Analyzing Satire and Character Development in "The Importance of Being Earnest
Explore how Oscar Wilde uses humor, satire, and wit to develop characters like Jack and Algernon in "The Importance of Being Earnest." Dive into the clever use of cucumber sandwiches, the creation of false identities, and the ridiculing of British aristocracy to unravel the layers of social commentary woven into this classic play.
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Reading Log: The Importance of Being Earnest
How does Wilde use the subject of cucumber sandwiches to reveal the characters of Jack and Algy? #1: page 5 (bottom)
Summarize what you understand about Jack Worthing calling himself "Ernest" when he is in "town" (London) and Algernon inventing an invalid friend named "Bunbury. #2: page 12 (enter Lane)
How does Lady Bracknells interview with Jack satirize the mentalities and lifestyles of the British aristocracy? Cite an example. #3: pages 20-25
Cite examples of TWO of the following tools of satire used in Act I: Irony Juxtaposition All s fair in love and war. Understatement We have a small problem all four engines have stopped. Paradox It s weird not to be weird. #4: End of ACT I (page31)
Miss Prism defines fiction as when the good [end] happily, the bad unhappily. Do you agree with her definition? Why or why not? Provide one example. #5: page 34
Note any line from the conversation between Cecily and Algernon that you deem particularly witty or funny. If you do NOT find their conversation funny or witty, please explain WHY NOT. #6: pages 37-40
Compare OR contrast Miss Prism and Lady Bracknell. What factors have shaped their values? Cite at least ONE example. #7: page 47 [Enter Merriman]
How does the scene between Cecily and Gwendolen on pp. 55-62 exemplify elements of the Comedy of Manners? #8: page 62
How is Lady Bracknells monologue reacting to Cecily s inheritance a way of Wilde mocking the hypocrisy of Victorian society? #9: page 77
At the end of the play, Jack says to Gwendolen, ...it is a terrible thing for a man to find out suddenly that all his life he has been speaking nothing but the truth. Can you forgive me? She replies, I can. For I feel sure that you are sure to change (p. 89). What is Wilde s opinion about honesty? #10 end of play
Write a brief paragraph in answer to the to the following question: Does this play actually serve as a serious critique of society, or is it simply a fun, entertaining play? Please provide textual evidence in your response. Final Entry: #11
