The Importance of Reading "Ernest"

First things first. . . let us all just agree that Oscar Wilde was the first "hipster." He probably wore vintage fake spectacles and rode a bike to work, too.

As far as literature is concerned, "The Importance of Being Ernest" is one of the most delightful reads that I have come across in the last little while. I have been wanting to read an Oscar Wilde play for some time ever since I read the prologue to "Dorian Gray." Wilde's aesthetic view of literature, that is, art for art's sake, always intrigued me and I thought, "What better way to learn more of drama and the aesthetic movement than to read 'The Importance of Being Ernest.'" I dare say, I have not enjoyed so completely two and a half hours of reading so much until now. And then it hit me: that realization of why the aesthetic movement was so appealing. Did I learn anything especially critical, helpful or pertinent to my life? No. But I felt really good after I read, as if the art had somehow released me from stress or worry or frustration. In this regard, I understand intimately how art and literature make life so much better. If it were me, I would require all students of literature to review the play as I deem it a masterpiece of aesthetic beauty and comical brilliance.

After reading the first scene of the first act, I endeavored to read the play in its entirety. After a quick trip to the Provo library, I was able to embark on the 73 page journey just as Tuesday night turned into Wednesday morning. The play made such an impression that I called home to ask my mother if she had read it, as I hoped a good literary conversation would come of it. She said that she had not read it, however, she had thoroughly enjoyed the theatrical version with Rupert Everett and Colin Firth. Remembering our previous conversation of seeing and experiencing theatre, I determined that I ought to watch the film. . . and I was not at all disappointed with the interpretation of the play as the film had me laughing throughout.

I honestly believe that Oscar Wilde was inspired to pen such a genius comedy that transcends decades of societal changes and paradigm shifts. The basic themes of triviality, ethics, fraud, fate, irony and unrequited love still ring true to a modern audience 120 years later. The ever-brilliant Algernon and Jack continue to captivate audiences with their witty banter and controversial schemes at being "Ernest." I solemnly swear before all who read this post that I will sieze the first opportunity to see the play performed live. . . whenever that may be.

The Importance of Wit

What stood out to me in the first scene of "The Importance of Being Earnest" was the lively and sharp wit of the dialogue. From the very beginning, the characters make little jabs at eachother which not only create the comedic tone, but highlight the underlying tensions between the characters as well as their personalities. Upon entering, Algernon asks Jack what brought him to town to which Jack answers, "Oh, pleasure, pleasure! What else should bring one anywhere? Eating as usual, I see, Algy!" to which Algernon says, "[Stiffly.] I believe it is customary in good society to take some slight refreshment at five o’clock." This first exchange reveals Jack's character as perhaps more flippant than Algernon's because he jestingly talks of his motivation as being pleasure and immediately takes a jab at Algernon's over eating. Algernon's character is seen as more reserved and serious because he becomes defensive towards Jack. This exchange also shows possible tension or antagonism between the characters. I'm not sure this early in the play if their underlying antagonism is deep or if it's just all in good fun, like when best friends are able to make scathing remarks to eachother in good humor and camaraderie. Another priceless comment is where Jack tells Algernon that he is in town because he intends to propose to Gwendolen. To this Algernon says "I thought you had come up for pleasure?… I call that business." He says this because he doesn't "see anything romantic in proposing" because of the "certain" nature of proposal. He believes that "The very essence of romance is uncertainty" and "If [he] ever get[s] married, [he'll] certainly try to forget the fact" to which Jack responds, "I have no doubt about that, dear Algy. The Divorce Court was specially invented for people whose memories are so curiously constituted" --Ouch! This type of witty, biting banter continues on probably for the whole play, which, besides being endlessly amusing/impressive to me, is a form of dialogue that says a lot about the characters and their hidden agendas without requiring extensive background summary. Humor is such an effective and enjoyable device!

Does anyone know if there's a specific literary name for the kind of wit used in the lines I include? I'm not sure!