The Importance of Being Earnest and Other Plays

The Importance of Being Earnest and Other Plays

Author: Oscar Wilde

Publisher: Penguin

Published: 2012-02-07

Total Pages: 219

ISBN-13: 1101560150

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A universal favorite, The Importance of Being Earnest displays Oscar Wilde’s wit and theatrical genius at their brilliant best. Subtitled “A Trivial Comedy for Serious People,” this hilarious attack on Victorian manners and morals turns a pompous world on its head, lets duplicity lead to happiness, and makes riposte the highest form of art. Written, according to Wilde, “by a butterfly for butterflies,” it is a dazzling masterpiece of comic entertainment. Although it was originally written in four acts, The Importance of Being Earnest is usually performed in a three-act version. This authoritative edition features an appendix that restores valuable lines that appeared in the original. Also included in this special collection are Wilde’s first comedy success, Lady Windermere’s Fan, and his richly sensual melodrama, Salomé, which he called “that terrible coloured little tragedy I once in some strange mood wrote”—and which shocked and enraged the censors of his time. Includes an Introduction by Sylvan Barnet and an Afterword by Elise Bruhl and Michael Gamer


Study Guide to The Importance of Being Earnest and Other Works by Oscar Wilde

Study Guide to The Importance of Being Earnest and Other Works by Oscar Wilde

Author: Intelligent Education

Publisher: Influence Publishers

Published: 2020-06-28

Total Pages: 152

ISBN-13: 1645424537

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A comprehensive study guide offering in-depth explanation, essay, and test prep for selected works by Oscar Wilde, who aside from drama also published short stories, essays, and poems in various magazines. Titles in this study guide include Lady Windermere's Fan, A Woman of No Importance, An Ideal Husband, and The Importance of Being Earnest. As a collection of the late- nineteenth-century, Wilde’s work rebelled against many Victorian conventions and turned to aestheticism. Moreover, other influences of his included French literature of his time and the free enjoyment of pleasure in pagan Greek culture. This Bright Notes Study Guide explores the context and history of Wilde’s classic work, helping students to thoroughly explore the reasons they have stood the literary test of time. Each Bright Notes Study Guide contains: - Introductions to the Author and the Work - Character Summaries - Plot Guides - Section and Chapter Overviews - Test Essay and Study Q&As The Bright Notes Study Guide series offers an in-depth tour of more than 275 classic works of literature, exploring characters, critical commentary, historical background, plots, and themes. This set of study guides encourages readers to dig deeper in their understanding by including essay questions and answers as well as topics for further research


The Importance of Being Earnest

The Importance of Being Earnest

Author: Oscar Wilde

Publisher: First Avenue Editions ™

Published: 2014-08-01

Total Pages: 93

ISBN-13: 1467756547

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Jack Worthing gets antsy living at his country estate. As an excuse, he spins tales of his rowdy brother Earnest living in London. When Jack rushes to the city to confront his "brother," he's free to become Earnest and live a different lifestyle. In London, his best friend, Algernon, begins to suspect Earnest is leading a double life. Earnest confesses that his real name is Jack and admits the ruse has become tricky as two women have become enchanted with the idea of marrying Earnest. On a whim, Algernon also pretends to be Earnest and encounters the two women as they meet at the estate. With two Earnests who aren't really earnest and two women in love with little more than a name, this play is a classic comedy of errors. This is an unabridged version of Oscar Wilde's English play, first published in 1899.


The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde (Book Analysis)

The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde (Book Analysis)

Author: Bright Summaries

Publisher: BrightSummaries.com

Published: 2019-03-28

Total Pages: 21

ISBN-13: 2808014724

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Unlock the more straightforward side of The Importance of Being Earnest with this concise and insightful summary and analysis! This engaging summary presents an analysis of The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde, which tells the story of Jack Worthing, a country gentleman who frequently assumes the alias ‘Earnest’ to escape his responsibilities. Shortly after discovering that his friend Algernon is leading a similar double life, the two men both fall in love, and their false identities are soon exposed, leading to a series of mishaps and misunderstandings which are intended to both entertain the audience and encourage them to reflect on the hypocrisy that was rampant in Victorian upper-class society. Wilde was one of the most fascinating authors of the 19th century, known as much for his witticisms as for his writing. His most notable works include the novel The Picture of Dorian Gray and the comic plays An Ideal Husband and Lady Windermere’s Fan. Find out everything you need to know about The Importance of Being Earnest in a fraction of the time! This in-depth and informative reading guide brings you: • A complete plot summary • Character studies • Key themes and symbols • Questions for further reflection Why choose BrightSummaries.com? Available in print and digital format, our publications are designed to accompany you on your reading journey. The clear and concise style makes for easy understanding, providing the perfect opportunity to improve your literary knowledge in no time. See the very best of literature in a whole new light with BrightSummaries.com!