The Importance of Being Earnest

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.

The Importance of Being Earnest
Oscar Wilde | 1895 | 76Pages

 

The Plot

Two wealthy 19th century English lads attempt to woo and marry two ladies who are both really, strangely obsessed with the name Ernest. Hidden identities, heaps of sass, and a pile of muffins stand in their way.

Highlights

Somehow I had never read this play, which really surprises the hell out of me because I was a huge drama nerd back in the day. At any rate, I’m glad I took the time to finally dive into this one because it is a wonderfully funny farce.

In the play you have two “friends” who don’t seem to even like each other much. They each think it’s clever to create a second identity to lie to people and act like idiots… only those lies turn around to bite just when they get their ladies where they want them. Though it was written 120 years ago, the writing feels very fresh, as if it were written today but set back in the 1890s. The dialog and humor have aged well, creating a silly and sarcastic work that has transcended the decades. It really is quite rediculous.

Downsides

It was too short!

That, and well, it was a play. A play that I was reading and not seeing. That isn’t a bad statement about the text- it was fun and snarky and all of those things I enjoy. I just wasn’t experiencing it through it’s expected medium. It was good, but visually it would be better.

Should You Read This?

Yes! It will take you maybe an hour, if that. And you will be delighted. Also, since reading it I’ve had some monstrous exposure to the Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon. I swear I’ve seen the phrase “Bunbury” about half a dozen times. I get it now!