The Importance of Being Earnest

I enjoyed reading The Importance of Being Earnest. I admit that at times it was a bit "fluffy", as some critics have said, but I think that a little lighthearted comedy is important every now and then. Plays are meant to entertain and I think that this one would be very entertaining to see on stage.

One aspect that I found to be particularly comical was the fast moving plot. Both of the marriage proposals seemed completely out of nowhere and based off of nothing solid. The two characters met, one proposed, the other said yes and that was that. I understand that in a play, there isn’t enough time to give an entire background story of a developing relationship, however, especially in the case of Algernon and Cecily, they had only actually known each other for what seemed like a matter of minutes before they were declaring their love for each other. I think that this is a very important comedic element because especially in modern times, events like these would never happen. The fast pace of this play keeps the audience on their toes and although it isn’t an action play, the unlikely plot twists keep them entertained throughout.

I also found it amusing that I was relating to Lady Bracknell when she said, “I do not know whether there is anything peculiarly exciting in the air of this particular part of Herfordshire, but the number of engagements that go on seems to me considerably above the proper average that statistics have laid down for our guidance.” (273). Being a young adult, I would expect to feel more of a connection to Cecily or one of the other younger characters, however Lady Bracknell’s sarcasm and disbelief stated in this line dictated a lot of my same reactions. It is comical because I felt as though I could have taken on the role of the cranky old lady who is spoiling the fun of the younger foolish kids.