The Importance of Being Earnest Act I

Ah! Here’s a nice little romantic comedy. It is a play by Oscar Wilde called “The Importance of Being Earnest”. So far, I actually like this compared to Macbeth.

The first act greets us with Algernon in his flat preparing for afternoon tea with his aunt and cousin. Then his friend, Jack, comes in. These men are some interesting characters. They have split personalities for when they are in the country and town. Jack is Jack in the country and Ernest in town. All while Algernon is Algernon in town and Bunbury in the country. Does it seem confusing? Not to me. Frankly, these men would appear to have a multiple personality disorder. But they are doing like what we would do today on-line when we visit message boards and chat rooms. I like the idea.

Jack came to town in order to propose to Gwendolen, Algernon’s cousin. She agrees to do so but her mother, Lady Bracknell, disagrees and tries to stop it. Now I just read Act one, but I predict they’ll elope.

Meanwhile, Algernon is plotting to see Cecily, Jack’s cousin. Like Jack with Gwendolen, Algernon loves Cecily and wants her. This is only Act I, but I want to see what happens next.

The Importance of Being Earnest Act II

Here we are to Act II of The Importance of Being Earnest. So far, it seems long but the play is really fast-paced, not to mention enjoyable as well. Yes, Wilde has out done himself so far.

Act II opens with Cecily and Miss Prism in the garden. They talk about German and writing. Cecily hates learning German and wants to write in her diary. Miss Prism thinks that it is useless for one to even keep a diary. As you can see, Miss Prism and Lady Bracknell share the same principles. Right there, Dr. Chasuble shows up and takes Miss Prism for a walk, leaving Cecily all alone. In a few seconds, Algernon arrives to the manor, pretending to be Ernest. It seems close to what we call today as identity theft, only without any money. Algernon claims that he is visiting the country for the first and plans to change his ways. Cecily decides to help him.

Meanwhile, Jack shows up and tells Miss Prism and Dr. Chasuble that Ernest is dead. Miss Prism takes it as the “an eye for an eye” deal while Chasuble has pity for Ernest. Little do they know! Then shortly, Cecily reappears and Jack breaks the news to her. She says Ernest isn’t dead and he’s here. Jack denies it and his cousin brings out Algernon as proof. You can pretty much imagine that Jack was not thrilled that his pal is there pretending to be Ernest. He tries to get Agley to leave but he refuses because he has fallen in love with Cecily.

Then, Algernon and Cecily end up alone together again. Agley tries to by what we call today a “player” and woos his lady. It works and she even agrees to marry him. So far it seems that everything is coming up roses for good old Algernon. But then the breakdown comes.

Gwendolen shows to see “Ernest”. She meets Cecily for the first time and the two become fast friends. That is until they talk about being engaged to “Ernest”. Then, things turn ugly and the two ladies are on the verge of a catfight. But Jack and Agley show up just in time. Unfortunately, both Gwendolen and Cecily find out the truth about men and their little “Ernest” game and break off their engagements.

So now, Algernon and Jack are left alone in the garden planning what to do next while eating muffins. Pretty good boys, you both just lost the women you love. So now what, gentlemen?

Let us say in the next act shall we?

The Importance of Being Earnest Act III

Alas, we reach the third and final act of The Importance of Being Earnest. I really liked this play! Wilde really did his best here! This act is full of twist and turns. Well, time to bring this tale to a close.

Gwendolen and Cecily talk as they watch their disowned men through the window. They seem to be amazed that Jack and Algernon seem sorry for their acts. Jack and Algernon tell the truth in order to win back their women. Gwendolen and Cecily seem convinced but not yet. Jack and Agley both announce that they will be christened. At that, both bridges are quickly mended and both couples become engaged again.

All seems well until Lady Bracknell shows up again. Gwendolen breaks the news to her mother but the mom quickly denounces it. Lady Bracknell then asks her nephew about Bunbury. Algernon tells her that he died. Hm, how ironic! Jack tells her that Agley and Cecily are engaged. Lady Bracknell is excited by the news and asks Cecily about herself. Algey’s honey impresses his aunt instantly. But a catch arises. Cecily can’t marry until she is thirty-five according to her grandpa’s will. But not to worry, because she and Algey both agree to wait until then. Lady Bracknell finally lets Gwendolen marry Jack.

Wait now, in comes the twist. Chasuble comes in to tell Jack and Algernon that he and Miss Prism are waiting for them at the church for the christening. Bracknell is disgusted and stunned. The boys decide not to be christened. But when Chasuble mentions Miss Prism, Lady Bracknell grows an interest in her. Turns out, Miss Prism is the one who left Jack at the train station when he was a baby. Jack thinks that she is his mother. But he really is Algey’s older brother!

In the end, Jack was telling the truth after to all because he had an older brother and his Christian name is Ernest because Algey and his father’s first name was Ernest. And they all live happily ever after!

Yep, Oscar Wilde really outdid himself here!