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+ 100 Total Pages |
Read it on All Devices |
+ 1,000 Active Readers |
Book Description |
| The Importance of Being Earnest (1895) is a sparkling comedy of manners and one of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated plays. The story centers on two young men, Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, who both lead double lives in order to escape their social obligations and pursue romance. Jack pretends to be his fictitious brother “Ernest” to win the heart of Gwendolen, while Algernon does the same to woo Cecily. As mistaken identities, love triangles, and humorous misunderstandings unfold, Wilde’s trademark wit and sharp critique of Victorian society shine through, making this play a delightful satire on social conventions, marriage, and the pursuit of truth. |
About Author |
| Oscar Wilde |
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Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) was an Irish playwright, poet, and novelist known for his sharp wit, flamboyant personality, and keen social critique. A leading figure of the Aesthetic Movement, Wilde championed “art for art’s sake” and became famous for his brilliant epigrams and satirical works. His only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray (1890), is a Gothic masterpiece exploring vanity, moral corruption, and hedonism. Wilde’s plays, including The Importance of Being Earnest (1895) and An Ideal Husband (1895), are celebrated for their witty dialogue and comedic brilliance. He also wrote fairy tales, such as those in The Happy Prince and Other Tales (1888), which blend beauty with poignant social themes. Wilde’s career was cut short when he was imprisoned for “gross indecency” due to his homosexuality. After his release in 1897, he lived in exile in France, where he wrote The Ballad of Reading Gaol (1898), reflecting on his suffering. He died in 1900, leaving behind a legacy as one of literature’s most iconic and quotable figures. |
