Due Monday, November 25th - "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde - Acts I and II

Directions: Please use this space to comment on your experience of reading The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde, Acts I and II. Use at least 2-3 questions below to guide your responses.  Use at least 2-3 direct quotations from the play in your responses.  Begin your response by sharing your favorite line or exchange, and why you find it funny.

NOTE:  You will have time on Friday to work on this assignment.

Study Questions to Explore

1) Explore the way Wilde uses this idea of secrecy in order to keep up appearances, while living freely under an assumed name. Think about the following exchange from the play:

Lady Bracknell: Algy, I hope you are behaving very well.
Algernon: I am feeling very well, Aunt Augusta.
Lady Bracknell: That is not quite the same thing. In fact, the two rarely go together.

How does this apply to Jack's philosophy of life, and the need for a dual identity?  How does the idea of being "Earnest/earnest" tie back to the idea of secrecy AND the overarching themes? 

2)  How does Wilde divulge the secret at just the right comedic moment? How does everyone react? 

3)  Where do you see the elements of Aestheticism in the play? 

 
4)  How does Wilde comment on social class? What are his views?

5)  How does Wilde comment on literature and education? What are his views?

6)  How does Wilde comment on religion? What are his views?

7)  How does Wilde comment on marriage? What are his views?

8)  How are the characters used to present stereotypical and symbolic representations in the play?

9)  How does Wilde use satire and humor to present his views?

10)  How is this play a satire on the classic comedy?  How are moments "over the top?"