#The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People by Oscar Wilde

[goblog20-blog]

The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People by Oscar Wilde

"The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde is a comedic gem that satirizes Victorian society with wit, humor, and a razor-sharp critique of social conventions. First performed in 1895, Wilde's play is a delightful farce that explores the absurdities of love, identity, and the pursuit of marriage.

Set against the backdrop of high society, the play follows the escapades of two young men, Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, both leading double lives under the fictional name "Ernest." The intricacies of mistaken identities and romantic entanglements unfold in a series of clever dialogues and absurd situations.

Wilde's wit is on full display as he skewers the trivialities of societal expectations and the importance placed on a name. The dialogue is laden with epigrams and paradoxes, showcasing Wilde's mastery of language and satire. The characters, from the formidable Lady Bracknell to the charming Gwendolen and Cecily, each contribute to the comedic chaos with their distinct personalities.

"The Importance of Being Earnest" is a timeless comedy that transcends its Victorian origins. Wilde's exploration of the trivial and the serious resonates with audiences today, making it a classic that continues to be performed and enjoyed. The play's enduring popularity is a testament to Wilde's enduring wit and insight into the foibles of human nature. Whether on the stage or on the page, this trivial comedy remains a masterpiece of comedic literature.

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[names4u]

Algernon

gender: masculine.

forename or surname: forename, occasionally a surname.

variations: Algernone.

nicknames: Al, Algy, Algie.

meaning: with moustache.

linguistic origin: medieval Norman-French.

where I saw it: Oscar Wilde’s 1885 play, The Importance of Being Earnest, A Trivial Comedy for Serious People.

[hopelesslysleepy]

"The truth is rarely pure and never simple."

-Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest, A Trivial Comedy for Serious People

[thedeadleafs]

Angela Lansbury in The Importance of Being Earnest

The Importance of Being Earnest, A Trivial Comedy for Serious People is a play by Oscar Wilde. First performed on 14 February 1895 at the St James's Theatre in London, it is a farcical comedy in which the protagonists maintain fictitious personae to escape burdensome social obligations. Wikipedia

[haikulibrary]

Thanks to a handbag, Upper-class twit turns earnest. Cucumber sandwich?

Title: The Importance of Being Earnest, A Trivial Comedy for Serious People Author: Oscar Wilde Published: 1895 Read: February 2023 Rating: 4/5

[pers-books]

The Importance of Being Earnest

By Oscar Wilde

20 November 2024 — 25 January 2025

A Trivial Comedy for Serious People

Being sensible can be excessively boring. At least Jack thinks so.

While assuming the role of dutiful guardian in the country, he lets loose in town under a false identity. Meanwhile, his friend Algy takes on a similar facade.

Unfortunately, living a double life has its drawbacks, especially when it comes to love. Hoping to impress two eligible ladies, the gentlemen find themselves caught in a web of lies they must carefully navigate.

Max Webster (Donmar’s Macbeth; Life of Pi) directs a joyful and flamboyant reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy. Olivier Award-winner Sharon D Clarke (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom; Doctor Who) is joined by Ncuti Gatwa (Doctor Who; Sex Education) and Hugh Skinner (W1A; Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again) in this hilarious story of identity, impersonation and romance.

The event location is Lyttelton Theatre National Theatre, South Bank, London SE1 9PX

View dates

Public booking opens at midday on Thursday 23 May

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Our Members enjoy priority booking for all our new shows. Booking opens at midday on the dates listed below.

From 12.00pm, 14 May 2024 - Young Patron Premium, Supporting Cast, Young Patron Ambassador, Patron, Premier Patron, Life Benefactors, Benefactors and Olivier Circle

From 12.00pm, 16 May 2024 - Priority, Priority Plus, Young Patron Member, Young Patron Associate and Digital+

From 12.00pm, 20 May 2024 - Advance

[emunenen]

The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People by Oscar Wilde [EPUB & AUDIO]

[blueheartbooks]

Wit and Satire in "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People" is a timeless masterpiece of wit and satire that continues to captivate audiences with its clever dialogue, sparkling humor, and biting social commentary. First performed in 1895, the play follows the exploits of two young gentlemen, Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, who adopt fictional identities ("Ernest") to escape the constraints of Victorian society and pursue their romantic interests. As the plot unfolds, Wilde skillfully weaves a web of mistaken identities, absurd situations, and comedic misunderstandings, leading to a series of hilarious encounters and witty repartee.

At the heart of "The Importance of Being Earnest" lies Wilde's scathing critique of the hypocrisy, pretension, and moral rigidity of Victorian society. Through his razor-sharp wit and keen observational skills, Wilde exposes the absurdities of upper-class conventions and challenges the notion of earnestness as a virtue. The characters, with their superficial manners and trivial concerns, serve as caricatures of the social elite, while the play's clever wordplay and paradoxical situations highlight the absurdity of their values and priorities.

One of the most striking aspects of "The Importance of Being Earnest" is Wilde's mastery of language and dialogue. His wit shines through in every line, with characters delivering quips and one-liners that are as memorable as they are insightful. From Algernon's witty observations on tea to Lady Bracknell's memorable pronouncements on marriage and social status, Wilde's dialogue crackles with energy and wit, keeping audiences engaged and entertained from start to finish.

Moreover, "The Importance of Being Earnest" is a testament to Wilde's enduring legacy as a playwright and social critic. Despite being written over a century ago, the play's themes of identity, morality, and societal expectations remain as relevant today as they were in Wilde's time. By poking fun at the foibles and follies of human nature, Wilde invites audiences to reflect on the absurdities of their own lives and the masks they wear to conform to societal norms.

In conclusion, "The Importance of Being Earnest" is a timeless classic that continues to delight audiences with its wit, humor, and incisive social commentary. Wilde's razor-sharp satire and clever wordplay make it a joy to read and a delight to watch on stage, while its themes of identity and societal hypocrisy resonate with audiences of all ages. With its memorable characters, sparkling dialogue, and timeless themes, "The Importance of Being Earnest" remains a masterpiece of English literature and a testament to Wilde's enduring genius.

Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People" is available in Amazon in paperback 12.99$ and hardcover 19.99$ editions.

Number of pages: 167

Language: English

Rating: 10/10                                           

Link of the book!

Review By: King's Cat

[blueheartbookclub]

Wit and Satire in "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People" is a timeless masterpiece of wit and satire that continues to captivate audiences with its clever dialogue, sparkling humor, and biting social commentary. First performed in 1895, the play follows the exploits of two young gentlemen, Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, who adopt fictional identities ("Ernest") to escape the constraints of Victorian society and pursue their romantic interests. As the plot unfolds, Wilde skillfully weaves a web of mistaken identities, absurd situations, and comedic misunderstandings, leading to a series of hilarious encounters and witty repartee.

At the heart of "The Importance of Being Earnest" lies Wilde's scathing critique of the hypocrisy, pretension, and moral rigidity of Victorian society. Through his razor-sharp wit and keen observational skills, Wilde exposes the absurdities of upper-class conventions and challenges the notion of earnestness as a virtue. The characters, with their superficial manners and trivial concerns, serve as caricatures of the social elite, while the play's clever wordplay and paradoxical situations highlight the absurdity of their values and priorities.

One of the most striking aspects of "The Importance of Being Earnest" is Wilde's mastery of language and dialogue. His wit shines through in every line, with characters delivering quips and one-liners that are as memorable as they are insightful. From Algernon's witty observations on tea to Lady Bracknell's memorable pronouncements on marriage and social status, Wilde's dialogue crackles with energy and wit, keeping audiences engaged and entertained from start to finish.

Moreover, "The Importance of Being Earnest" is a testament to Wilde's enduring legacy as a playwright and social critic. Despite being written over a century ago, the play's themes of identity, morality, and societal expectations remain as relevant today as they were in Wilde's time. By poking fun at the foibles and follies of human nature, Wilde invites audiences to reflect on the absurdities of their own lives and the masks they wear to conform to societal norms.

In conclusion, "The Importance of Being Earnest" is a timeless classic that continues to delight audiences with its wit, humor, and incisive social commentary. Wilde's razor-sharp satire and clever wordplay make it a joy to read and a delight to watch on stage, while its themes of identity and societal hypocrisy resonate with audiences of all ages. With its memorable characters, sparkling dialogue, and timeless themes, "The Importance of Being Earnest" remains a masterpiece of English literature and a testament to Wilde's enduring genius.

Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People" is available in Amazon in paperback 12.99$ and hardcover 19.99$ editions.

Number of pages: 167

Language: English

Rating: 10/10                                           

Link of the book!

Review By: King's Cat

[readbooksummary]

The Importance of Being Earnest Summary

The Importance of Being Earnest, A Trivial Comedy for Serious People is a play by Oscar Wilde. First performed on 14 February 1895 at the St James's Theatre in London, it is a farcical comedy in which the protagonists maintain fictitious personae to escape burdensome social obligations. Working within the social conventions of late Victorian London.

[accio-snape]

Algernon Moncrieff ✨

—Excerpts from The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People

(Can also be taken as an Oscar Wilde appreciation post because IoBE is a really great read. If you haven't read it yet, I urge you to do so.)

1. “Oh! it is absurd to have a hard and fast rule about what one should read and what one shouldn’t. More than half of modern culture depends on what one shouldn’t read.”

2. “The truth is rarely pure and never simple. Modern life would be very tedious if it were either, and modern literature a complete impossibility!”

3. “You don’t seem to realise, that in married life three is company and two is none.”

4. “My dear fellow, it isn’t easy to be anything nowadays. There’s such a lot of beastly competition about.”

5. “I hate people who are not serious about meals. It is so shallow of them.”

6. “Good afternoon, dear Algernon, I hope you are behaving very well.” — “I’m feeling very well, Aunt Augusta.”

7. “You see, if one plays good music, people don’t listen, and if one plays bad music people don’t talk.”

8. “All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That’s his.”

9. (Algy is in Bold-Italic) “I am sick to death of cleverness...I wish to goodness we had a few fools left.”—“We have.”—“I should extremely like to meet them. What do they talk about?”—“The fools? Oh! about the clever people, of course.”—“What fools!”

10. “It is awfully hard work doing nothing. However, I don’t mind hard work where there is no definite object of any kind.”

11. “Oh, that’s nonsense, Algy. You never talk anything but nonsense.”—“Nobody ever does.”

12. (This exchange is with Cecily.) “You are looking a little worse.”—“That's because I am hungry.”

13. (Still with Cecily.) “Miss Prism says that all good looks are a snare.”—“They are a snare that every sensible man would like to be caught in.”

14. “My duty as a gentleman has never interfered with my pleasures in the smallest degree.”

15. “If I am occasionally a little over-dressed, I make up for it by being always immensely over-educated.”

16. “Well, one must be serious about something, if one wants to have any amusement in life.”

17. “You can’t possibly ask me to go without having some dinner. It’s absurd. I never go without my dinner. No one ever does, except vegetarians and people like that.”

[iamthenightcolormeblack]

Summary and Thoughts on The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde (this contains spoilers)

You have no excuse not to read/watch this play. It's absolutely brilliant. Here's a quick rundown of the play:

Major Characters:

John "Jack" Worthing. He is around 29 and is the legal guardian of Cecily Cardew.

Algernon Moncrieff. Jack's friend who is a few years younger than him.

Gwendolen Fairfax. Algernon's cousin and Jack's love interest.

Cecily Cardew. 18 years old, is Jack's ward and niece and Algernon's love interest.

Act 1:

There is a big fuss over cucumber sandwiches.

Algernon visits Jack in London and finds out that Jack pretends to have a no-good younger brother named Ernest. In the city Jack is Ernest while in the country he is known as Jack. Jack maintains the alter ego of Ernest when he visits the city so that he's free from the moral responsibility he needs to maintain as Cecily's ward.

"Bunburying" - Algernon has a similar ruse to Jack. He pretends to visit a nonexistent invalid named Bunbury whenever he wants to avoid social events. Thus "Bunburying" is a verb for making up excuses to not fulfill social obligations.

Jack decides to propose to Gwendolen Fairfax, who knows him as Ernest and is attracted to him because she likes the name Ernest. He gets nervous about revealing his true identity as Jack and asks her if she likes the name Jack; she pronounces it to be a boring name.

Lady Bracknell, Gwendolen's mother, refuses to consent to the marriage of Jack and Gwendolen after finding out that Jack doesn't know who his biological parents are and came from a suitcase.

Algernon gets Jack's address for his house in the country and visits Cecily, posing as the no-good younger brother Ernest. Cecily and Algernon (going by Ernest) are engaged to be married.

Act 2 (the funniest):

Cecily and Gwendolen become good friends very quickly because they both find the name of Ernest to be very attractive.

Jack attempts to "kill" Ernest by dressing in mourning clothes and pretending that Ernest has died from a cold. The plan is foiled when he finds out that Algernon is masquerading as Ernest.

My favorite scene #1: Cecily and Gwendolen both insist that the other woman is wrong when they find out they are both engaged to "Ernest." They have a passive-aggressive tea party where they spar over whether bread or cake is trendy and aggravate each other by adding milk and sugar to the tea.

My favorite scene #2: Jack and Algernon appear and the whole Ernest ruse is revealed. It goes something like this: Gwendolen greets Jack as "Ernest" and Cecily is shocked and reveals "Ernest" is her uncle Jack, while Cecily greets Algernon as "Ernest" and Gwendolen reveals "Ernest" is her cousin Algernon.

Act 3 (Everything is resolved):

Lady Bracknell found Jack's true parentage! Miss Prism, Cecily's governess, was responsible for the misplacement of Jack in the suitcase.

Jack's father was named Ernest and Jack is named Ernest after his father. Algernon is Jack's younger brother.

The whole game of deception is now ironic because Jack was telling the truth about himself (his name is Ernest and he does have a younger brother)! Now Gwendolen is perfectly willing to marry Jack because his name is indeed Ernest!

The couples embrace and make simultaneous declarations of happiness:

"Cecily, at last!" "Gwendolen, at last!"

"I've now realized for the first time in my life the vital importance of being Earnest."

Why I love this play:

The wordplay between "earnest" and "Ernest." One represents honesty while the other represents a deception through false identity.

The twist at the end: it's rather ironic that Jack discovers his true identity through assuming a false one. Only through the lie can the truth be revealed.

The comedy: once again the familiar theme of the rich and fashionable people being ridiculous (ex. the passive-aggressive tea party from Act 2) and the women's obsession with "Ernest" (which I read was a popular name in the Victorian era).

The subtitle: "A Trivial Comedy for Serious People." Effectively sums up the whole play, which has a very simple plot with relatively flat characters but has very intelligent dialogue and could be interpreted in a complex way. In sum, it entertains and mocks the audience simultaneously.

[mitskey]

— The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People (1895), Oscar Wilde

[qvid-pro-qvo]

i'm procrastinating on outlining so - 🌸cast your mutuals as your favorite books? (or like just books in general)

anonymous said: 🌸 as your favorite books?

🌸 - cast your mutuals as your favorite books!

all the light we cannot see by anthony doerr - @winterscaptain

to kill a mockingbird by harper lee - @hurricanejjareau

world war z: an oral history of the zombie war by max brooks - @duchesschameleon

invisible man by ralph ellison - @writefasttalkevenfaster

the hostile hospital (series of unfortunate events) by lemony snicket - @teamhappyme

the importance of being earnest: a trivial comedy for serious people by oscar wilde - @hotchseyebrows

the house on mango street by sandra cisneros - @ssaic-jareau, @spencehotchner

[doritosandavocados]

Hidden Gem Movie Recs

Lately with all this self-isolation and lock-down talk I've been seeing a number of "Must Watch Movie" lists popping up to give people ideas of how to pass the time while they're home bound. And I love that, but the lists I've seen have included extremely mainstream movies that most people have probably already seen, which isn't terribly helpful- especially for movie buffs. So, I've put together my own list (in no particular order) of movies I've enjoyed that you maybe haven't heard of. Click any of the movie titles to go to the IMDb page for more information and trailers.

Wild Target

Released in 2010 and starring Bill Nighy, Emily Blunt, and Rupert Grint. Yes. Ron Weasley playing a muggle. The plot is simply about the complicated mess that occurs when a hit-man starts falling for his target. You may like this movie if: You like British humor and/or want a comedy to distract you from the real world. This movie is currently available for rent or purchase on various platforms (for a really great price) including YouTube, Amazon Prime, and iTunes.

A Simple Favor

Released in 2018, directed by Paul Feig, starring Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, and Henry Golding. Despite your initial assumptions based on the cast and director it is most certainly not a comedy. This movie is a wild ride filled with twists, turns, and the occasional loop-de-loop. If you like suspense or thrillers this movie is sure to keep your attention. Still on the fence? If you liked Gone Girl then this movie is a must watch for you. A Simple Favor is currently available for free if you have a Hulu subscription, or for rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime and YouTube.

Snowpiercer

Okay odds are you've heard of this one, but I know a lot of people who have heard of it and still not watched it. So, let me convince you to take the time if you haven't already. Released in 2013 this movie was directed by (now Oscar winner) Bong Joon Ho, also the director of Parasite. This movie has star power in the cast too including Chris Evans, Tilda Swinton, Octavia Spencer, and John Hurt. This movie is admittedly very dark and serious so keep that in mind before watching. But the cinematography is gorgeous, the acting is superb, and if you like the messaging from Parasite there's similar themes in this movie too. This movie is currently available for free with a Netflix subscription, and available for rent or purchase on various platforms including YouTube, Amazon Prime, and iTunes.

The Search for John Gissing

This movie, released in 2001, is the absolute epitome of British humor. Or should I say humour? Anyway, my biggest selling point that I can give you is that it has Alan Rickman. You can't say "no" to that. Honestly, yeah, that's all I have for you. This movie is funny and it has Alan Rickman. IMDb lists it as "not rated" so I'll just go ahead and tell you that for American standards it is most definitely a hard 'R' rating; so don't tell the kids you're going to watch Snape in a different movie. As far as getting your hands on this movie it appears to have been somewhat lost to the void since it's online ratings aren't terribly favorable... so unless you're a digital pirate (which let’s be real most of the people on this website are) this might not be an option for you. Although, if you're truly desperate to see Rickman in something you haven't seen him in before Amazon has some DVDs for sale that range anywhere from $16.84 to $141.23.

Mr. Right

I actually only discovered this movie a few weeks ago. Despite its lack luster name Mr. Right is a really fun movie. It's half rom-com and half action movie. It was released in 2015 and has a similar premise to Wild Target (but it's American instead of British)... I don't know what it says about me personally that I apparently adore movies where trained assassins fall in love with their targets, but I'll contemplate that later tonight while I'm trying to fall asleep. It stars Anna Kendrick and Sam Rockwell, so yeah it's weird. But it's weird in wonderful ways and if anyone else was cast in these roles the movie probably would have been painfully awful. This movie is currently available to watch for free with a Netflix subscription or for rent/purchase on various platforms including YouTube, Amazon Prime, and iTunes.

Peppermint

If you have ever have wondered what it'd be like if the Punisher was a woman instead of a man this movie is probably what you've been looking for. This movie, released in 2018, stars Jennifer Garner. And before you say, "Garner in an action role? That's weird," please let me point you in the direction of Alias, a spy show that was beloved and starred none other than Jennifer Garner. (Yes, this is a secret TV recommendation hidden among movie recs.) This movie is gritty and dark, but does have the occasional comic relief to keep you going. While writing this post I also learned that a sequel has been slated for 2024, so that's something to look forward to. This movie is available free to watch with a subscription to either Hulu or Sling TV. Or it can be rented/purchased on other platforms including YouTube and Amazon Prime.

The Importance of Being Earnest

A movie released in 2002 based on the play of the same name by Oscar Wilde. Now, I have to admit part of the reason I love this movie so much is that this is my favorite play. But, if watching an Oscar Wilde work sounds like something that isn't up your alley you can also just watch it for Colin Firth, Reese Witherspoon, and Judi Dench. This story is described as "A trivial comedy for serious people" by Wilde himself. It's funny, it has 1800s romance, and at times is a little pretentious- but it's on purpose. If you're the kind of person that likes Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, then this is the movie for you. This movie is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including YouTube, iTunes, and Amazon Prime.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

Okay I KNOW you've heard of this one, but just about everyone I've talked to has said they didn't watch it... with the only exception being the people I've forced to watch it with me. And I get not seeing it, but hear me out on this. For starters all four people I've made watch it (don't worry I've only see the movie... three times...) has absolutely loved it. Despite technically being a sequel to the 90s movie this one is PG-13 instead of PG. (That actually makes it the most family friendly recommendation on this list- and yes that's part of why I added it on here.) This movie is just downright fun. The first time I watched it I walked out of the theater feeling like I had been on an adventure, not just watched one on a screen. The movie is filled with clever jokes and Jack Black does such a good job with his acting that not for one single minute did I forget he was supposed to be a a teenage girl instead of a middle aged man. Honestly, if this movie had just changed the title from Jumanji to... literally anything else this movie probably would have been a massive stand-alone hit. So, if the idea of messing with the original Jumaji is what has kept you from checking this one out, go into it as if it were entirely unrelated to the original movie. Though it does pay a small and subtle homage to Robin Williams' character at one point. And bonus points: if you do end up enjoying this movie there's a sequel for you to give a try as well to help eat up this time in lock-down. This movie is available for free with a Disney+ subscription or for rent/purchase on Amazon Prime, but it's not to be found anywhere else.

[skyleafcreations]

So proud of this look. It took many hands and many hours but we got it done. Posted @withregram • @shawfestival THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST (2022) opens today! 🎉 Subtitled A Trivial Comedy for Serious People, Oscar Wilde’s last and greatest play concentrates all his incredible wit and observation into a dazzling satire of Victorian attitudes. All the tricks of romantic comedy and farce are employed to present us with a portrait of the most absurd people we will ever meet – ourselves. 📸 Kate Hennig in THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST Photos by David Cooper. 📆 Runs until October 9. 🔗 For full information on this production, including the cast and creative team or to purchase your tickets, please visit www.shawfest.com. THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST (2022) By Oscar Wilde Directed by Tim Carroll Set designed by Gillian Gallow Costumes designed by Christina Poddubiuk Lighting designed by Kevin Lamotte Original music and sound designed by James Smith Stage management by Meredith Macdonald Assistant stage management by Amy Jewell THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST (2022) is generously sponsored by James & Diane King. Openings at the Festival Theatre are generously sponsored by @guelphinfiniti. #ShareYourShaw #Shaw60 [Image descriptions: 1 - Kate sits on stage in full costume. She has a cane in her right hand and her focus is directed off to her left.] https://www.instagram.com/p/CfAXm5WLJrr/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=