The Importance of Being Earnest
Introduction + Context
Plot Summary
Detailed Summary & Analysis
Act 1, Part 1
Act 1, Part 2
Act 2, Part 1
Act 2, Part 2
Act 3, Part 1
Act 3, Part 2
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The Art of Deception: Fact v. Fiction
The Pursuit of Marriage
Cash, Class, and Character
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Hypocrisy, Folly, and Victorian Morality
Men and Women in Love
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Jack
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Bunbury
Ernest
Tea Service
Food
The Dandy
Orphans and Wards
Christenings
Jack’s Mourning Clothes
Diaries
Cecily’s Love Letters
Miss Prism’s Three-volume-novel
Jack’s Handbag
Jack’s Cigarette Case
Jack’s Business Card
The Coatroom at Victoria Station and The Brighton Line
The Army List
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Act 1, Part 1 Quiz
Act 1, Part 2 Quiz
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The Importance of Being Earnest
by
Oscar Wilde
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Introduction
Intro
Plot Summary
Plot
Summary & Analysis
Act 1, Part 1
Act 1, Part 2
Act 2, Part 1
Act 2, Part 2
Act 3, Part 1
Act 3, Part 2
Themes
All Themes
The Art of Deception: Fact v. Fiction
The Pursuit of Marriage
Cash, Class, and Character
Name and Identity
Hypocrisy, Folly, and Victorian Morality
Men and Women in Love
Quotes
Characters
All Characters
Jack
Symbols
All Symbols
Town and Country
Bunbury
Ernest
Tea Service
Food
The Dandy
Orphans and Wards
Christenings
Jack’s Mourning Clothes
Diaries
Cecily’s Love Letters
Miss Prism’s Three-volume-novel
Jack’s Handbag
Jack’s Cigarette Case
Jack’s Business Card
The Coatroom at Victoria Station and The Brighton Line
The Army List
Lit Devices
All Literary Devices
Allusions
Dramatic Irony
Foreshadowing
Genre
Irony
Metaphors
Mood
Paradox
Parody
Satire
Setting
Similes
Situational Irony
Style
Tone
Quizzes
All Quizzes
Act 1, Part 1 Quiz
Act 1, Part 2 Quiz
Act 2, Part 1 Quiz
Act 2, Part 2 Quiz
Act 3, Part 1 Quiz
Act 3, Part 2 Quiz
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Theme Viz
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The Importance of Being Earnest: Act 3, Part 1 Quiz
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What reason does Algernon give Cecily for pretending to be Jack's brother, "Ernest"?
1 of 8
He wanted to make Jack angry
He wanted to borrow money from Jack
He wanted to play a prank on Gwendolen
He wanted to meet Cecily
What do Cecily and Gwendolen consider as barriers to their unions with Algernon and Jack?
2 of 8
The men's Christian names
The men's financial status
The men's family backgrounds
The men's past behavior
Who unexpectedly arrives just as Gwendolen and Algernon embrace?
3 of 8
Lady Bracknell
Lane
Lord Bracknell
Bunbury
How does Lady Bracknell react to Algernon announcing "Bunbury's" death?
4 of 8
She is devastated for Algernon's loss
She is shocked and questions Algernon about the details
She is relieved that "Bunbury" has finally made up his mind to die
She is angry at Algernon for not being there for "Bunbury"
What does Lady Bracknell's question regarding Cecily's connection to London's railway stations convey about her character?
5 of 8
Lady Bracknell's genuine curiosity about London's railway stations
Lady Bracknell's admiration of members of the moneyed merchant class
Lady Bracknell's derogatory attitude towards those not from the aristocratic class
Lady Bracknell's excitement to get to know Cecily better
Why is Lady Bracknell's opposition to so-called "mercenary marriages" hypocritical?
6 of 8
Because the play implies that Lady Bracknell married Lord Bracknell for his money
Because the play implies that Lady Bracknell married Lord Bracknell for love
Because the play implies that Lady Bracknell rejected suitors who expressed interest in her fortune
Because the play implies that Lady Bracknell refused to give up her fortune upon marrying Lord Bracknell
What condition does Jack set for consenting to Cecily and Algernon’s engagement?
7 of 8
Lady Bracknell must consent to Jack's marriage to Gwendolen
Algernon must apologize for masquerading as "Ernest"
Algernon must prove that he is financially stable
Cecily must first finish her education
What happens when Dr. Chasuble arrives, prepared to christen Jack and Algernon?
8 of 8
Jack and Algernon eagerly proceed with the christening
Lady Bracknell insists on being both men's guardian
Jack tells Dr. Chasuble that the ceremony is no longer necessary
Dr. Chasuble decides to perform a marriage ceremony instead
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Campodonico, Christina. "The Importance of Being Earnest."
LitCharts.
LitCharts LLC, 14 Apr 2014. Web. 14 Jan 2025.
Campodonico, Christina. "The Importance of Being Earnest." LitCharts. LitCharts LLC, 14 Apr 2014. Web. 14 Jan 2025.
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