The Importance Of The Characters In Oscar Wilde's The Importance Of Being Earnest
Introduction: Oscar Wilde\’s Masterpiece
The Importance of Being Earnest is considered to be one of the most influential plays by Oscar Wilde. It was first performed in 1895 and its witty dialogue, quirky characters, and sharp satire continue to entertain readers today. It is a comedy of manners that has been widely praised for its social commentary and its clever use of satire. The play centers around two characters, Jack and Algernon, who both lead double lives in order to get away with their mischievous antics.
Jack and Algernon: The Main Characters
Jack and Algernon are the main characters in The Importance of Being Earnest. They are both charming, witty, and determined to get away with their plans. Jack is the more serious of the two, and he is determined to prove his worth in society. He is also a romantic, and he is in love with Gwendolen, the daughter of Lady Bracknell. Algernon, on the other hand, is more of a playboy. He is more carefree and impulsive than Jack, and he is in love with Cecily, Gwendolen\’s cousin.
Gwendolen and Cecily: The Women in the Play
Gwendolen and Cecily are two of the most important female characters in The Importance of Being Earnest. Gwendolen is Lady Bracknell\’s daughter and she is a beautiful, intelligent, and strong-willed woman. She is in love with Jack and she is determined to marry him despite her mother\’s disapproval. Cecily, on the other hand, is Gwendolen\’s cousin and she is a naive and romantic young woman. She is in love with Algernon and she is determined to make him her husband.
Lady Bracknell: The Matriarch
Lady Bracknell is the matriarch of the play and she is determined to make sure that her daughter Gwendolen marries a suitable suitor. She is a formidable woman who is not afraid to speak her mind and she is determined to make sure that her daughter is not taken advantage of by anyone. Despite her strictness, she is a loving and caring mother who wants nothing but the best for her daughter.
Miss Prism and Dr. Chasuble: The Unwitting Accomplices
Miss Prism and Dr. Chasuble are two of the unwitting accomplices in The Importance of Being Earnest. Miss Prism is Jack\’s former governess and she is a kind, if somewhat befuddled, woman. She is unaware of Jack\’s double life and she is determined to make sure that he behaves himself. Dr. Chasuble is a kind and generous vicar who is also unaware of Jack\’s double life. He is a wise and gentle man who is willing to help Jack in any way that he can.
Conclusion: A Witty and Satirical Masterpiece
The Importance of Being Earnest is a witty and satirical masterpiece that has been entertaining audiences since 1895. Its characters are unique, complex, and full of life, and they have all come together to form one of the most beloved plays in literature. From Jack and Algernon to Gwendolen and Cecily, the characters in The Importance of Being Earnest are full of life and humor, and they are all an important part of the story.