The Importance of Being Earnest: Act 1, Part 1

Plot Summary

Opening at Algernon Moncrieff’s townhouse in London, Act 1 finds Algernon and his butler, Lane, discussing marriage and the inferior social status of servants.
Algernon’s friend, Ernest (Jack) Worthing, arrives from the country, announcing that he plans to propose to Algernon’s cousin, Gwendolen Fairfax.
Gwendolen and her mother, Lady Bracknell, subsequently visit. After an absurdly intellectual conversation with Algernon, Gwendolen accepts Jack’s proposal.
However, Lady Bracknell interrogates Jack about his background, discovering that he was a foundling. She promptly refuses to consent to the marriage until Jack can find his parents.

Character Analysis

Algernon Moncrieff: A bachelor who doesn’t believe in marriage. Algernon amuses himself through clever word games and wit, and subsequently lives a life of idleness and excess.
Jack Worthing (Ernest): Jack leads a double life, presenting himself as Ernest in London to escape his country responsibilities and engage in indulgence. However, Jack is sincere in his romantic affection for Gwendolen.
Gwendolen Fairfax: Obsessed with the idea of a romantic union, Gwendolen accepts Jack’s proposal due to his name, Ernest, which she finds attractive.
Lady Bracknell: Dominating and opinionated, Lady Bracknell values marriage for societal and economic convenience rather than love.

Themes

Dual identities: The duplicity of Jack’s character reveals Wilde’s exploration of the Victorian Era’s double standards and its effects on personal identities.
The role of class: Class plays a key role, as demonstrated by Lady Bracknell’s interrogation of Jack’s origins. This reveals the class-consciousness of the Victorian society.
Triviality and seriousness: The trivialisation of marriage and serious topics is evident throughout, forming a critique of the superficial and nonsensical aspects of Victorian society.
Marriage: As a central theme, Wilde portrays marriage as a social tool rather than a romantic institution, reflecting the pragmatics of Victorian marriage customs.

Language and Style

Wilde’s use of epigrams and paradox in the dialogue often contrasts seriousness and triviality, creating an absurdist comedic tone.
Wilde uses irony to highlight the hypocrisy of the Victorian society, especially in their attitudes towards marriage and morality.
The language is characterised by wit, where witty exchanges unveil personality traits and societal criticism.
The play incorporates elements of farce and Melodrama, satirising aristocratic manners and mores.