The Importance of Being Earnest: Key Quotes Act 3

Plot Progression and Significance

Following the heated confrontation, Algernon and Jack admit their deceits, and the air is finally cleared about the Ernest confusion.
Jack discovers his real identity and finds out he actually is Ernest and is also Algernon’s elder brother.
Gwendolen agrees to marry him while Algernon and Cecily’s marriage is approved by Lady Bracknell after Jack reveals his ownership of valuable property.

Key Quotes and Their Significance

Algernon: “My dear fellow, the truth isn’t quite the sort of thing one tells to a nice, sweet, refined girl.” This quote emphasises the idea that truth isn’t always promoted in social interactions, especially in romantic relationships, adding to the theme of deception.
Lady Bracknell: “Unmarried! I do not deny that is a serious blow. But after all, who has the right to cast a stone against one who has suffered?” Lady Bracknell’s reversal of sentiments on marriage and fortune reveals the hypocrisy and superficiality of the Victorian upper-class society.
Jack/Ernest: “It is a terrible thing for a man to find out suddenly that all his life he has been speaking nothing but the truth. Can you forgive me?” Jack’s realisation that he has indeed been ‘Ernest’ all along showcases the irony and frivolity of maintaining a dual identity and its implications.

Language and Style

Witticisms, such as Jack’s statement about truth, continue to underline Wilde’s satirical style of dialogue.
There are strong elements of dramatic irony present, as the audience is aware of Jack’s true identity before he himself is.
Wilde uses hyperbole in Lady Bracknell’s reactions to heighten the comedic value.
The contradictions present in the dialogue - one moment upholding certain conventions and, at the drop of a hat, quickly contradicting them - is a stylistic tool Wilde uses to mock the Victorian society he was part of.

Themes

Identity and Deception: The final revelations about Jack bring the theme of identity and deception to a dramatic climax.
Romance and Marriage: Love triumphs, but Wilde’s satiric touch remains clear. Lady Bracknell’s acceptance of Algernon and Cecily’s relationship is dictated by wealth, not sentiment.
Social Hypocrisy: Lady Bracknell’s easy transition from detesting Jack to accepting him as her nephew reveals the superficiality of social etiquette and status.