The Importance of Being Earnest: Act 2, Part 2

The Importance of Being Earnest: Act 2, Part 2

Plot Summary

  • Introducing Miss Prism and Dr. Chasuble, part 2 provides light-hearted romance and reveals details about Cecily’s upbringing.
  • Algernon, appearing at the manor as ‘Ernest’, quickly gains the affection of Cecily, who has been enamoured by the idea of Jack’s nonexistent troubled brother.
  • Jack returns home declaring ‘Ernest’s’ death, then confused as Algernon comes in as ‘Ernest’, leading to confusion and contradiction about Ernest.

Character Analysis

  • Miss Prism: A responsible character in the play with a warmth towards Dr. Chasuble. Her fixation on virtue and convention characterizes Victorian principles.
  • Dr. Chasuble: As a vicar, he exemplifies the religious orthodoxy. However, he seems to be quite flexible when it comes to rules of romance, reflecting Wilde’s critique of the Church.
  • Cecily Cardew: Cecily’s whimsical nature and fascination with ‘Ernest’ is evident. Meanwhile, her rebellious act against her governess shows a desire for independence.
  • Algernon Moncrieff (as Ernest): Algernon’s manipulative nature takes centre stage as he impersonates ‘Ernest’, bringing forward the theme of constructed identity.

Themes

  • Romance and Marriage: The flirtation between Miss Prism/Dr.Chasuble and Algernon/Cecily highlights romance, however, due to its comedic nature, it also satirises Victorian attitudes towards marriage.
  • Reality and Illusion: Algernon’s deception and Cecily’s illusions about ‘Ernest’ question the boundary between truth and fiction.
  • Repression and Propriety: The strict Victorian manners and norms are underlined through the characters of Miss Prism and Dr.Chasuble.

Language and Style

  • The use of wit and satire continues, critiquing Victorian society and its mores.
  • Wilde uses irony and dramatic situations to intensify the humour, especially in the revelation of ‘Ernest’s’ death and reappearance.
  • Wordplay around themes like death and love suggests Wilde’s mockery of Victorian sensibilities and melodrama.
  • Wilde uses farce to exaggerate the confusion and misunderstanding around the character of ‘Ernest’.