. You are the most earnest-looking person I ever saw in my life. It is
perfectly absurd your saying that your name isn’t Ernest. It’s on your cards.
Here is one of them. [Taking it from case.] ‘Mr. Ernest Worthing, B. 4, The
Albany.’ I’ll keep this as a proof that your name is Ernest if ever you attempt
to deny it to me, or to Gwendolen, or to any one else. [Puts the card in his
pocket.]
PG
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King 39
SD
Dialogue
PG
Yes, but that does not account for the fact that your small Aunt Cecily, who
6
lives at Tunbridge Wells, calls you her dear uncle.
I may mention that I have always suspected you of being a confirmed and
7
secret Bunburyist; and I am quite sure of it now.
you are kind enough to inform me why you are Ernest in town and Jack in the 7
country
why you are Ernest in town and Jack in the country
7
Literary criticism is not your forte, my dear fellow. Don’t try it. You should 7
leave that to people who haven’t been at a University. They do it so well in
the daily papers. What you really are is a Bunburyist. I was quite right in
saying you were a Bunburyist. You are one of the most advanced
Bunburyists I know.
You have invented a very useful younger brother called Ernest, in order that
7
you may be able to come up to town as often as you like.
I wouldn’t be able to dine with you at Willis’s to- night, for I have been really 8
engaged to Aunt Augusta for more than a week.
You are absurdly careless about sending out invitations. It is very foolish of
8
you
Besides, now that I know you to be a confirmed Bunburyist I naturally want
8
to talk to you about Bunburying. I want to tell you the rules.
if you ever get married, which seems to me extremely problematic, you will
9
be very glad to know Bunbury.
Ah! That must be Aunt Augusta. Only relatives, or creditors, ever ring in
9
that Wagnerian manner. Now, if I get her out of the way for ten minutes, so
that you can have an opportunity for proposing to Gwendolen, may I dine
with you to-night at Willis’s?
Yes, but you must be serious about it. I hate people who are not serious
9
about meals. It is so shallow of them.
[Exchanges glances with Jack.]
10
By the way, did you tell Gwendolen the truth about your being Ernest in
18
town, and Jack in the country?
What about your brother? What about the profligate Ernest? (extravagant)
19
Have you told Gwendolen yet that you have an excessively pretty ward who
19
is only just eighteen?
Now, my dear boy, if we want to get a good table at Willis’s, we really must 19
go and dress
Go to a theatre?....to the club?...to the Empire
20
Algernon enjoys game-planning with Jack, who he believes is better off financially than he is
– and takes advantage of Jack’s position to enjoy his own pleasures. Algy is delighted to
learn they are on the same page as far as appearances in society being upheld, while still
indulging in their own mischievous antics. Algernon appears to be sympathetic to his plight
with Gwen but has his own ulterior motives always in mind and motion.
ACT II – Scene 1
SD
Dialogue
PG
I certainly wouldn’t let Jack buy my outfit. He has no taste in neckties at all
24
King 40
But I must say that I think that Brother John's coldness tome is peculiarly
painful.
Well, I don’t like your clothes... I call it grotesque. A
What a fearful liar you are, Jack.
You look perfectly ridiculous in them. Why on earth don't you go up and
change? It is perfectly childish to be in deep mourning for a man who is
actually staying for a whole week with you in your house as a guest.
If I were in mourning you would stay with me, I suppose. I should think it very
unkind if you didn't.
Yes, if you are not too long. I never saw anybody take so long to dress, and with
such little result.
He's gone to order the dog-cart for me
He's going to send me away.
Oh, I don't care about Jack
You have such an absolutely trivial nature.
I don't think there is much likelihood, Jack, of you and Miss Fairfax being
United
I wish you would have tea-cake instead
But you have just said it was perfectly heartless to eat muffins.
You can't possibly ask me to go without having some dinner. It's absurd.
Why on earth then do you allow tea-cake to be served up for your guests? What
ideas you have of hospitality! J
Jack, you are at the muffins again!
Algernon smirks at Jack as he bunburies.
ACT III – Scene 1
SD
Dialogue
[Algernon and Cecily look at him in indignant amazement.]
Well, not till to-day, old boy, I admit. I did my best, however, though I was out
of practice
Algernon wittily accepts Jack as his brother
What Algernon thinks about Lady Bracknell?
ACT I – Scene 1
SD
Dialogue
, have you got the cucumber sandwiches cut for Lady Bracknell?
Oh! merely Aunt Augusta and Gwendolen.
but I am afraid Aunt Augusta won't quite approve of your being here.
Please don't touch the cucumber sandwiches. They are ordered specially for
Aunt Augusta.
[Takes one and eats it.]
She is my aunt.
I wouldn't be able to dine with you at Willis's to- night, for I have been really
engaged to Aunt Augusta for more than a week.
I haven't the smallest intention of doing anything of the kind. To begin with, I
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King 41
SD
Dialogue
PG
dined there on Monday, and once a week is quite enough to dine with one's
own relations. In the second place, whenever I do dine there I am always
treated as a member of the family, and sent down with either no woman at all,
or two. In the third place, I know perfectly well whom she will place me next
to, to-night. She will place me next Mary Farquhar, who always flirts with her
own husband across the dinner-table. That is not very pleasant.
Ah! that must be Aunt Augusta. Only relatives, or creditors, ever ring in that
9
Wagnerian manner. Now, if I get her out of the way for ten minutes, so that
you can have an opportunity for proposing to Gwendolen, may I dine with you
to-night at Willis's?
. I am afraid, Aunt Augusta, I shall have to give up the pleasure of dining
10
with you to-night after all.
. But I'll run over the programme I've drawn out, if you will kindly come into 11
the next room for a moment.
My dear boy, I love hearing my relations abused. It is the only thing that
17
makes me put up with them at all. Relations are simply a tedious pack of
people, who haven't got the remotest knowledge of how to live, nor the
smallest instinct about when to die.
Algernon is mockingly respectful of his aunt and tolerates her because of finances as well as
the required societal procedures. He enjoys winking at Lady Bracknell behind her back as he
manipulates her in his games
ACT II – Lady Bracknell does not appear.
ACT III - Scene 1
SD
Dialogue
.[Stammering.] Oh! No! Bunbury doesn’t live here. Bunbury is somewhere
else at present. In fact, Bunbury is dead.
My dear Aunt Augusta, I mean he was found out! The doctors found out that
Bunbury could not live, that is what I mean—so Bunbury died
I am engaged to be married to Cecily, Aunt Augusta
Algernon, again, plays games, but still seeks Lady Bracknell’s approval.
PG
45
45
45
What Algernon thinks of Dr. Chausble
Dr. Chausble does not appear in Act I
ACT II – Scene 1
SD
Dialogue
Your Rector here is, I suppose, thoroughly experienced in the practice
of all the rites and ceremonials of the Church?
I must see him at once on a most important christening--I mean on
most important Business
PG
39
39
King 42
Algernon is respectful of Dr. Chausble
Algernon does not speak or infer to Dr. C in Act III
What Algernon thinks of Ms. Prism
Ms.Prisim does not appear in Act I
ACT II – Scene 1
SD
Dialogue
Then Miss Prism is a short-sighted old lady
Algernon doesn’t think too highly of Ms. Prism and only forms his opinion based on
another’s comment
PG
25
ACT III – Scene 3
SD Dialogue
[General consternation. … Algernon and Jack pretend to be anxious to shield
Cecily and Gwendolen from hearing the details of a terrible public scandal.]
Algernon believes Ms. Prism to have committed an indiscretion.
PG
51
What Lady Bracknell says about Lady Bracknell…
Act
I
Line
obliged to call on dear Lady Harbury…
…death of husband… woman so altered, looks 20 years younger (Is this a good thing or bad?)
nice cucumber sandwiches you promised me.
Won’t you come sit here, Gwendolyn?
I had some crumpets with Lady Harbury, who seems to me to be living entirely for pleasure now.
It's delightful to watch them [Mary and husband]. (Is it really?)
It would put my table completely out. Your uncle would have to dine upstairs. Fortunately he is
accustomed to that.
…that I think it is high time that Mr. Bunbury made up his mind whether he was going to live or to
die. This shilly-shallying with the question is absurd. Nor do I in any way approve of the modern
sympathy with invalids. I consider it morbid. Illness of any kind is hardly a thing to be encouraged
in others. Health is the primary duty of life. I am always telling that to your poor uncle, but he never
seems to take much notice . . . as far as any improvement in his ailment goes.
French songs I cannot possibly allow. People always seem to think that they are improper, and either
look shocked, which is vulgar, or laugh, which is worse.
But German sounds a thoroughly respectable language, and indeed, I believe is so.
semi-recumbent posture… most indecorous.
If you are engaged, I or your father, should his health permit him, will inform you of the fact. An
engagement should come on a young girl as a surprise, pleasant or unpleasant, as the case maybe. It
is hardly a matter that she could be allowed to arrange for herself . . .
I am quite ready to enter your name, should your answers be what a really affectionate mother
requires.
I’m glad to hear it… occupation… far too many idle men in London.
…a man who desires to get married should know either everything or nothing.
GT
10
10
10
10
10
10
11
SF
17
17
17
17
17
18
18
11
18
11
19
11
13
14
19
23
23
14
24
14
14
24
24
King 43
I
III
I do not approve of anything that tampers with natural ignorance. Ignorance is like a delicate exotic
15 24
fruit; touch it and the bloom is gone. The whole theory of modern education is radically unsound…
produces no effect what so ever.
That is satisfactory… that’s all that can be said about land.
15 25
Or come at the evening, in any rate…
16 25
Now to minor matters. Are your parents living?
16 26
Purple commerce vs. aristocracy… ???????
16 26
found/handbag/victoria station/etc. (short lines, repeating what she hears almost word for word)
16 27
Contempt for ordinary decencies of family life… worst excesses of French revolution…
16 27
You can hardly imagine that I and Lord Bracknell would dream of allowing our only daughter--a girl
17 28
brought up with the utmost care--to marry into a cloak-room, and form an alliance with a parcel?
Sweeps out in majestic indignation. (stage direction)
17 28
Summary: Lady Bracknell is very obedient to the rules of society and keeping a proper outward appearance.
She cannot control Algy, but she maintains regular visits and events to keep an eye on him. She governs
Gwendolen and all of her activities. She is quite intrigued with the idea of life as a widow and the freedom
it seems to afford. Only Jack and his absurd history can throw her off balance. She is very opinionated and
expressive character – almost larger than life.
… by her trusty maid, whose confidence I purchased by means of a small coin, I followed her at once
50 75
by a luggage train.
Her unhappy father is, I am glad to say, under the impression that she is attending a more than
50 75
usually lengthy lecture by the University Extension Scheme on the Influence of a permanent income
on Thought.
I do not propose to undeceive him. Indeed I have never undeceived him on any question. I would
50 75
consider it wrong.
If so, he is well punished for his morbidity.
50 76
…the number of engagements that go on seems to me considerably above the proper average that
51 77
statistics have laid down for our guidance.
Mr. Worthing, is Miss Cardew at all connected with any of the larger railway stations in London? I
51 77
merely desire information. Until yesterday I had no idea that there were any families or persons
whose origin was a Terminus.
I have known strange errors in that [court guides] publication.
51 77
[seen markby at dinner parties] So far I am pleased.
51 78
I am not myself in favour of premature experiences.
52 78
…if Miss Cardew has any little fortune? (Is she worthy for Algy.)
52 78
Few girls of the present day have any really solid qualities, any of the qualities that last, and improve
52 78
with time. We live, I regret to say, in an age of surfaces.
The two weak points in our age are its want of principle and its want of profile.
52 79
Style largely depends on the way the chin is worn. They are worn very high, just at present.
52 79
Never speak disrespectfully of Society, Algernon. Only people who can't get into it do that.
52 79
But I do not approve of mercenary marriages. When I married Lord Bracknell I had no fortune of any 52 80
kind. But I never dreamed for a moment of allowing that to stand in my way.
To speak frankly, I am not in favour of long engagements. They give people the opportunity of
53 80
finding out each other's character before marriage, which I think is never advisable.
He has nothing, but he looks everything. What more can one desire?
53 80
You are perfectly right in making some slight alteration. Indeed, no woman should ever be quite
54 81
accurate about her age. It looks so calculating . . .
King 44
III
Act
I
I
III
III
Thirty-five is a very attractive age.
54 82
To miss any more might expose us to comment on the platform
55 83
At their age? The idea is grotesque and irreligious! Algernon, I forbid you to be baptized. I will not
55 83
hear of such excesses. Lord Bracknell would be highly displeased if he learned that that was the
way in which you wasted your time and money.
This matter may prove to be one of vital importance to Lord Bracknell and myself.
55 84
I need hardly tell you that in families of high position strange coincidences are not supposed to occur. 57 86
They are hardly considered the thing.
This noise is extremely unpleasant. It sounds as if he was having an argument. I dislike arguments
57 87
of any kind. They are always vulgar, and often convincing.
I wish he would arrive at some conclusion.
57 87
I cannot at the present moment recall what the General's Christian name was. But I have no doubt he
59 89
had one.
Yes, I remember now that the General was called Ernest, I knew I had some particular reason for
59 90
disliking the name.
Summary: Lady Bracknell is not a fan of indecision, but she does not bother with a steady sense of self or a
sense of truth. She cares most about what is common now and what looks best and knowing only what fits
her needs. Though she is not a fan of the engagements, when she is instructed of their business and fashion
sense, she approves.
What Lady Bracknell says about Algernon…
Line
GT SF
I hope you are behaving very well.
9
16
[Feeling well and behaving well] not quite the same thing. In fact, the two rarely go together…
9
16
I have such a treat for you… Mary Farquhar… It’s delightful to watch them.
9
18
I hope not, Algy. It would put my table out completely…
10 18
I rely on you to arrange my music for me.
11 19
I'm sure the programme will be delightful, after a few expurgations.
11 19
Summary: Lady Bracknell knows Algernon does not behave. She uses him to even table numbers and
entertain her guests. (There could be several reasons why he is always seated next to Mary – think on this.)
She asks for favors of him with the music, but she does not trust his judgment.
…whose hand my nephew Algernon is now holding in what seems to me a peculiarly unnecessary
51 76
manner?
Never speak disrespectfully of Society, Algernon. Only people who can't get into it do that.
52 79
Dear child, of course you know that Algernon has nothing but his debts to depend upon.
52 80
Well, I suppose I must give my consent.
53 80
The marriage, I think, had better take place quite soon.
53 80
Algernon is an extremely, I may almost say an ostentatiously, eligible young man. He has nothing,
53 80
but he looks everything. What more can one desire?
Untruthful! My nephew Algernon? Impossible! He is an Oxonian.
53 80
Algernon, of course, can choose for himself.
55 83
At their age? The idea is grotesque and irreligious! Algernon, I forbid you to be baptized. I will not
55
hear of such excesses. Lord Bracknell would be highly displeased if he learned that that was the
way in which you wasted your time and money.
You are the son of my poor sister, Mrs. Moncrieff, and consequently Algernon's elder brother.
58 88
Summary: Lady Bracknell believes taking care of your place in society is important, especially since your
King 45
family suffers your fate. She stands up for Algy when he is attacked, but she knows he is not really worthy
of her praise of him. Of course, to LB, true worthiness does not matter – lucky for Algy. She and Lord B had
some hand in his upbringing and serve as his surrogate parents now… though he is a man now.
Act
I
I
III
III
What Lady Bracknell says about Jack…
Line
GT SF
I feel bound to tell you that you are not down on my list of eligible young men…
14
23
I’m please to hear it… touch it and the bloom is gone. (Jack, knowing nothing – as discussion at the
14
24
table went - means that he is a virgin or non-womanizer. That’s why it is a good answer for him to be
ignorant.)
The unfashionable side. I thought there was something.
15
25
Found in a cloak-room - might serve to conceal a social indiscretion…
17
27
I would strongly advise you, Mr. Worthing, to try and acquire some relations as soon as possible, and 17
27
to make a definite effort to produce at any rate one parent, of either sex, before the season is quite
over.
Summary: Lady Bracknell does not address Jack at all until he is kneeling before Gwendolen. He is not a
ready candidate for Gwendolen, but she is willing to consider him until she finds out he is a bastard. His
history is completely baffling and totally inappropriate in society. He has no chance with Gwendolen.
You can hardly imagine… we would allow our daughter…to marry into a cloak-room, and form an
17
28
alliance with a parcel?
all communication between yourself and my daughter must cease immediately from this moment.
50
75
You are nothing of the kind, sir. (not engaged)
50
75
…families or persons whose origin was a Terminus.
51
77
But what proof have I of their authenticity?
51
77
…after careful consideration I have decided entirely to overlook my nephew's conduct to you.
53
81
Twenty-eight years ago… baby of the male sex.
56
85
I am afraid that the news I have to give you will not altogether please you. You are the son of my
58
88
poor sister, Mrs. Moncrieff, and consequently Algernon's elder brother.
Every luxury that money could buy, including christening, had been lavished on you by your fond
58
89
and doting parents.
Being the eldest son you were naturally christened after your father.
59
89
Yes, I remember now that the General was called Ernest, I knew I had some particular reason for
59
90
disliking the name.
My nephew, you seem to be displaying signs of triviality.
60
91
Summary: Lady Bracknell does not like dealing with Jack as an equal (with Cecily’s engagement) or as
anything to her daughter. She removes Gwendolen from his side – again, ignores his judgments, and tries to
negotiate with Cecily directly. By the end, she is calling him nephew and treating him like Algy.
What Lady Bracknell says about Gwendolyn…
Act
I
Line
Won’t you come and sit with me
Gwendolyn, you will accompany me.
In the carriage, Gwendolen!
(Turns on hearing the noise of blowing kisses) Gwendolen, the carriage!
Pardon me, you are not engaged to anyone. When you do become engaged to someone, I, or your
father, should his health permit him, will inform you of the fact.
GT
10
11
14
14
14
SF
18
19
23
23
23
King 46
I
III
III
A girl with a simple, unspoiled nature, like Gwendolen, could hardly be expected to reside in the
15
25
country.
…our only daughter -- a girl brought up with the utmost care…
17
28
Summary: Lady Bracknell wants Gwendolen at her side always, away from Jack. She sees her as a pure,
inexperienced girl. She wants a proper, respectable, profitable husband for her, and she and Lord Bracknell
will make that match for her.
Come here. Sit down. Sit down immediately. Hesitation of any kind is a sign of mental decay in the
50
75
young, of physical weakness in the old.
of my daughter's sudden flight…
50
75
[Passionate celibacy] That is not the destiny I propose for Gwendolen.
55
83
Summary: Lady Bracknell refuses to let Gwendolen choose her mate, but she wants a “productive” marriage
for her. She has a huge web of control over Gwendolen, with spies and all, and she is not prepared to let her
go.
What Lady Bracknell says about Cecily…
Act
III
III
Line
GT SF
who is that young person whose hand my nephew Algernon is now holding in 51 76
what seems to me a peculiarly unnecessary manner?
That sounds not unsatisfactory. Three addresses always inspire confidence…
51 77
A firm of the very highest position in their profession. Indeed I am told that
51 78
one of the Mr. Markby's is occasionally to be seen at dinner parties.
Ah! A life crowded with incident, I see; though perhaps somewhat too exciting 52 78
for a young girl.
A hundred and thirty thousand pounds! And in the Funds! Miss Cardew
52 78
seems to me a most attractive young lady, now that I look at her.
Pretty child! your dress is sadly simple, and your hair seems almost as Nature
52 78
might have left it.
There are distinct social possibilities in your profile.
52 79
Cecily, you may kiss me!
53 80
You may also address me as Aunt Augusta for the future.
53 80
Come here, sweet child.
54 81
You are perfectly right in making some slight alteration [in her age].
54 81
Eighteen, but admitting to twenty at evening parties. Well, it will not be very
54 81
long before you are of age and free from the restraints of tutelage. So I don't
think your guardian's consent is, after all, a matter of any importance.
I see no reason why our dear Cecily should not be even still more attractive at
54 81
the age you mention than she is at present. There will be a large accumulation
of property.
- as Miss Cardew states positively that she cannot wait till she is thirty-five--a
54 81
remark which I am bound to say seems to me to show a somewhat impatient
nature-Summary: From the looks of her, Lady Bracknell does not think much of Cecily. But
her fortune and facility with following and bending social rules in a fashionable
matter, make LB fall in love with her. She tries to coach her out of Jack’s control, but
she is only willing to work so hard for this stranger.
What Lady Bracknell says about Miss Prism…
King 47
Act
III
III
Line
GT
Is this Miss Prism a female of repellent aspect, remotely connected with
55
education?
It is obviously the same person.
56
In spite of what I hear of her, I must see her at once. Let her be sent for.
56
Prism! [Miss Prism bows her head in shame.] Come here, Prism! [Miss Prism
56
approaches in a humble manner.] Prism! Where is that baby?
Twenty-eight years ago, Prism, you left Lord Bracknell's house, Number 104,
56
Upper Grosvenor Street, in charge of a perambulator that contained a baby of
the male sex. You never returned.
It contained the manuscript of a three-volume novel of more than usually
56
revolting sentimentality.
Summary: Lady Bracknell has been looking for Prism for years. She detests her
fashion – lack thereof – and profession. Her reading material is almost as bad as her
ineptitude at childcare. She gets over it fast though.
SF
84
84
84
85
85
85
Character Analysis
The Importance of Being Ernest
What Gwendolyn says about Jack?
Act 1
Character
Dialogue
G
. [Gwendolyn and Jack sit down together in the
corner.]
10
G
I'm quite comfortable where I am
10
G
G
My ideal has always been To love some one of the
name of Ernest.
I knew I was destined to love You.
G
My own Ernest!
G
It suits you perfectly. It is a divine name.
music Of its own. It produces vibrations
G
Gut.
Pg.
12
12
12
It has a
Very little music in the name Jack,
If any at all, indeed. It does not thrill. It produces absolutely no
Vibrations . . . I have known several Jacks, and they all, without
exception, were more than usually plain. Besides, Jack is a
notorious domesticity for John! And I pity any woman who is
13
13
King 48
G
G
married to a man called John. She would probably never be allowed
to know the entrancing pleasure of a single moment's solitude. The
only really safe name is Ernest
. I adore you. But you haven't proposed to me yet. Nothing
has been said at all about marriage. The subject has not even been
touched on.
I think it would be an admirable opportunity. And to spare
you any possible disappointment, Mr. Worthing, I think it only fair
to tell you quite frankly before-hand that I am fully
13
13
determined to accept you
G
What wonderfully blue eyes you have, Ernest! They are quite,
quite, blue. I hope you will always look at me just like that,
14
especially when there are other people present.
G
I am engaged to Mr. Worthing
14
G
Ernest, we may never be married
21
G
Summary
Your Christian name has an irresistible fascination. The
simplicity of your character makes you exquisitely
incomprehensible to me.
21
In the first act we find that Gwendolyn is ready to have Jack
propose marriage. They are both in love with each other but
have found that Lady Bracknell is going to stand in the way. In
the end Gwendolyn tells Jack they are not to be married but
continues on that his name is irresistible.
Act 2
G
How secretive of him
41
G
Ernest has a strong upright nature. He is the very soul of truth and
honour. Disloyalty would be as impossible to him as deception. But
even men of the noblest possible moral character are
41
extremely susceptible to the influence of the physical
charms of others.
G
Ernest never mentioned to me that he
had a brother.
41
G
Mr. Ernest Worthing who is your guardian?
41
G
Mr. Ernest Worthing is engaged to me.
42
King 49
G
G
, for he asked me to be his wife yesterday afternoon at
5.30.
If the poor fellow has been entrapped into any foolish promise I
shall consider it my duty to rescue him at once, and with a firm
42
42
hand.
G
My own Ernest!
44
G
May I ask if you are engaged to be married to this
young lady
44
G
Summary
We are both engaged to be married to your brother Ernest, so it
is a matter of some importance to us to know where your
brother Ernest is at present.
46
In the begingin you see Gwendolen show off her upper class
attitutde toward Cecily. Gwendolen seems to be jealious of the
young and prettier girl. As the scene goes on the two become
more and more disjointed as they try to one up each other. In
the end the marriage questions push both over the edge so they
leave while allowing Algy and Jack to stay behind.
Act 3
G
G
G
G
, seems to me to show that they have some
49
sense of shame left.
They don't seem to notice us at all.
Couldn't you cough?
49
They're looking at us. What effrontery!
49
How absurd to talk of the equality of the sexes! Where
questions of self-sacrifice are concerned, men are
infinitely beyond us.
Darling!
G
G
G
51
51
If you are not too long, I will wait here for you all
my Life
My own!
But what own are you?
What is your
59
Christian name, now that you have become some one else?
61
G
For I feel that you are sure to change.
61
Summary
In the final act Gwen has come to be with Jack. She is lead
through a world of lies but comes out with Jack her true love
and the obsticle of Lady Bracknell is overcome.
King 50
Overall Sumarry of the Play For Gwen
She starts off the love of Jack’s life in an upper class that he is
not a full part of. Through the play she continues her feelings
for Jack until the end when she is to be married to him. She
does not seem to be an over complicated character, she has a
need/want and in the end she gets it.
What Gwendolen says about Algy?
Act 1
Character
G
G
Summary
Act 1
Dialogue
The moment Algernon first mentioned
Gut. Pg.
to me that he had a friend called Ernest
12
Algy, you always adopt a strictly immoral
attitude towards life. You are not quite
old enough to do that
21
Gwen doesn’t have a lot to say in regards to Algy.
She seems to show Algy has a young playboy side
that has been reinforced from other characters. She
also is able to talk to him in a condescending
manner when Lady Bracknell is not around.
G
The gentleman who is now embracing you is my
cousin, Mr. Algernon Moncrieff
45
G
Is your name really John?
45
Summary
Gwen seems to confirm her thought of Algy. She is
not happy from the lies that Algy has come up with.
Act 2
G
. The fact that they did not follow us at once into the
house,
as any one else would have done, seems to me to show
that they have some
49
sense of shame left.
G
They don't seem to notice us at all.
49
G
They're looking at us. What effrontery
49
King 51
G
G
Your Christian names are still
an insuperable barrier.
That is all!
How absurd to talk of the equality of the sexes! Where
51
51
questions of self-sacrifice are concerned, men are
infinitely beyond
Summary
Act 3
Overall
Summary
Gwen again does not talk about Algy much. It
Seems that it is just something that she has come to
deal with.
Gwen does not react too much to the childish
behavior of Algy. It seems again that she is either
used to it or just does not want anything to do with
him unless she has to.
What Gwendolen says about Lady Bracknell?
Act 1
Character
Dialogue
Gut. Pg.
G
Thanks, mamma, I'm quite comfortable where I
am.
10
Certainly, mamma.
G
11
Gwendolen remains behind.
G
12
G
Mamma has a way of coming back suddenly into a
room that I have often had to speak to her about.
12
G
I must beg you to retire. This is no place for you.
Besides, Mr. Worthing has not. I am engaged to Mr.
Worthing, mamma
14
quite finished yet.
G
G
[Reproachfully.] Mamma!
From the expression on
mamma's face I fear we never shall. Few parents
nowadays pay any regard to what their children say to
them. The old-fashioned respect for the young is
fast dying out.
Whatever influence I ever
14
21
King 52
had over mamma, I lost at the age of three.
G
The story of your romantic origin, as related to me by
mamma,
21
with unpleasing comments, has naturally
stirred the deeper fibres of my nature.
Summary
Act 1
We see that Gwen is young and under the control of
Lady Bracknell. Gwen feels that Lady Bracknell is
being hard on her. She knows that Lady Braknell is
a tough mom, she is there to teach Gwen to be a
lady and she will make this happen no matter what.
Act 2
G
mamma, whose views on education are remarkably
strict, has
40
brought me up to be extremely short-sighted;
it is part of her system; so do you mind my
looking at you through my glasses?
Summary
Act 2
She tells of how her mother is short sighted and she
is following suit. It explains the system that they are
in.
Summary
Act 3
Gwen does not talk about Lady Bracknell in the
Act.
Overall
Summary
Gwen is placed under Lady Bracknell thumb at all
chances in the play. She know when she can get
away with things, but for the most part Lady
Bracknell is always watching. Gwen talks in short
about the system that they live in makes Lady
Bracknell the way she is. Overall, it seems as Lady
Bracknell is treating Gwen as any parent might
treat a teenage girl in her position.
What Gwendolen says about Cecily?
Text
Pg in text
Guttenburg
ACT I
None
ACT II
Cecily Cardew? What avery sweet name! Something tells me
39
King 53
that we are going to be great friends. I like you already more
than I can say.
[Moving to her and shaking hands.]
I may call you Cecily, may I not?
So do you mind my looking at you through my glasses?
39 (sd)
39
39
You are here on a short visit, I suppose.
39
It is strange he never mentioned to me that he had a ward.
I am very fond of you, Cecily; I have liked you ever since I met
you! But I am bound to state that now that I know that you are
Mr. Worthing's ward, I cannot help expressing a wish you
were--well, just a little older than you seem to be--and not
quite so very alluring in appearance.
I wish that you were fully forty-two, and more than usually
plain for your age.
Cecily, you have lifted a load from my mind.
It would have been terrible if any cloud had come across a
friendship like ours, would it not?
I am so sorry, dear Cecily, if it is any disappointment to you,
but I am afraid I have the prior claim.
40
40
Do you allude to me, Miss Cardew, as an entanglement? You
are presumptuous.
I am glad to say that I have never seen a spade. It is obvious
that our social spheres have been widely different.
41
[Cecily and Gwendolen glare at each other.]
42 (sd)
Quite a well-kept garden this is, Miss Cardew.
42
Personally I cannot understand how anybody manages to exist
in the country, if anybody who is anybody does.
Detestable girl!
Cake is rarely seen at the best houses nowadays.
42
… but I warn you, Miss Cardew, you may go too far.
From the moment I saw you I distrusted you. I felt that you
were false and deceitful.
May I ask if you are engaged to be married to this young lady?
I felt there was some slight error, Miss Cardew.
My poor wounded Cecily!
You will call me sister, will you not?
[They embrace.]
Summary ACT II-
43
43
40
40
40-41
41
41
42
43
43
44
44
45
45 (sd)
King 54
Gwendolen is very proper, then becomes friendly with
Cecliy, then the “cat” comes out when she thinks Cecily has
stolen her Ernest, then all is back to sweetness and kindness
and she becomes her bosom friend.
Act III
But we will not be the first to speak.
Yes, dear, if you can believe him.
Then you think we should forgive them?
Summary ACT IIIShe looks upon Cecily as a sister and dear friend.
49
49
50
Summary for entire play: She and Cecily are very much alike and they foil each
other well with their quips and commiseration about their situations.
What Gwendolen says about Miss Prism?
Text
Pg in text
Gutenburg
Act I
None
Act II
Your guardian?
40
Summary of Act II She is belittling Cecily by ascerning Prism is her
guardian. She thinks she is a class below.
Act III
None
Summary for entire play: Not much is said, but she does believe Prism is of a
different social strata.
What Gwendolen says about Dr. Chasuble?
Never speaks of Dr. Chasuble.
What Gwendloen says about herself?
Text
ACT I
I am always smart!
Oh! I hope I am not that [quite perfect]. It would leave no
room for developments, and I intend to develop in many
directions.
…I'm quite comfortable where I am.
Pg in text
Guttenburg
10
10
10
King 55
Whenever people talk to me about the weather, I always
feel quite certain that they mean something else. And that
makes me so nervous.
12
… I am never wrong.
Even before I met you I was far from indifferent to you.
I have known several Jacks… And I pity any woman who
is married to a man called John.
I think it only fair to tell you quite frankly before-hand
that I am fully determined to accept you.
12
12
13
13
I am engaged to Mr. Worthing, mamma.
14
Whatever influence I ever had over mamma, I lost at the
20
age of three. But although she may prevent us from
becoming man and wife, and I may marry some one else,
and marry often, nothing that she can possibly do can alter
my eternal devotion to you.
The story of your romantic origin, as related to me by
mamma,
with unpleasing comments, has naturally stirred the
deeper fibres of my nature. Your Christian name has an
irresistible fascination. The simplicity of your character
makes you exquisitely incomprehensible to me.
It may be necessary to do something desperate. That of
course will require serious consideration. I will
communicate with you daily.
21
21
Summary Act I- Very self-assured young lady who
knows she is pretty and wanted.
Act II
I like you already more than I can say. My first
impressions
of people are never wrong.
And you will always call me Gwendolen, won't you?
Perhaps this might be a favourable opportunity for my
mentioning who I am. My father is Lord Bracknell. You
have never heard of papa, I suppose?
And I don't like that. [about men being effeminate]
mamma, whose views on education are remarkably strict,
has
brought me up to be extremely short-sighted
I am not sure, however, that the news inspires me with
feelings of unmixed delight.
39
39
39
39
39
40
King 56
I was growing almost anxious. It would have been
terrible if any cloud had come across a friendship like
ours, would it not?
Mr. Ernest Worthing is engaged to me.
I never travel without my diary. One should always have
something sensational to read in the train. I am so
sorry, dear Cecily, if it is any disappointment to you, but I
am afraid I have the prior claim.
40-41
the poor fellow has been entrapped into any foolish
promise I shall consider it my duty to rescue him at once,
and with a firm hand.
41
I am glad to say that I have never seen a spade.
Five counties! I don't think I should like that; I hate
crowds.
41
42
I had no idea there were any flowers in the country.
Personally I cannot understand how anybody manages to
exist in the country, if anybody who is anybody does.
The country always bores me to death.
42
42
But I require tea!
42
I am known for the gentleness of my disposition, and the
extraordinary sweetness of my nature, but I warn you,
Miss Cardew, you may go too far.
43
From the moment I saw you I distrusted you. I felt that
you were false and deceitful. I am never deceived in such
matters. My first impressions of people are invariably
right.
43
41
41
Summary Act II- Gwendolen is self important and
believes herself to be in the right and won’t take being
wronged, but will be your best friend if the wind is
blowing her way.
Act III
They don't seem to notice us at all.
Let us preserve a dignified silence.
But we will not be the first to speak.
I have something very particular to ask you.
I have the gravest doubts upon the subject. But I intend to
crush them.
True! I had forgotten. There are principles at stake that
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49
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50
King 57
one cannot surrender. Which of us should tell them? The
task is not a pleasant one.
I nearly always speak at the same time as other people.
For my sake you are prepared to do this terrible thing?
50
50
This suspense is terrible. I hope it will last.
I never change, except in my affections.
Ernest! My own Ernest! I felt from the first that you
could have no other name!
58
60
61
Summary Act III-. She believes she is hopelessly lost
without her Ernest, is committed to her friendship
with Cecily and quite perturbed at her mother.
Summary for entire play: She believes she is a proper young lady who is beset with
an overbearing mother, but she must put up with as that is her duty. She is selfcentered, but joyous
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST
Character Analysis
Cecily
Please note that Cecily doesn’t appear until Act II. Guttenberg Plain Text
Versision (SD refers to stage direction. Kim, Karen, & Steve did Act I, Steve
compiled Act II, and Karen compiled Act III.
What Cecily thinks about Algernon?
ACT II – Scene 1
SD
Dialogue
I wish Uncle Jack would allow that unfortunate young man, his
brother, to come down here sometimes
We might have a good influence over him, Miss Prism.
'Mr. Ernest Worthing, B. 4, The Albany, W.' Uncle Jack's brother!
You, I see from your card, you are Uncle Jack's brother, my cousin
Ernest, my wicked cousin Ernest.
If you are not, then you have certainly been deceiving us all in a very
inexcusable manner. I hope you have not been leading a double life,
pretending to be wicked and being really good all the time. That would
be hypocrisy.
I don't think you should be so proud of that, though I am Sure it must
have been very pleasant.
PG
24
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26
27
27
27
King 58
SD
Dialogue
PG
Your emigrating.
28
I don't think you will require neckties.
28
It is rather Quixotic of you. But I think you should try
28
You are looking a little worse.
28
I don't think it can be right for you to talk to me like that.
28
He has gone up to buy your outfit.
28
Yes, but are you good enough for it?
28
You can see the entry if you like.
38
You dear romantic boy. [He kisses her, she puts her fingers through his 38
hair.] I hope your hair curls naturally, does it?
Besides, of course, there is the question of your name.
38
You must not laugh at me, darling, but it had always been a girlish
38
dream of mine to love some one whose name was Ernest.
Mr. Ernest Worthing and I are engaged to be married.
42
Ernest proposed to me exactly ten minutes ago.
42
It would distress me more than I can tell you, dear Gwendolen,
42
...but I feel bound to point out that since Ernest proposed to you he
43
clearly has changed his mind
[Thoughtfully and sadly.] Whatever unfortunate entanglement my dear 43
boy may have got into...
Here is Ernest.
45
[Drawing back.] A moment, Ernest! May I ask you--are you engaged
45
to be married to this young lady?
[Presenting her cheek to be kissed.] You may.
46
[Breaking away from Algernon.] Algernon Moncrieff! Oh! [The two
46
girls move towards each other and put their arms round each other's
waists as if for protection.]
Are you called Algernon?
46
In fact, I am going to be his.
42
Cecily is utterly enamored with Algy and swept away by his charms, but she is very
insistent on her own way and knows she can get him to bend to her will.
ACT III – SCENE 1
They have been eating muffins. That looks like repentance
43
They’re approaching. That’s very forward of them
44
A most distasteful one
44
I don’t.
44
But that does not affect the wonderful beauty of his answer.
44
I am more than content with what Mr. Moncrieff said. His voice alone
44
inspires one with absolute credulity.
Yes. I mean no
44
To please me you are ready to face this fearful ordeal?
44
They have moments of physical courage of which we women know
44
absolutely nothing.
X
[They fall into each other’s arms]
44
King 59
[They fall into each other’s arms]
Mr. Moncrieff and I are engaged to be married, Lady Bracknell.
Cecily love Algy and easily forgives him and immediately follows the ethics and
etiquette of the times by her abeyance to his aunt.
X
What Cecily thinks about Cecily?
ACT II – Scene 1
SD
Dialogue
But I don't like German. It isn't at all a becoming language. I know
perfectly well that I look quite plain after my German lesson.
I wish Uncle Jack would allow that unfortunate young man, his
brother, to come down here sometimes
We might have a good influence over him, Miss Prism.
I am sure you certainly would. You know German, and geology, and
things of that kind influence a man very much.
I keep a diary in order to enter the wonderful secrets of my life. If I
didn't write them down, I should probably forget all about them.
I believe that Memory is responsible for Nearly all the three-volume
novels that Mudie sends us.
I hope it did not end happily? I don't like novels that end happily.
They depress me so much.
No, dear Miss Prism, I know that, but I felt instinctively that you had
a headache. Indeed I was thinking about that, and not about my
German lesson, when the Rector came in.
Oh, I am afraid I am.
[Picks up books and throws them back on table.
Horrid Political Economy! Horrid Geography! Horrid, horrid German!
I have never met any really wicked person before. I feel rather
frightened. I am so afraid he will look just like every one else. [Enter
Algernon, very gay and debonnair.] He does!
I am glad to hear it
You are under some strange mistake.
I am not little. In fact, I believe I am more than usually tall for my
age…But I am your cousin Cecily.
I can't understand how you are here at all.
Couldn't you miss it anywhere but in London?
Well, I know, of course, how important it is not to keep a business
engagement, if one wants to retain any sense of the beauty of life,
but still I think you had better wait till Uncle Jack arrives. I know he
wants to speak to you about your emigrating.
I know he wants to speak to you about your emigrating.
I'm afraid I've no time, this afternoon
How thoughtless of me. I should have remembered that when one is
going to lead an entirely new life, one requires regular and wholesome
44
46
PG
24
24
24
24
24
24
25
25
25
26
26
26
27
27
27
27
27
27
27
27
28
28
King 60
SD
Dialogue
PG
meals. Won't you come in?
Miss Prism never says such things to me.
29
Miss Prism says that all good looks area snare.
29
Oh, I don't think I would care to catch a sensible man. I shouldn't
29
know what to talk to him about.
Uncle Jack! Oh, I am pleased to see you back.
32
But what horrid clothes you have got on! Do go and change them.
32
I think it is rather hard that you should leave me for so long a period as 39
half an hour
What an impetuous boy he is! I like his hair so much. I must enter his
40
proposal in my diary.
I don’t quite like women who are interested in philanthropic work. I
40
think it is so forward of them.
[Advancing to meet her.] Pray let me introduce myself to you. My
40
name is Cecily Cardew
Oh! Not at all, Gwendolen. I am very fond of being looked at.
41
Oh no! I live here.
41
Oh no! I have no mother, nor, in fact, any relations.
41
My dear guardian, with the assistance of Miss Prism, has the arduous
41
task of looking after me.
Yes, I am Mr. Worthing’s ward
41
X
[Puts her hand over it.(HER DIARY)]
42
X
[Rather shy and confidingly.]
42
I think that whenever one has anything unpleasant to say, one should
42
always be quite candid.
I will never reproach him with it after we are married.
43
When I see a spade I call it a spade.
43
I believe the aristocracy are suffering very much from it just at present. 44
It is almost an epidemic amongst them, I have been told.
To save my poor, innocent, trusting boy from the machinations of any 45
other girl there are no lengths to which I would not go.
It seems to me, Miss Fairfax, that I am trespassing on your valuable
45
time
[Very sweetly.] I knew there must be some misunderstanding, Miss
45
Fairfax.
A gross deception has been racticed on both of us.C 46 G
46
[Rather brightly.] There is just one question I would like to be allowed 46
to ask my guardian.
It is not a very pleasant position for a young girl suddenly to find
47
herself in. Is it?
Cecily is a charming, sheltered – and a little muddle-headed young lady of her times
who wishes most strongly not to be sheltered. She doesn’t want to study and yearns
for romance. She is headstrong and wants her own way and is slightly spoiled. She
can be quite petulant to others when she feels she’s being crossed or isn’t getting
King 61
SD
Dialogue
what she wants.
ACT III – SCENE 1
SD
Dialogue
X [Gwendolen and Cecily are at the window, looking out into the garden.]
That looks like repentance
But I haven’t got a cough
They’re approaching. That’s very forward of them
Certainly. It’s the only thing to do now.
A most distasteful one
That certainly seems a satisfactory explanation, does it not
But that does not affect the wonderful beauty of his answer
I am more than content with what Mr. Moncrieff said. His voice alone
inspires one with absolute credulity.
Yes. I mean no
Could we not both speak at the same time?
Gwendolen and Cecily [Speaking together.] Your Christian names are
still an insuperable barrier. That is all!
To please me you are ready to face this fearful ordeal?
X The couples separate in alarm.
Mr. Moncrieff and I are engaged to be married, Lady Bracknell.
[Cecily goes across.] [Cecily turns completely round.] [Cecily presents
her profile.]
[Kisses her.] Thank you, Lady Bracknell
[Algernon and Cecily look at him in indignant amazement.]
Well, I am really only eighteen, but I always admit to twenty when I go
to evening parties
Algy, could you wait for me till I was thirty-five?
Yes, I felt it instinctively, but I couldn’t wait all that time. I hate waiting
even five minutes for anybody. It always makes me rather cross. I am
not punctual myself, I know, but I do like punctuality in others, and
waiting, even to be married, is quite out of the question.
I don’t know, Mr. Moncrieff
Cecily is a well-brought up young lady who conforms to the laws of the society.
What Cecily thinks about Dr. Chasuble?
ACT II – SCENE 1
SD
Dialogue
But I see dear Dr. Chasuble coming up through the garden.
Dr. Chasuble is a most learned man. He has never written a single
PG
Pg
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44
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44
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48
PG
25
39
King 62
book, so you can imagine how much he knows.
Cecily is respectful of Dr. Chasuble and automatically gives him his due.
What Cecily thinks about Gwendolen?
SD
Dialogue
PG
Miss Fairfax! I suppose one of the many good elderly women who are 40
associated with Uncle Jack in some of his philanthropic work in
London.
How nice of you to like me so much after we have known each other
40
such a comparatively short time.
[Very politely, rising.] I am afraid you must be under some
42
misconception
X
[...Cecily is about to retort. The presence of the servants exercises a
43
restraining influence, under which both girls chafe.]
X
[Cecily and Gwendolen glare at each other.]
43
Do you suggest, Miss Fairfax, that I entrapped Ernest into an
43
engagement? How dare you? This is no time for wearing the shallow
mask of manners.
[Sweetly.] I suppose that is why you live in town?
44
So glad you like it, Miss Fairfax
44
No doubt you have many other calls of a similar character to make in
45
the neighbourhood.
A gross deception has been practised on both of us.
46
My sweet wronged Gwendolen!
46
Cecily is very polite, but varies of her opinion and believes Gwen to be a hussy after
him man until the misunderstanding is cleared up, then embraces her as one after her
own heart.
ACT III – SCENE 1
Gwendolen, your common sense is invaluable
44
Could we not both speak at the same time?
44
They have moments of physical courage of which we women know absolutely 44
nothing.
Cecily considers Gwen a confidant.
What Cecily thinks about Jack?
ACT II – SCENE 1
SD
Dialogue
Dear Uncle Jack is so very serious! Sometimes he is so serious that I
think he cannot be quite well.
I suppose that is why he often looks a little bored when we three are
together
Uncle Jack won't be back till Monday afternoon.
Uncle Jack is sending you to Australia.
Pg
24
24
27
28
King 63
SD
Dialogue
Pg
Well, he said at dinner on Wednesday night, that you would Have to
28
choose between this world, the next world, and Australia.
Uncle Jack, if you don’t shake hands with Ernest I will never forgive
33
you.
Oh, is he going to take you for a nice drive?
35
Uncle Jack would be very much annoyed if he knew you were staying 37
on till next week, at the same hour.
Well, ever since dear Uncle Jack first confessed to us that he had a
37
younger brother who was very wicked and bad
Isn’t Mr. Worthing in his library?
40
Mr. Worthing is sure to be back soon.
40
Miss Fairfax! I suppose one of the many good elderly women who are 40
associated with Uncle Jack in some of his philanthropic work in
London.
My dear guardian, with the assistance of Miss Prism, has the arduous
41
task of looking after me.
Oh, but it is not Mr. Ernest Worthing who is my guardian. It is his
42
brother—his elder brother.
I am sorry to say they have not been on good terms for a long time.
42
The gentleman whose arm is at present round your waist is my
45
guardian, Mr. John Worthing.
This is Uncle Jack.
45
[Surprised.] No brother at all?
47
Your brother is a little off colour, isn’t he, dear Jack? You won’t be
48
able to disappear to London quite so frequently as your wicked custom
was. And not a bad thing either.
Cecily believes in her Uncle Jack’s authority, but is concerned over his well being
and moral compass and even forgives him when the lie is revealed.
ACT III – SCENE 1
SD DIALOGUE
PG
They have been eating muffins. That looks like repentance
43
They’re approaching. That’s very forward of them
44
A most distasteful one
44
I don’t.
44
Yes. I mean no
44
They have moments of physical courage of which we women know
44
absolutely nothing.
Uncle Jack seems strangely agitated.
52
Cecily bows to the superiority of the male figure.
King 64
What Cecily thinks of Lady Bracknell?
ACT III – Scene 1
Sd
Dialogue
Mr. Moncrieff and I are engaged to be married, Lady Bracknell.
[Cecily goes across.] [Cecily turns completely round.] [Cecily presents
her profile.]
[Kisses her.] Thank you, Lady Bracknell
Cecily adheres to all the manners of polite society and understands that Lady
Bracknell is woman of means and power.
Re
45
46
48
What Cecily thinks about Prism?
ACT II-SCENE 1
Sd
Dialogue
Re
How wonderfully clever you are!
25
And was your novel ever published?
25
Miss Prism has just been complaining of a slight headache. I think it
25
would do her so much good to have a short stroll with you in the Park,
Dr. Chasuble.
...you of course have formed the chief topic of conversation between
37
myself and Miss Prism
Cecily believes Ms. Prism to be easily distracted and manipulated for her own whims,
but feels affection for her as well.
The Importance of Being Earnest
Character Analysis - Ms. Prism
Act II - Manor House Garden
PRISM ON CECILY
Gut. Copy Page#
Lines or dialogue
Dialogue
PG
... Moulton’s duty than yours... intellectual pleasures... repeat yesterday’s lesson
26
Cecily I am surprised at you... remember his constant anxiety about ... his brother
26
I don’t see why you should keep a diary at all.
27
To your work child these speculations are profitless
27
Cecily you will come with us
37
King 65
Summary - Prism on Cecily - Act II
Ms. Prism feels a great duty towards and her education. She wants Cecily
to achieve her place in society
______________________________________________________________________________________
_______
PRISM ON JACK
Dialogue
PG
... how anxious your guardian is that you should improve yourself...always lays stress on your German
when he is leaving town.
26
Your guardian enjoys the best of health... especially to be commended in one so
26
comparatively young as he....has a higher sense of duty and responsibility.
Idle merriment and triviality would be out of place in his conversation
26
We do not expect him until Monday afternoon
28
What lesson for him! I trust he will profit
33
This seems to be a blessing of an extremely obvious kind.
35
After we had all been resigned to his loss, his sudden return seems to me peculiarly distressing
36
.
Summary- Prism on Jack Act II
Ms. Prism is concerned about Jack’s happiness. She finds him a desirable
bachelor for someone. She also thinks he a focused, responsible and
serious man with a great sense of duty.
______________________________________________________________________________________
_____
26
I am not in favor of this modern mania for turning bad people into good people at a moments notice.
27
Memory my dear Cecily is the diary that we all carry about with us
27
I wrote one my self in earlier days
28
I have not mentioned anything about a headache Chastising Cecily
28
Egeria? My name is Laetitia, Doctor. Egeria was a nymph who advised a Roman King /means
companion also
28
I think, dear Doctor I will have a stroll with you. I find I have a headache after all, and a walk might do
it good. Prism Goes down the walk with Chasuble
King 66
29
Prism goes down the walk with Dr. Chasuble STAGE DIRECTION
32
You are too much alone, dear Dr. Chasuble. You should get married
32
That depends on the intellectual sympathies of a woman. Maturity can always be
depended on.
Ripeness can be trusted. Young women can be green. I spoke horticulturally. My metaphor was
drawn from fruits.
34
I ...I have often spoken to the poorer classes on the subject. But, they don’t seem to know what thrift
is.
Summary - Prism on Prism - Act II
She thinks herself an intellectual and strives for perfection. She holds
women superior to men and she is seeking companionship in the form of
marriage. She also believes that all men should be married.
______________________________________________________________________________________
_______
PG
27
Dialogue
This is indeed a pleasure
32
... you do not realise dear Doctor that by ...remaining single.. a man converts
himself.. to
permanent public temptation. Men should be more careful: This very
celibacy lends weaker
vessels astray.
32
A Misanthrope --I can understand. A Womanthrope, Never! - She is saying you can be untrusting of
the human race but, woman you can surely trust.
33
As a man sows, so shall he reap
34
People who live entirely for pleasure usually are. but, could also be directed towards Jack
37
We must not be premature in our judgments
Summary - Prism on Chasuable - Act II
Ms. Prism thinks Mr. Chasuble should be married. She believes that by him
remaining single he will go astray. For him to remain single is a danger to
his place in society. She also thinks that people who remain unmarried are
selfish and believes that is what Chasuable is doing.
Act III - The Country Manor House
66
I was told you were waiting for me in the vestry, dear Canon. I have been waiting
for you there
King 67
for an hour and three-quarters. Note: Canon means story of truth and the text of the New testament
71
Frederick at last!
Summary- Prism on Chasuble - Act III
She is in love with Chasuable and was quite concerned that he could have
possibly left her there waiting in the vestry. She has waited to be with him
forever
______________________________________________________________________________________
______
67
Lady Bracknell, I admit with shame that I do not know. I only wish I did. The plain
facts of the
case are these. On the morning of the day you mention, a day that is
forever branded in my
memory, I prepared as usual to take the baby out in it’s
perambulator. (Stroller) I had also with me
a somewhat old, but capacious hand
bag in which I intended to place my manuscript of a work of
fiction that I had
written during my few unoccupied hours. In a moment of mental distraction, for
which I can never forgive myself, I deposited the manuscript in the bassinette,
and placed the
baby in the handbag. how she lost the baby
67
...Yes, here is the injury it received through the upsetting of Gower Street
omnibus...Here is the
stain on the lining...And look here are my initials.... The bag is undoubtedly mine. It has been a
great inconvenience being without it all these
years.
69
Mr. Worthing I am unmarried!
Summery - Prism on Prism - Act III
Ms. Prism is very concerned about her reputation. She is also very
embarrassed about losing the baby. *Losing the baby could also an
inference that literature is more important than people.
______________________________________________________________________________________
_______Prism on Lady Bracknell
PG
69
Dialogue
This is the lady who can tell you who you really are!
Summary - Ms. Prism on Lady Bracknell - Act III
Ms. Prism is certain that Lady Bracknell will confirm the truth.
The Importance of Being Earnest
Character Analysis - Chasuble
Act II - Manor House Garden
King 68
PG
Dialogue
27
How are we this morning? Ms. Prism you are I trust well?
28
Were I fortunate to be Ms. Prism’s pupil I would hang upon her lips. I spoke
metaphor was drawn from bees. He is flirting with her!
28
But, I must not disturb Egeria and her pupil any longer
28
A classical illusion merely, drawn from the pagan authors.
28
With pleasure, Ms. Prism, with pleasure. We might go as far as the schools and
metaphorically--My
back.
28
Summary - Chasuble on Ms. Prism - Act II
He is obviously attracted to Ms. Prism. He wants others to show her
respect. He is also willing to overlook nativity.
______________________________________________________________________________________
_______
PG
Dialogue
28
I hope Cecily, you are not inattentive.
32
Perhaps, she followed us to the schools
35
My child! My Child!
37
You have done a beautiful action today, dear child.
King 69
Summary - Chasuble on Cecily - Act II
He is concerned for Cecily’s welfare and often treats as if she is younger
than she really is.
______________________________________________________________________________________
_______
PG
Dialogue
32
Believe me, I do not deserve so a neologistic phrase. The precept as well as the
practice of the
primitive church was distinctly against matrimony. Note: Neologism means to apply a new word or
synthesize a
pre-existing concepts - He is referring to Ms. Prism invention of
the word
WOMANTHROPE!
32
But, is a man not equally attractive when married?
33
Charity, Dear Ms. Prism, Charity! None of us are perfect I myself am peculiarly susceptible to
draughts.
34
I fear that hardly points to any very serious state of mind...My sermon on the
meaning of the
manna... distressing. I have preached it...on behalf for the society for the prevention of discontent
among the upper orders.
35
Perfectly, Perfectly! In fact I have two similar ceremonies to perform at that time.
Summary - Chasuble on Chasuble - Act II
He thinks very highly of himself and sees himself as attractive. He also
believes he is a good catch. He uses his position in the church to justify his
behaviors
______________________________________________________________________________________
_______
PG
Dialogue
28
Ah, yes, he usually likes to spend his Sunday in London. ... one of those who’s
enjoyment...his brother seems to be.
sole aim is
33
Dear, Mr. Worthing, I trust this garb of woe does not betoken some terrible calamity?
33
Still leading his life of pleasure.
33
Mr. Worthing, I offer you my sincere condolences. You have at least the
consolation of
knowing that you were always the most generous and forgiving of brothers.
34
Your brother was, I believe, unmarried, was he not?
34
But surely, Mr. Worthing, you have been christened already.
34
But have you any grave doubts on the subject?
35
You need have know apprehensions. Sprinkling is all that is necessary or indeed
advisable.
I think
King 70
35
I would nearly beg you not to be too much bowed down by grief. What seem to
trials are often blessings in disguise
36
These are very joyful tidings
37
It’s pleasant, is it not, to see so perfect a reconciliation? I think we might leave
brothers together.
us bitter
the two
Summary - Chasuble on Jack/Earnest - Act II
He admires Jack and wants things to go well for him
he Importance of Being Earnest
Character Analysis - Chasuble
Act III - The Country Manor House
PG
Dialogue
65
Everything is quite ready for the christenings
65
Am I to understand then that there are to be no christenings at all this afternoon?
66
I am grieved to hear such sentiments from you, Mr. Worthing They savour of the
heretical views
of the Anabaptist views, that I have completely refuted in four of
my unpublished sermons...Ms.
Prism has been waiting for me in the vestry.
68
What do you think this means, Lady Bracknell?
68
Your guardian has a very emotional nature
Summary - Chasuble on Jack - Act III
He is disappointed regarding Jack’s decision concerning the christenings
______________________________________________________________________________________
_______
PG
Dialogue
66
Yes, Lady Bracknell. I am on my way to join her .
66
She is the most cultivated of ladies and a very picture of respectability
66
She approaches; She is Nigh
71
Laeticia!
Summary - Chasuble on Prism - Act III
King 71
He is in Love and infatuated with Ms. Prism!
______________________________________________________________________________________
_______
PG
66
Dialogue
I am a celibate, madam!
Summary - Chasuble on Chasuble - Act III
Chasuble is very concerned about his image
King 72
Questions H through M
H. 1. Government
Algernon
Top Char Text
P
G
A
Half the chaps who get into the Bankruptcy Court are called
56
Algernon.
Summary: Algy doesn’t seem to have much respect for government or the
court system or even himself as “Algy’s” can’t seem to manage money.
Jack
G
J
I am a liberal Unionist.
15
I have no doubt about that, dear Algy. The Divorce Court was 8
specially invented for people whose memories are so curiously
constituted
I have been writing frantic letters to Scotland Yard about it.
9
When one is placed in the position of guardian, one has to
13
adopt a very high moral tone on all subjects.
Why should there be one law for men, and another for
88
women?
Summary: Jack is the most liberal of all the characters. Perhaps,
underneath not such a rake as he would have people believe. He has
respect for the government but can recognize it’s shortcomings.
Cecily
Top Char Text
PG
G
C
(Picks up books and throws them back on table) Horrid
39
Political Economy! Horrid Geography! Horrid, horrid German
This is what the newspapers call agricultural depression, is it
63
not? I believe the aristocracy are suffering very much form it
just at present. It is almost an epidemic amongst them
Summary: Cecily obviously, doesn’t like anything to do with government
as it equals spending time studying. She puts down the aristocracy and
obliquely, Gwendolyn as well since she is a part of the ruling class.
Miss Prism
Top Char Text
P
G
P
The chapter on the Fall of the Rupee you may omit., It is
38
somewhat too sensational.
Summary: Clearly, Miss Prism, feels that worrying about government is
something refined young ladies shouldn’t be bothered with.
Gwendolyn
Top Char Text
P
G
G
We live, as I hope you know, Mr. Worthing, in an age of ideals. 12
she may prevent us from becoming man and wife
20
This is not the moment for German skepticism.
73
King 73
Summary: Gwendolyn has a certain respect for the government and
conventions of the time. She knows and accepts that Lady Bracknell can
stop her marriage. She views the German influence on the court with some
suspicion.
Lady Bracknell
Top Char Text
P
G
LB
But German sounds a thoroughly respectable language
11
The whole theory of modern education is radically unsound.
15
Fortunately in England, at any rate, education produces no
effect whatsoever.
hey count as Tories. They dine with us. Or come in the
15
evening, at any rate. Now to minor matters
Was he born in what the Radical papers call the purple of
16
commerce, or did he rise from the ranks of the aristocracy?
I was not aware that Mr. Bunbury was interested in social
76
legislation. If so, he is well punished for his morbidity.
…through the elaborate investigations of the Metropolitan
85
Police…
Summary: Lady Bracknell looks at government as a necessary evil as it
allows her to keep her place in society and is a part of it. She doesn’t seem
to have much respect for it.
H. 2. Social Governance
Algernon
Top Char Text
P
SG A
I believe it is customary in good society to take some slight
4
refreshment at five o'clock.
Well, in the first place girls never marry the men they flirt with.
5
Girls don't think it right.
I don't give my consent
5
More than half of modern culture depends on what one
6
shouldn't read.
and once a week is quite enough to dine with one's own
8
relations.
Summary: Although Algy may give the impression that he doesn’t care
how polite society works, in fact, he is quite aware of what is proper and
improper. He knows the rules and observes them, at least to the minimal
acceptable standard.
Cecily
Top Char Text
P
SG C
Well, I know, of course, how important it is not to keep a
41
business engagement, if one wants to retain any sense of the
beauty of life…
I don’t quite like women who are interested in philanthropic
57
work, I think it is so forward of them.
This is no time for wearing the shallow mask of manners.
62
King 74
Summary: Cecily does not have the same reverence for society and its
constraints as the other characters do. She is much more easy going and
has a more common sense approach to life.
Gwendolyn
Top Char Text
P
SG G
We live, as I hope you know, Mr. Worthing, in an age of ideals. 12
Algy, kindly turn your back. I have something very particular to 19
say to Mr. Worthing.
And certainly once a man begins to neglect his domestic duties 59
he becomes painfully effeminate, does he not?
…I do have the prior claim
61
In matters of grave importance, style, not sincerity, is the vital
73
thing.
Summary: Gwendolyn lives by the rules of society and they are very
important to her and her sense of all being right with the world.
Miss Prism
Top Char Text
P
SG P
...such a utilitarian occupation as the watering of flowers is
35
rather Moulton’s duty than yours?
I know no one who has a higher sense of duty and
36
responsibility
Summary: Miss Prism has a very strict sense of what is proper behavior to
maintain one’s position in society. One always behaves properly.
Lady Bracknell
Top Char Text
P
SG LB
I was obliged to call on dear Lady Harbury. I hadn't been there 10
since her poor husband's death.
It would put my table completely out. Your uncle would have
11
to dine upstairs.
French songs I cannot possibly allow. People always seem to 11
think that they are improper, and either look shocked, which is
vulgar, or laugh, which is worse. But German sounds a
thoroughly respectable language, and indeed, I believe is so
Gwendolen, you will accompany me.
11
When you do become engaged to some one, I, or your father,
14
should his health permit him, will inform you of the fact.
duties exacted from one after one's death, land has ceased to
15
be either a profit or a pleasure. It gives one position, and
prevents one from keeping it up
To be born, or at any rate bred, in a hand-bag, whether it had
16
handles or not, seems to me to display a contempt for the
ordinary decencies of family life that reminds one of the worst
excesses of the French Revolution. And I presume you know
what that unfortunate movement led to? As for the particular
locality in which the hand-bag was found, a cloak-room at a
railway station might serve to conceal a social indiscretion--has
King 75
probably, indeed, been used for that purpose before now--but
it could hardly be regarded as an assured basis for a
recognised position in good society.
There are distinct social possibilities in your profile. The two
79
weak points in our age are its want of principle and its want of
profile.
Never speak disrespectfully of Society, Algernon, Only people
79
who can’t get into it do that,
Summary: Lady Bracknell’s position in society is protected by proper
behavior. Deviation from that minimizes others respect. Everyone has
their place and there is a place for everyone and there you must stay and
behave accordingly.
Jack
Top Char Text
P
SG J
When one is in town one amuses oneself. When one is in the
4
country one amuses other people. It is excessively boring
I don't propose to discuss modern culture. It isn't the sort of
6
thing one should talk of in private
Summary: Jack has an acute sense of what is right and proper behavior.
He make be a bit of rake but it is important to him to be accepted by
society.
I. Religion
Algernon
Top Char
R
A
Text
P
Divorces are made in Heaven
5
I must see him at once on a most important christening – I
56
mean on most important business
Summary: As religion confers respectability it is important, i.e., the
christening, otherwise it’s fairly forgettable.
Cecily
Top Char Text
P
R
C
Dr. Chausable is a most learned man. He has never written a
56
single book, so you can imagine how much he knows.
To please me are you ready to face this fearful ordeal?
74
Summary: Cecily has a naïve respect for religion. She assumes Dr.
Chausuble is smart because he is a reverend.
Gwendolyn
Top Char Text
P
R
G
Your Christian name
20
That is clearly a metaphysical speculation, and like most
21
metaphysical speculations has very little reference to all the
actual facts of real life, as we know them.
For my sake are you prepared to do this terrible thing?
74
Summary: The appearance of religious propriety is what is important as it
King 76
has very little reference to real life.
Jack
Top Char
R
J
Text
P
I must get christened at once
13
Dr. Chausuble --My sermon on the meaning of the manna in
45
the wilderness can be adapted to almost any occasion, joyful.
Or. As in the present cast, distressing. Jack-(sigh)
I suppose you know how to christen all right? I mean of course 45
your are continually christening, aren’t you.
I certainly intend to have.
46
I don’t see much fun in being christened along with other
46
babies. It would be childish.
…the sooner you give up that nonsense the better.
70
…you have been christened. That is the important thing.
70
But after all, who has the right to cast a stone against one who 88
has suffered? Cannot repentance wipe out an act of folly?
Summary: Religion is important to Jack as it gives him legitimacy. Proper
religious practice and the appearance of it are what good society demands.
Miss Prism
Top Char Text
P
R
P
As a man sows so let him reap
36
Dr. Chausuble
37
(Sententiously)That is obviously the reason why the Primitive
43
Church has not lasted up to the present day.
Chausuble--My sermon on the meaning of the manna in the
45
wilderness can be adapted to almost any occasion, joyful. Or.
As in the present cast, distressing. Miss Prism-(Sigh)
Summary: Miss Prism considers herself an upright and good woman,
regardless of her past indiscretion with the handbag. She is somewhat
prone to moralizing and passing judgment. She obviously has a great
regard for the church and the man who is responsible for it’s maintenance
both physical and spiritual.
Rev. Chausuble
Top Char Text
P
R
Ch
A classical allusion merely, drawn from the Pagan authors. I
38
shall see you both no doubt at Evensong
The precept as well as the practice of the Primitive Church was 43
distinctly against matrimony.
My sermon on the meaning of the manna in the wilderness can 45
be adapted to almost any occasion, joyful. Or. As in the
present cast, distressing. (sigh)
(Dr. Chausable looks astounded)
45
But surely, Mr. Worthing, you have been christened already?
46
But have you any grave doubts on the subject?
46
Sprinkling is all that is necessary, or indeed I think advisable.
46
King 77
Our weather is so changeable.
They savor the heretical views of the Anabaptists, views that I
84
have completely refuted in four of my unpublished sermons.
Summary: Rev. Chausuble takes pleasure and comfort in his beliefs. He is
not afraid of other religious practices but has confidence in his own beliefs
and how they support his community.
Lady Bracknell
Top Char Text
P
R
LB
The idea is grotesque and irreligious! Algernon, I forbid you to
be baptized. I will not hear of such excesses. Lord Bracknell
would be highly displeased if he learned that htat was the way
in which you wasted your time and money
Summary: Religion, as all things, must be practiced moderately and don’t
make any spectacle of yourself doing it.
J. Sex
Lady Bracknell
To Ch
p
ar
S LB
Text
S
She is such a nice woman, and so attentive to her husband.
LB
who seems to me to be living entirely for pleasure now.
Pg
.
(1
0)
(1
1)
Summary:
Jack
To
p
S
S
S
Ch
ar
J
J
J
Text
S
J
And very good bread and butter it is too.
Oh, that is nonsense!
Sententiously.] That, my dear young friend, is the theory that the
corrupt French Drama has been propounding for the last fifty
years.
I do mean something else
S
J
I know nothing, Lady Bracknell
S
J
Oh, that is nonsense.
S
J
You are not to talk of Miss Cardew like that. I don’t like it.
S
J
As for your conduct towards Miss Cardew, I must say that your
taking in a sweet, simple, innocent girl like that is quite
Pg
.
(5)
(5)
(9)
(1
2)
(1
4)
(1
8)
(3
5)
(4
8)
King 78
inexcusable.
Then a passionate celibacy is all that any of us can look forward
to.
Summary:
S
J
(5
9)
Gwendolyn
To Ch
p
ar
S G
S
Text
I intend to develop in many directions
G
No, there is very little music in the name Jack, if any at all,
indeed. It does not thrill. It produces absolutely no vibrations . .
. I have known several Jacks, and they all, without exception,
were more than usually plain. Besides, Jack is a notorious
domesticity for John! And I pity any woman who is married to a
man called John. She would probably never be allowed to know
the entrancing pleasure of a single moment’s solitude.
S G
men often propose for practice. I know my brother Gerald does.
All my girl-friends tell me so. I hope you will always look at me
just like that, especially when there are other people present.
S G
Well, to speak with perfect candour, Cecily, I wish that you were
fully forty-two, and more than usually plain for your age.
S G
Disloyalty would be as impossible to him as deception. But even
men of the noblest possible moral character are extremely
susceptible to the influence of the physical charms of others.
Modern, no less than Ancient History, supplies us with many most
painful examples of what I refer to. If it were not so, indeed,
History would be quite unreadable.
Summary:
Pg
.
(1
0)/
17
(1
3)/
21
(1
3)/
22
(4
3)
(4
3)
Lady Bracknell
To Ch
p
ar
S LB
S
LB
S
LB
Text
I have always been of opinion that a man who desires to get
married should know either everything or nothing. Which do you
know?
Ignorance is like a delicate exotic fruit; touch it and the bloom is
gone.
My dear Mr. Worthing, as Miss Cardew states positively that she
cannot wait till she is thirty-five—a remark which I am bound to
say seems to me to show a somewhat impatient nature—
Summary:
Pg
.
(1
4)/
25
(1
5)/
25
(5
9)
King 79
Algernon
To Ch
p
ar
S A
Text
Pg
.
the way you flirt with Gwendolen is perfectly disgraceful. It is
(4)
almost as bad as the way Gwendolen flirts with you.
/7
S A
The only way to behave to a woman is to make love to her, if she (1
is pretty, and to some one else, if she is plain.
8)/
30
S A
way Gwendolen flirts with you
(4)
/7
S A
Well, in the first place girls never marry the men they flirt with.
(5)
Girls don’t think it right.
/9
S A
It isn’t. It is a great truth. It accounts for the extraordinary number (5)
of bachelors that one sees all over the place.
/9
S A
Then your wife will. You don’t seem to ealize, that in married
(9)
life three is company and two is none.
/1
5
S A
Oh! I am not really wicked at all, cousin Cecily. You mustn’t think (2
that I am wicked.
8)
S A
In fact, now you mention the subject, I have been very bad in my
(2
own small way.
8)
S A
That is why I want you to reform me. You might make that your
(2
mission, if you don’t mind, cousin Cecily.
9)
S A
Because you are like a pink rose, Cousin Cecily.
(2
9)
S A
They are a snare that every sensible man would like to be caught (3
in.
0)
S A
My duty as a gentleman has never interfered with my pleasures in (3
the smallest degree.
5)
S A
Well, Cecily is a darling.
(3
5)
S A
I’d give anything to look at it. May I?
(3
7)
S A
Cecily, ever since I first looked upon your wonderful and
(3
incomparable beauty, I have dared to love you wildly,
7)
passionately, devotedly, hopelessly.
S A
Yes, darling, with a little help from others.
(3
9)
S A
I can see no possible defence at all for your deceiving a brilliant,
(4
clever, thoroughly experienced young lady like Miss Fairfax.
9)
S A
Darling! [They fall into each other’s arms.]
(5
3)
Summary:
Cecily
King 80
Top Char Text
S
C
No, dear Miss Prism, I know that, but I felt instinctively that
you had a headache. Indeed I was thinking about that, and
not about my German lesson, when the Rector came
S
C
I don’t think it can be right for you to talk to me like that. Miss
Prism never says such things to me.
S
C
Miss Prism says that all good looks are a snare.
S
C
I don’t think that you should tell me that you love me wildly,
passionately, devotedly, hopelessly. Hopelessly doesn’t
seem to make much sense, does it?
S
C
a younger brother who was very wicked and bad
S
C
of course a man who is much talked about is always very
attractive.
S
C
You dear romantic boy. [He kisses her, she puts her fingers
through his hair.] I hope your hair curls naturally, does it?
S
C
Algy, could you wait for me till I was thirty-five?
S
C
Yes, I felt it instinctively, but I couldn’t wait all that time.
Summary:
Pg.
(26)
(29)
(30)
(37)
(38)
(38)
(39)
(58)
(59)
Rev. Chausuble
Top Char Text
S
Ch
Were I fortunate enough to be Miss Prism’s pupil, I would
hang upon her lips. [Miss Prism glares.] I spoke
metaphorically.—My metaphor was drawn from bees. Ahem!
Mr. Worthing, I suppose, has not returned from town yet?
S
Ch
With pleasure, Miss Prism, with pleasure. We might go as far
as the schools and back.
S
Ch
But is a man not equally attractive when married?
S
Ch
And often, I’ve been told, not even to her.
S
Ch
I am a celibate, madam.
Summary:
Pg.
(26)
(27)
(30)
(30)
(60)
Miss Prism
Top Char Text
S
P
I think, dear Doctor, I will have a stroll with you. I find I have a
headache after all, and a walk might do it good.
S
P
a man converts himself into a permanent public temptation.
Men should be more careful; this very celibacy leads weaker
vessels astray.
S
P
People who live entirely for pleasure usually are.
S
P
Mr. Worthing! I am unmarried!
S
M
Ahem! Ahem! Lady Bracknell!
Summary:
Pg.
(27)
(30)
(31)
(62)
(53)
King 81
K. Family
Algernon
Top Char Text
F
A
Miss Cardew is the grand-daughter of the late Mr. Thomas
Cardew of 149
My dear boy, I love hearing my relations abused. It is the only
thing that makes me put up with them at all. Relations are
simply a tedious pack of people, who haven't got the remotest
knowledge of how to live, nor the smallest instinct about when
to die.
All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No
man does. That's his.
I am afraid Aunt Augusta won't quite approve of your being
here.
Please don't touch the cucumber sandwiches. They are
ordered specially for Aunt Augusta.
The bread and butter is for Gwendolen. Gwendolen is devoted
to bread and butter.
I don't give my consent
Gwendolen is my first cousin. And before I allow you to marry
her, you will have to clear up the whole question of Cecily.
To say nothing of the fact that she is my cousin.
Yes, Aunt Augusta.
If it wasn't for Bunbury's extraordinary bad health, for instance,
I wouldn't be able to dine with you at Willis's to- night, for I
have been really engaged to Aunt Augusta for more than a
week.
and once a week is quite enough to dine with one's own
relations.
the happy English home
Only relatives, or creditors, ever ring in that Wagnerian
manner.
I don't know that I am much interested in your family life, Lane.
Very natural, I am sure.
Yes, that is all very well; but I am afraid Aunt Augusta won't
quite approve of your being here.
Summary:
Gwendolyn
Top Char Text
F
G
Mamma has a way of coming back suddenly into a room that I
have often had to speak to her about.
Perhaps this might be a favourable opportunity for my
mentioning who I am. My father is Lord Bracknell. You have
never heard of papa, I suppose?
P
17
18
4
5
5
5
5
49
54
8
8
9
9
3
3
4
Pg.
12
41
King 82
Outside the family circle, papa, I am glad to say…….at you
through my glasses?
Really? Your mother, no doubt, or some female relative of
advanced years, resides here also?
Indeed?
cannot help expressing a wish you were—well, just a little
older than you seem to be—and not quite so very alluring in
appearance. In fact, if I may speak candidly—
Ernest never mentioned to me that he had a brother.
You will call me sister, will you not?
But what own are you? What is your Christian name, now that
you have become some one else?
42
42
42
42
43
47
63
Summary:
Cecily
Top Char Text
F
C
Dear Uncle Jack is so very serious! Sometimes he is so
serious that I think he cannot be quite well.
However badly he may have behaved to you in the past he is
still your brother. You couldn’t be so heartless as to disown
him.
Uncle Jack, you are not going to refuse your own brother’s
hand?
There is just one question I would like to be allowed to ask my
guardian.
Summary:
Miss Prism
Top Char Text
F
P
Child, you know how anxious your guardian is that you should
improve yourself in every way. He laid particular stress on
your German, as he was leaving for town yesterday. Indeed,
he always lays stress on your German when he is leaving for
town.
I know no one who has a higher sense of duty and
responsibility.
You must remember his constant anxiety about that
unfortunate young man his brother.
Summary:
Lady Bracknell
Top Char Text
F
LB
To lose one parent, Mr. Worthing, may be regarded as a
misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness. W
To be born, or at any rate bred, in a hand-bag, whether it had
handles or not, seems to me to display a contempt for the
ordinary decencies of family life that reminds one of the worst
excesses of the French Revolution. And I presume you know
Pg.
18
33
34
47
Pg
25
18
18
Pg.
16
16
King 83
what that unfortunate movement led to? As for the particular
locality in which the hand-bag was found, a cloak-room at a
railway station might serve to conceal a social indiscretion-has probably, indeed, been used for that purpose before now-but it could hardly be regarded as an assured basis for a
recognised position in good society
I would strongly advise you, Mr. Worthing, to try and acquire
some relations as soon as possible, and to make a definite
effort to produce at any rate one parent, of either sex, before
the season is quite over.
Her unhappy father is, I am glad to say, under the impression
that she is attending a more than usually lengthy lecture by the
University Extension Scheme on the Influence of a permanent
income on Thought. I do not propose to undeceive him.
Indeed I have never undeceived him on any question.
On this point, as indeed on all points, I am firm.
Mr. Worthing, who is that young person whose hand my
nephew Algernon is now holding in what seems to me a
peculiarly unnecessary manner?
You are nothing of the kind, sir. And now, as regards
Algernon! . . . Algernon!
Mr. Worthing, is Miss Cardew at all connected with any of the
larger railway stations in London? I merely desire information.
Until yesterday I had no idea that there were any families or
persons whose origin was a Terminus. [Jack looks perfectly
furious, but restrains himself.]
A hundred and thirty thousand pounds! ….. A thoroughly
experienced French maid produces a really marvellous result
in a very brief space of time.
But I do not approve of mercenary marriages. When I married
Lord Bracknell I had no fortune of any kind. But I never
dreamed for a moment of allowing that to stand in my way.
Well, I suppose I must give my consent.
You may also address me as Aunt Augusta for the future.
Mr. Worthing, after careful consideration I have decided
entirely to overlook my nephew’s conduct to you.
Lord Bracknell would be highly displeased if he learned that
that was the way in which you wasted your time and money.
This matter may prove to be one of vital importance to Lord
Bracknell and myself.
I need hardly tell you that in families of high position strange
coincidences are not supposed to occur. They are hardly
considered the thing.
Being the eldest son you were naturally christened after your
father.
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King 84
Summary:
Jack
Top Char Text
F
J
The fact is, Lady Bracknell, I said I had lost my parents. It
would be nearer the truth to say that my parents seem to have
lost me . . .
Oh, that is nonsense
You don't think there is any chance of Gwendolen becoming
like her mother in about a hundred and fifty years, do you,
Algy?
Belgrave Square, S.W.; Gervase Park, Dorking, Surrey; and
the Sporran, Fifeshire, N.B.
Miss Cardew’s family solicitors are Messrs. Markby, Markby,
and Markby.
I have also in my possession, you will be pleased to hear,
certificates of Miss Cardew’s birth, baptism, whooping cough,
registration, vaccination, confirmation, and the measles; both
the German and the English variety.
Oh! about a hundred and thirty thousand pounds in the Funds.
That is all.
about your nephew, but the fact is that I do not approve at all
of his moral character.
however, is unalterable. I decline to give my consent.
The moment you consent to my marriage with Gwendolen, I
will most gladly allow your nephew to form an alliance with my
ward.
Miss Prism, this is a matter of no small importance to me. I
insist on knowing where you deposited the hand-bag that
contained that infant.
Why should there be one law for men, and another for
women? Mother, I forgive you.
You are the son of my poor sister, Mrs. Moncrieff, and
consequently Algernon’s elder brother.
Algy’s elder brother! Then I have a brother after all. I knew I
had a brother! I always said I had a brother! Cecily,—how
could you have ever doubted that I had a brother? [Seizes
hold of Algernon.] Dr. Chasuble, my unfortunate brother.
Miss Prism, my unfortunate brother. Gwendolen, my
unfortunate brother. Algy, you young scoundrel, you will have
to treat me with more respect in the future. You have never
behaved to me like a brother in all your life.
On the contrary, Aunt Augusta, I’ve now realised for the first
time in my life the vital Importance of Being Earnest.
Old Mr. Thomas Cardew, who adopted me when I was a little
boy, made me in his will guardian to his grand-daughter, Miss
Pg
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King 85
Cecily Cardew. Cecily, who addresses me as her uncle from
motives of respect that you could not possibly appreciate, lives
at my place in the country under the charge of her admirable
governess, Miss Prism.
My dear Algy, I don't know whether you will be able to
understand my real motives. You are hardly serious enough.
When one is placed in the position of guardian, one has to
adopt a very high moral tone on all subjects. It's one's duty to
do so. And as a high moral tone can hardly be said to
conduce very much to either one's health or one's happiness,
in order to get up to town I have always pretended to have a
younger brother of the name of Ernest, who lives in the
Albany, and gets into the most dreadful scrapes. That, my
dear Algy, is the whole truth pure and simple.
When one is placed in the position of guardian, one has to
adopt a very high moral tone on all subjects.
To say nothing of the fact that she is my ward.
It is entirely different in your case. You have been christened
already.
8
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50
Summary:
L. Marriage
Algernon
Top Char Text
M
A
Is marriage so demoralizing as that? Lane's views on marriage
seem somewhat lax (inference)
I thought you had come up for pleasure? . . . I call that
business.
You behave as if you were married to her already. You are not
married to her already, and I don't think you ever will be.
I really don't see anything romantic in proposing. It is very
romantic to be in love. But there is nothing romantic about a
definite proposal. Why, one may be accepted. One usually is, I
believe. Then the excitement is all over. The very essence of
romance is uncertainty. If ever I get married, I'll certainly try to
forget the fact.
Divorces are made in Heaven
Well, in the first place girls never marry the men they flirt with.
Girls don't think it right.
The amount of women in London who flirt with their own
husbands is perfectly scandalous. It looks so bad. It is simply
washing one's clean linen in public.
if you ever get married, which seems to me extremely
problematic, you will be very glad to know Bunbury. A man who
marries without knowing Bunbury has a very tedious time of it.
P
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King 86
Then your wife will. You don't seem to realize, that in married
9
life three is company and two is none.
Oh, I don't care about Jack. I don't care for anybody in the
53
whole world but you. I love you, Cecily. You will marry me,
won't you?
Well, I simply wanted to be engaged to Cecily. I adore her
68
Summary: Before meeting Cecily, Algernon clearly separates the ideas of
romance and marriage. He sees marriage as a boring social contract. After
meeting Cecily he combines the notions of romance and marriage.
Cecily
Top Char Text
P
M
C
It would hardly have been a really serious engagement if it
55
hadn't been broken off at least once
You must not laugh at me, darling, but it had always been a
56
girlish dream of mine to love some one whose name was
Ernest. [Algernon rises, Cecily also.] There is something in that
name that seems to inspire absolute confidence. I pity any poor
married woman whose husband is not called Ernest.
Whatever unfortunate entanglement my dear boy may have got 61
into, I will never reproach him with it after we are married.
To save my poor, innocent, trusting boy from the machinations
64
of any other girl there are no lengths to which I would not go.
waiting, even to be married, is quite out of the question
82
Summary: Cecily has romanticized notions of short, passionate
engagements. However, she shows utter devotion to the idea of
“husband”, and would go to any lengths to keep him.
Gwendolyn
Top Char Text
P
M
G
But you haven't proposed to me yet. Nothing has been said at
13
all about marriage. The subject has not even been touched on.
But although she may prevent us from becoming man and wife, 20
and I may marry some one else, and marry often, nothing that
she can possibly do can alter my eternal devotion to you.
If the poor fellow has been entrapped into any foolish promise I 61
shall consider it my duty to rescue him at once, and with a firm
hand.
Summary: Gwendolen views marriage as something that will gain her
social status and attention, and separates the idea of romance from
marriage.
Rev. Chausuble
Top Char Text
P
M
Ch
With a scholar's shudder.] Believe me, I do not deserve so
42
neologistic a phrase. The precept as well as the practice of the
Primitive Church was distinctly against matrimony.
Summary: Dr. Chausuble is embarrassed by talk of marriage and feels the
notion of a marriage for him would be silly.
King 87
Miss Prism
Top Char Text
P
M
P
You are too much alone, dear Dr. Chasuble. You should get
42
married. A misanthrope I can understand—a womanthrope,
never!
Sententiously.] That is obviously the reason why the Primitive
43
Church has not lasted up to the present day. And you do not
seem to ealize, dear Doctor, that by persistently remaining
single, a man converts himself into a permanent public
temptation. Men should be more careful; this very celibacy
leads weaker vessels astray.
That depends on the intellectual sympathies of the woman.
43
Maturity can always be depended on. Ripeness can be trusted.
Young women are green.
Summary: Miss Prism believes that marital companionship will relive
loneliness and prevent physical temptation. She also believes that older
women make trustworthy wives.
Jack
Top Char Text
P
M
J
I am in love with Gwendolen. I have come up to town expressly 4
to propose to her.
I have no doubt about that, dear Algy. The Divorce Court was
5
specially invented for people whose memories are so curiously
constituted
Oh, that is nonsense!
5
That is nonsense. If I marry a charming girl like Gwendolen,
9
and she is the only girl I ever saw in my life that I would marry, I
certainly won't want to know Bunbury.
I wanted to be engaged to Gwendolen, that is all. I love her.
68
I beg your pardon for interrupting you, Lady Bracknell, but this
80
engagement is quite out of the question. I am Miss Cardew's
guardian, and she cannot marry without my consent until she
comes of age. That consent I absolutely decline to give.
But my dear Lady Bracknell, the matter is entirely in your own
83
hands. The moment you consent to my marriage with
Gwendolen, I will most gladly allow your nephew to form an
alliance with my ward.
Unmarried! I do not deny that is a serious blow. But after all,
88
who has the right to cast a stone against one who has
suffered? Cannot repentance wipe out an act of folly? Why
should there be one law for men, and another for women?
Mother, I forgive you. [Tries to embrace her again.]
Summary: Jack can not separate love from his desire to be married. He is
devoted and does not want distractions or separations from the woman he
will marry. He also holds in high regard the societal norms of marriage.
Lady Bracknell
King 88
Top Char Text
P
M
LB
who seems to me to be living entirely for pleasure now.
10
She is such a nice woman, and so attentive to her husband.
11
A very good age to be married at. I have always been of
14
opinion that a man who desires to get married should know
either everything or nothing.
Lord Bracknell would dream of allowing our only daughter--a
17
girl brought up with the utmost care--to marry into a cloakroom, and form an alliance with a parcel?
To speak frankly, I am not in favour of long engagements. They 80
give people the opportunity of finding out each other's character
before marriage, which I think is never advisable.
Meditatively.] I cannot at the present moment recall what the
89
General's Christian name was. But I have no doubt he had one.
He was eccentric, I admit. But only in later years. And that was
the result of the Indian climate, and marriage, and indigestion,
and other things of that kind.
Summary: Lady Bracknell is most concerned with the social status a
proper marriage could provide her daughter. She also acknowledges that
marriages can bring some stress and chaos into a life. She is very
opinionated about what is proper for the marriage related procedures, and
is materialistic in her views of what would make a good candidate for her
daughter’s husband.
M. Ethics
Algernon
Top Char Text
E
A
Divorces are made in heaven
Well, in the first place girls never marry the men they flirt with.
Girls don’t think it right
it is absurd to have a hard and fast rule about what one should
read and what one shouldn't
More than half of modern culture depends on what one
shouldn't read.
and you said you didn't know any one of that name. (Lying
inference)
you will have to clear up the whole question of Cecily.
he truth is rarely pure and never simple
if you ever get married, which seems to me extremely
problematic, you will be very glad to know Bunbury. A man who
marries without knowing Bunbury has a very tedious time of it.
They seem, as a class, to have absolutely no sense of moral
responsibility.
Algernon. That is a great disappointment. I am obliged to go up
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King 89
by the first train on Monday morning. I have a business
appointment that I am anxious . . . to miss?
I am very sorry for all the trouble I have given you, and that I
48
intend to lead a better life in the future.
My duty as a gentleman has never interferred with my
50
pleasures to the smallest degree
That is absurd. One has a right to Bunbury anywhere one
67
chooses. Every serious Bunburyist knows that.
Summary: Algernon clearly feels that the upper classes are morally
superior to the lower ones. He does not want his family members being
swindled, but has no problem swindling other people as it suits him. He
will put his own pleasure first.
Miss Prism
Top Char Text
P
E
P
Calling.] Cecily, Cecily! Surely such a utilitarian occupation as
35
the watering of flowers is rather Moulton's duty than yours?
[Shaking her head.] I do not think that even I could produce any 36
effect on a character that according to his own brother's
admission is irretrievably weak and vacillating. Indeed I am not
sure that I would desire to reclaim him. I am not in favour of this
modern mania for turning bad people into good people at a
moment's notice. As a man sows so let him reap. You must put
away your diary, Cecily. I really don't see why you should keep
a diary at all.
That depends on the intellectual sympathies of the woman.
43
Maturity can always be depended on. Ripeness can be trusted.
Young women are green.
Summary: Miss Prism feels that ones class reflects ones duties. She
believes that whichever ethics one puts forward will be what one gets in
return. She also supports the idea that older people are more trustworthy.
Gwendolyn
Top Char Text
P
E
G
Algy, you always adopt a strictly immoral attitude towards life.
20
He is the very soul of truth and honour. Disloyalty would be as
60
impossible to him as deception. But even men of the noblest
possible moral character are extremely susceptible to the
influence of the physical charms of others. Modern, no less
than Ancient History, supplies us with many most painful
examples of what I refer to. If it were not so, indeed, History
would be quite unreadable.
If the poor fellow has been entrapped into any foolish promise I 60
shall consider it my duty to rescue him at once,and with a firm
hand.
If the poor fellow has been entrapped into any foolish promise I 61
shall consider it my duty to rescue him at once,and with a firm
hand.
King 90
Do you allude to me, Miss Cardew, as an entanglement? You
62
are presumptuous. On an occasion of this kind it becomes
more than a moral duty to speak one's mind. It becomes a
pleasure.
Summary: Gwendolen receives pleasure in speaking blunt truth. She also
feels that men are subject to a weak constitution concerning the
temptations brought forth by other women.
Cecily
Top Char Text
P
E
C
Well, I know, of course, how important it is not to keep a
40
business engagement, if one wants to retain any sense of the
beauty of life, but still I think you had better wait till Uncle Jack
arrives. I know he wants to speak to you about your emigrating.
I don't think it can be right for you to talk to me like that. Miss
42
Prism never says such things to me.
Uncle Jack, do be nice. There is some good in every one.
48
Ernest has just been telling me about his poor invalid friend Mr.
Bunbury whom he goes to visit so often. And surely there must
be much good in one who is kind to an invalid, and leaves the
pleasures of London to sit by a bed of pain.
Pray do! I think that whenever one has anything unpleasant to
60
say, one should always be quite candid.
Do you suggest, Miss Fairfax, that I entrapped Ernest into an
62
engagement? How dare you? This is no time for wearing the
shallow mask of manners. When I see a spade I call it a spade.
To save my poor, innocent, trusting boy from the machinations
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of any other girl there are no lengths to which I would not go.
Summary: To save my poor, innocent, trusting boy from the machinations
of any other girl there are no lengths to which I would not go.
Jack
Top Char Text
P
E
J
My dear fellow, the truth isn't quite the sort of thing one tells to a 18
nice, sweet, refined girl. What extraordinary ideas you have
about the way to behave to a woman.
you have no right whatsoever to read what is written inside. It
6
is a very ungentlemanly thing to read a private cigarette case.
Do you mean to say you have had my cigarette case all this
6
time?
It is very vulgar to talk like a dentist when one isn't a dentist. It
7
produces a false impression.
That is nothing to you, dear boy. You are not going to be
8
invited
My dear Algy, I don't know whether you will be able to
8
understand my real motives. You are hardly serious enough.
When one is placed in the position of guardian, one has to
adopt a very high moral tone on all subjects. It's one's duty to
King 91
do so. And as a high moral tone can hardly be said to conduce
very much to either one's health or one's happiness, in order to
get up to town I have always pretended to have a younger
brother of the name of Ernest, who lives in the Albany, and gets
into the most dreadful scrapes. That, my dear Algy, is the
whole truth pure and simple.
Your duty as a gentleman calls you back
50
Gwendolen--Cecily--it is very painful for me to be forced to
66
speak the truth. It is the first time in my life that I have ever
been reduced to such a painful position, and I am really quite
inexperienced in doing anything of the kind. However, I will tell
you quite frankly that I have no brother Ernest. I have no
brother at all. I never had a brother in my life, and I certainly
have not the smallest intention of ever having one in the future.
It pains me very much to have to speak frankly to you, Lady
80
Bracknell, about your nephew, but the fact is that I do not
approve at all of his moral character. I suspect him of being
untruthful. [Algernon and Cecily look at him in indignant
amazement.]
It pains me very much to have to speak frankly to you, Lady
81
Bracknell, about your nephew, but the fact is that I do not
approve at all of his moral character. I suspect him of being
untruthful. [Algernon and Cecily look at him in indignant
amazement.]
Unmarried! I do not deny that is a serious blow. But after all,
88
who has the right to cast a stone against one who has
suffered? Cannot repentance wipe out an act of folly? Why
should there be one law for men, and another for women?
Mother, I forgive you. [Tries to embrace her again.]
Gwendolen, it is a terrible thing for a man to find out suddenly
90
that all his life he has been speaking nothing but the truth. Can
you forgive me?
On the contrary, Aunt Augusta, I've now realised for the first
91
time in my life the vital Importance of Being Earnest.
Summary: Summary: Jack is extremely concerned with fulfilling moral
duties and obligations, but does not find it important to speak the truth,
especially to girls. He is surprised to know what it feels like to be forthright
with his identity.
Lady Bracknell
Top Char Text
P
E
LB
I do not propose to undeceive him. Indeed I have never
75
undeceived him on any question. I would consider it wrong.
To speak frankly, I am not in favour of long engagements. They 80
give people the opportunity of finding out each other's character
before marriage, which I think is never advisable.
after careful consideration I have decided entirely to overlook
81
King 92
my nephew's conduct to you.
It sounds as if he were having an argument. I dislike arguments 87
of any kind.
I was obliged to call on dear Lady Harbury. I hadn't been there 10
since her poor husband's death.
Well, I must say, Algernon, that I think it is high time that Mr.
11
Bunbury made up his mind whether he was going to live or to
die. This shilly-shallying with the question is absurd. Nor do I in
any way approve of the modern sympathy with invalids. I
consider it morbid. Illness of any kind is hardly a thing to be
encouraged in others. Health is the primary duty of life. I am
always telling that to your poor uncle, but he never seems to
take much notice . . . as far as any improvement in his ailment
goes. I should be much obliged if you would ask Mr. Bunbury,
from me, to be kind enough not to have a relapse on Saturday,
for I rely on you to arrange my music for me. It is my last
reception, and one wants something that will encourage
conversation, particularly at the end of the season when every
one has practically said whatever they had to say, which, in
most cases, was probably not much.
Summary: Lady Bracknell does not have a problem with people
misrepresenting themselves for personal gain. She does not approve of
quarrelling, and has little regard for the right to life of invalids.
N. What is the prevailing attitude of the community regarding I –
M above?
The rules of society are tightly guarded and one must always obey and adhere to
their prejudices.
O. Does each character live within or rebel against the prevailing
attitudes of their community.
Both Jack and Algernon rebel by creating alter egos so they can do get away from the
social obligations and duites. Gwendolen rebels against Lady Bracknell by pursing
Jack and Cecily rebels against Jack by pursuing Algernon.