the importance of being ernest letters
My
scholarly chum!
I cannot wait to embark on yet
another literary journey with you, this time into The Importance of Being Ernest. I am already a fan from the title
page since I love a good subheading, & this one is “A Trivial Comedy for
Serious People,” which sounds quire promising. Anyways, once I began to delve
into the play, I saw that this is a work rife with irony and off-the-cuff lines
that often seem quite ridiculous. Especially since the characters seem to
constantly make light of serious things and take light things quite seriously. For
example, Aunt Augusta tells Algernon that, “I think it is high time that Mr.
Bunbury made up his mind whether he was going to live or to die. This shilly-shalllying
with the question is absurd” (Wilde 120). The idea that one can in a moment
decide whether or not to continue living is preposterous! Aunt Augusta seems to
have a very set, though not very expected, set of beliefs and expectations for
people. This can be seen further in her conversation with Jack as she
recommends him to find some relations to associate with in order to make
himself more respectable. Do you think that Jack will ever be able to get
Augusta’s approval? Do you think this will ultimately matter to Gwendolen? The other
character worth discussing is Algernon, who seems to carry the family gene of a
unique perspective as well. He values many things that society see as either
unprofitable or immoral, and finds anything else to be useless. This is seen especially
in his statement to Jack, “It is awfully hard work doing nothing. However, I don’t
mind hard work where there is no definite object of any kind” (Wilde 131). One would
naturally think that people prefer working towards something to idling without
achievement, but Algernon does not appear to be cut from this cloth. He seems
to serve as an exaggerated example of the bachelors of the upper class at the
time and their attitudes, though as I was not there, I cannot definitively say
that he is really exaggerated. I am also quite intrigued by his acquiring Jack’s
country address. What do you think will come of that? Personally, I hope he
does not end up with Cecily, because it would be quite hypocritical for him to
marry after all he has said about the institution. Speaking of Cecily, I am
wondering how Jack will get himself out of the whole Ernest thing if Gwendolen
ultimately accepts his proposal. I can’t wait to find out more!
Tally
ho,
Brittany
Dearest Brother,
ReplyDeleteI’m so glad we get to do this AGAIN! This time there is more genuine excitement than usual because I have been wanting to read “The Importance of Being Earnest” for a while now because I have heard it is really good so I’m kind of using this project as motivation to finally read it. I really enjoyed what you said about this play being “rife with irony and off-the-cuff lines” because it is really quite funny. One of my most favorite humorous parts so far is when Ant Augusta first arrives and Algernon tells pretends to be astonished there are no cucumber sandwiches prepared when in reality the audience just witnessed him eat them all. It is helpful that we have already been introduced to this “victorian” style of writing because I see a lot of similarities so far between this play and Pride and Prejudice. There has already been a proposal, an afternoon tea, a discussion of social standings, and a grumpy, judgmental rich lady and this is just the first act! In regards to your question about Algernon inquiring about Jack’s address and the purpose behind it, I really have no idea. I agree, I don’t want him to end up with Cecily. He quite obviously has a strong dislike for marriage and anything surrounding it, why do you think that is? Honestly, I don’t think Jack will ever live up to Augusta’s expectations or receive her approval. She seems very set on disapproving him and gives him impossible tasks to complete like how she tells him to “produce at any rate one parent, pf either sex, before the season is quite over” (Wilde 334). Being an orphan practically since birth, Jack has no idea who his parents are, where they are, or whether or not they are still alive. How is he supposed to accomplish this task? By setting the expectations so high and requiring him to complete an impossible task in order to receive her approval, Augusta makes it clear she never intends on accepting Jack for who his is. With that being said, I really do not think it will affect his relationship with Gwendolen. Already in this first scene we see just how strong a connection the two of them have but more importantly we see how confident Gwendolen is. She is not afraid to challenge Jack and even before he proposes to her she says “I think it only fair to tell you quite frankly beforehand that I am fully determined to accept you” (Wilde 331). With confidence like that, I highly doubt Gwendolen is the type to let her opinion be swayed by the prejudices of others. With that being said, we’ve experienced just how easily people can be persuaded by social “laws” and other people’s prejudices in Pride and Prejudice and I have a feeling this play will be very similar. What do you think?
your bestest book bro,
Hannah
Blessed tidings!
DeleteI am so glad you drew those comparisons with Pride and Prejudice, since it is so clear that they were written within the same society, and I think Austen and Wilde could probably have quite a chat about the caricatures they draw of social rules, in addition to their general distaste for them. Also, I think Wilde is trying to pack just as much drama into this play as there is in Pride and Prejudice, despite the fact that it is probably around 1/3 of the size. So far, he is succeeding, so I doubt this play will ever have us bored. Right off the bat in Act II, we enter on a scene of Miss Prism and Cecily, and Miss Prism says, “Mr. Worthing has many troubles in his life. Idle merriment and triviality would be out of place in his conversation” (Wilde 134). This statement is quite ironic, since the audience just witnessed a conversation with Algernon that was full of nothing but idle merriment and triviality, and their dinner plans seemed headed in the same direction. It is so interesting that Jack can preserve so completely these two wildly different identities! How do you think Cecily will react when she inevitably finds out the truth about her guardian? I think she will be shocked, but as a teen she will ultimately find that Jack’s fun side makes him cooler. Also, I think we should take a second to admire the fact that the title itself is even a statement of irony, since many would assume that The Importance of Being Earnest is a tale on the importance of earnestness as a virtue, and not a narrative on a man pretending to be named Ernest. Anyway, back to the text! In this act, Cecily is introduced. What do you think of her? To be honest, I am a bit disappointed in her character, since she seems to be playing right into a stereotypical teenage girl role, one who is only after a romantic adventure and does not really stop to think. I do not fault any of this to Jack, since it seems he has done his best to raise Cecily to be intelligent and wise. In one interesting exchange, she says to Algernon, “You see, it is simply a young girl’s record of her own thoughts and impressions, and consequently meant for publication” (Wilde 148). I find it to be quite strange that she is in favor of publishing her private thoughts, and also at a loss as to why she things other people would like to read them. Additionally, it seems we were both proved wrong in our ideals of Cecily not ending up with Algernon, but I find that as the characters are portrayed, I am quite alright with them as a pair since they seem equally ridiculous. What are your thoughts?
Bon voyage, Brittany
Hello old chum,
DeleteI have to agree with your observations about Cecily, she really does act like a total stereotypical “girly girl”. She is obsessed with chasing after men and constantly worrying about her appearance, saying things such as “I don’t like German. It isn’t at all a becoming language. I know perfectly well that I look quite plain after my German lessons” (Wilde 340). This surprised me since she was more or less raised by Jack and Jack doesn’t seem to be preoccupied with trivial things such as the way a certain language makes him look. On the contrary, I think that Jack believes that people’s obsession with things such as beauty and status can actually hold them back. With that being said, I still like Cecily and I’m interested to see how (or if) she grows throughout the play. In response to your other question, I think Cecily won’t have that big of a reaction. Obviously hiding your real name from you family members is a big deal but there are many bigger, worse secrets he could have. Jack’s name not actually being Ernest really isn’t that big of a deal and won’t really affect Cecily and her lifestyle very much. She is also preoccupied with many other trivial things she deems more important so I don’t think she’ll dwell long on his secret. One of the things I have found most intriguing so far in Act 2 is how Algeron decided to impersonate Jack’s “brother” Ernest. Why would he want to do something like that? Honestly, I think he’s just a trouble maker that enjoys stirring the pot and causing problems. I also find Algeron’s interactions with Cecily very interesting. I think you’re right, I think their relationship will continue to develop, but how will that work when he’s lying about who he is? Will the relationship ever be strong since its foundation is a lie?
Hasta Luego
Howdy to my homie,
DeleteTo be honest, I can’t say I share your doubts about Algernon’s relationship with Cecily. She seems like the sort of person who loves any sort of drama, even if she makes it herself, and I think that she will find all of this deception to ultimately be something that draws her further into the relationship. However, she is already pretty deep in the relationship (or at least she thinks she is), which is clear when she reveals she has been writing herself letter as Ernest! In explanation to Algernon, she says, “I remember only too well that I was forced to write your letters for you. I wrote always three times a week, and sometimes oftener” (Wilde 150). This is cementing my ideas about Cecily as a girl who is more than slightly ridiculous. Speaking of ridiculous, I am reminded of Cecily’s interaction with Gwendolen, as both parties are far more honest with one another than I would expect whilst adhering to all of the social norms of the time period, with Gwendolen even going as far as to say, “I have liked you ever since I met you. But I am bound to state that now that I know that you are Mr. Worthing’s ward, I cannot help expressing the wish you were—well, just a little older than you seem to be—and not quite so very alluring in appearance” (Wilde 154). This declaration stunned me somewhat since I am used to the Victorian era being full of veiled jabs and hidden agendas (more along the lines of how Cecily prepared Gwendolen’s tea). After this part, the conversation only got wilder as the two girls went from fast friends to competition to opponents and back to friends! What did you think of this scene? Personally, I am wondering how these two will end up in relation to one another, and at this point I can’t even place a wager since they are so full of ups and downs. This was a really crazy section to read, and I haven’t even brought up how both of the boys are planning to rechristen themselves to be named Ernest! Do you think either will go through with it? Jack certainly hopes that won’t be the case as he says, “We can’t both be christened Ernest. It’s absurd” (Wilde 163). This is definitely evidence of a recurring theme in The Importance of Being Ernest, which is people being outlandish and then calling out their peers for the very same thing. Clearly, it is crazy for either of them to be renaming themselves, but it is also crazy the weight that the girls are putting on names. Yet the craziest of all is how much Algernon loves his muffins. Overall, I am really thrown by how crazy Jack is acting since for the most part he is supposed to be the sensible one. Who knows what will come next!
See you on the other side
East Bro,
DeleteI LOVE how ridiculous this play is so far! I feel as if this play is almost mocking and making fun of the traditional Victorian way of doing things. This book discusses class conflict and how prejudices affect relationships but portrays them in such a way that they look ridiculous, trivial, and impossible to live up to, and it’s really refreshing. The characters and the things they say are just so far-fetched and ridiculous that it is hard to take them, their society, and their traditions seriously. Like take for example how you mentioned the girls placing so much importance in names. This trivial and weird condition they have for their significant others causes them to scheme up the ridiculous idea of them both being named Ernest. By ridiculing the girls’ tendency to place importance in meaningless things, Wilde is very clearly mocking his own society’s tendency to place importance on things that don’t truly matter. I have to agree with you about Jack, I really expected him to be the voice of reason amongst the chaos. The craziest thing in my mind was how obsessed Cecily is with Ernest because of all these love letters she has “from him” that she actually wrote herself and how she has an extensive history of their relationship complete with a fake engagement, a fake falling out, and a fake reconciliation. I love the dynamic between Jack and Algernon now because of this giant charade because Jack is mad that Algernon is there but he can’t call him on his lie because that would be hypocritical since he is also telling a big lie. In this act Cecily says a quote that is very fitting for Jack’s situation saying “If you are not you, then you have certainly been deceiving us all in a very inexcusable manner. I hope you have not been leading a double life, pretending to be wicked and being really good all the time. That would be hypocrisy” (Wilde 351). How do you think Jack will resolve this issue? DO you think things can even get more ridiculous?
Catch you on the flip,
Hannah
Midwest bro,
DeleteThat is such a good point about the importance that is placed on various meaningless things. I think that in the end things will turn out alright for the characters since this is a comedy & therefore will hopefully have one death at most (& if the fake death of the fake Ernest counts, then maybe we’re set already). I am quite curious as to how Wilde can get a whole third act out of this narrative that seems to be resolving quickly, so I suppose we shall see how that goes down. After reading the chapter, I have seen that Wilde had one final twist in store! By revealing Jack’s parentage, every last loose end is tied up, and I cannot believe he was really named Ernest all along! This is mostly well and good, however, this does mean that Ernest is marrying his first cousin, and though the English have not historically seen that as problematic, I certainly do. But let’s rewind to earlier in Act III, when Gwendolen states, “In matters of great importance, style, not sincerity, is the vital thing” (Wilde 165). I think this sentence is an important summation of the perspective that Wilde is attempting to convey through this work, illustrating, as usual that his characters have slightly misplaced priorities. However, that doesn’t ever seem to get in their way since the entire cast seems to be on the same moral page. This is interesting since the audience naturally expects people to be rewarded for having high moral standards, but this play is basically about shallow people finding one another (also side note: it is kind of crazy how he threw in the doctor and Miss Prism like that, I suppose he couldn’t resist bringing together another couple). Another key quote from this section in my opinion is when Gwendolen tells Jack, “If you are not too long, I will wait here for you all my life” (Wilde 176). This quote is important since it describes the philosophy that applies to the girls at least, if not all of the characters. The philosophy is basically that the appearances and drama of things are more important than the reasoning and principles behind them, which is something all of his characters seem to believe to varying degrees. Even Jack, who seems the most down to earth, only protested to Cecily’s marriage to Algernon so that he could get something out of the situation for himself, and not to prevent his ward from marrying such an irresponsible person. Overall, I think that Wilde wrapped up this ending really well. What do you think?
Rock and Roll Forever
Brittany
Mi hermana,
ReplyDeleteThis play has been a wild ride from the very beginning, who would’ve thought it would end like this?! I guess it’s a good thing that Jack discovered his parentage and his name was actually Ernest because those are the exact parameters he had to fulfill in order to marry Gwendolen. Lady Bracknell and Gwendolen created these seemingly impossible expectations upon Jack back in the very first act and he was somehow, through dozens of strange twists and turns, was actually able to meet them. I find it strange how willing Gwendolen and Cecily are to forgive Jack and Algernon after they divulge their true names. Maybe it was a social curtesy at the time for the women to be very forgiving towards men and accepting towards their flaws? None the less I am still happy that both relationships worked out despite their differences and I’m even glad that Miss Prism and the doctor got together, a little extra love never hurt anybody. Over all I really enjoyed this book because it was crazy and interesting while still being grounded in reality and was a nice break from what we typically think of as “Victorian literature”.
In closing I want to include this quote that I believe brings the novel full circle: “I’ve now realized for the first time in my life the vital Importance of Being Earnest” (Wilde 371). Earnestness is something that was discussed throughout the play but often had different meanings and connotations. In this setting it means not trivial but in other scenarios it meant virtuous or honest. Jack finally realizes that in order to be a perfectly moral man he must admit that he is in fact immoral, being completely honest with those around him. I think this is a very important lesson to learn and I’m impressed that such a ridiculous play can portray such a deep and important lesson.
Peace out to all the players in the club
-Hannah
Fantastic continual reference to meaning as created by devices, though you don't use the device names much. All of your discussion of irony pointing out hypocrisy and triviality is spot on, as well as your observations on the humor of paradox to comment on society's rules (the important is trivial and vice versa, also ironic). Yay for Comedy being meaningful!
ReplyDelete