The Importance of Being Earnest - Oscar Wilde - Review

The Importance of being Earnest is a farcical comedy play staged during the fag end of 19th century, it’s set up against the cultural backdrop of London. Apparently, Oscar Wilde has produced three other successful plays which led to another resounding play centered around the fictitious character Earnest.

Six key characters drive the entire storyline – Jack Worthing and Algernon who are men in the age of finding a spouse for themselves, Augusta who is probably in her fifties bound with the culture of her era, an attractive women Gwendolen, pretty teenager Cecily and mistress Prism. There are few more characters involved but they play minor role across the scenes.

Jack and Algernon misrepresent themselves as Ernest to woe their respective sweethearts. To their delight both the ladies fall in love with their prospective partner assuming them to have been christened Earnest. The situation takes a deadly turn as both the ladies unexpectedly meet each other exposing the fictitious character played by their love interest.

Given the fall of events, how does both the men tackle the situation, what comedy of errors playout when all the characters meet on a single stage and finally is there a mystery unravelled by the old mistress Prism. The third act uncovers the answers to the many other curious questions of an enthusiastic audience.

Maybe a play that can be read during a breezy train journey. 

  

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