The Importance of Being Earnest: Act 2, Part 1

The Importance of Being Earnest: Act 2, Part 1

Plot Summary

  • In Act 2, Part 1, the scene moves to Jack’s country house where Cecily Cardew, Jack’s ward, is teased by Miss Prism, her governess, about daydreaming.
  • Algernon arrives at Jack’s country home impersonating Jack’s made-up brother Ernest, intending to meet Cecily.
  • Jack, meanwhile, returns home from town with plans to kill off his fictional brother Ernest.
  • Cecily then reveals to Algernon (pretending to be Ernest) that she has fantasised about being in love with him, Ernest, the wicked brother.

Character Analysis

  • Cecily Cardew: Cecily is an innocent, free-spirited young woman who entertains romantic fantasies about ‘Ernest’, the fictional character that Jack has created.
  • Algernon Moncrieff: Algernon continues his deceptive practices, impersonating Ernest to meet and court Cecily, proving his lack of morality.
  • Miss Prism: As Cecily’s moralistic governess, she is often ignored by Cecily, despite her efforts to provide a strict Victorian education and instill societal norms.
  • Jack Worthing (Ernest): Jack’s plan to kill off his fake brother Ernest is thwarted by Algernon’s impersonation and Cecily’s inexplicable love for Ernest.

Themes

  • Romantic Fantasy: Cecily’s infatuation with the non-existing ‘Ernest’ epitomises the idea of romantic fantasy, an unrealistic and idealised vision of love.
  • Deceit and Disguise: Algernon’s impersonation of Ernest emphasises the continued theme of deceit and false identities.
  • Education and Morality: The figure of Miss Prism and her occupation as a governess illuminates the theme of Victorian education, morality, and their effects on young ladies like Cecily.

Language and Style

  • Wilde continues to utilise wit throughout the dialogue of Act 2, particularly in Algernon’s deceitful yet charming interactions with Cecily.
  • The use of dramatic irony is prevalent in this section when Algernon impersonates ‘Ernest’, and Cecily confides in him about her love for ‘Ernest’.
  • The concept of ironic inversion is illustrated when Cecily falls in love with a man she’s never met, an inversion of the normal romantic expectation.
  • Foreshadowing is used as Jack’s plan to kill his fictional brother foreshadows the complications and misunderstandings that will unfold.