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The Importance of Being Earnest Study Guide

by Oscar Wilde

The Importance of Being Earnest study guide contains a biography of Oscar Wilde, literature essays, a complete e-text, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

Algernon Moncrieff prepares for the arrival of his aunt, Lady Bracknell, and her daughter, Gwendolen, in his stylish London flat in 1895. His butler, Lane, brings in "Ernest Worthing" (who is listed as "John Worthing" in the cast list and "Jack" in the body of the play, although both Lane and Algernon believe his name is Ernest), who has just returned from the country. Jack reveals he has come to London to propose to Gwendolen. Algernon ridicules the notion of marriage, and says that before Jack can marry Gwendolen, he has to clear up the issue of Cecily. Algernon orders Lane to bring in Jack's cigarette case and shows the inscription: "'From little Cecily, with her fondest love to her dear Uncle Jack.'" Jack says his name is Ernest in town…

Read the full The Importance of Being Earnest Summary

• The Importance of Being Earnest Summary
• About The Importance of Being Earnest
• Character List
• Glossary of Terms
• Major Themes
• Summary and Analysis of Act I, Scene 1
• Summary and Analysis of Act I, Scene 2
• Summary and Analysis of Act II, Scene 1
• Summary and Analysis of Act II, Scene 2
• Summary and Analysis of Act III, Scene 1
• Historical Background to The Importance of Being Earnest
• Related Links on The Importance of Being Earnest
• Suggested Essay Questions
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 1
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 2
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 3
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 4
• Author of ClassicNote and Sources

• The Importance of Being Earnest: Major Themes
• The Importance of Being Earnest: Essays
• The Importance of Being Earnest: E-Text
• The Importance of Being Earnest: Questions
• The Importance of Being Earnest: Purchase the Novel and Related Material
• Oscar Wilde: Biography