"Bunbury" and "Bunburying"

Paper Summary:

The paper argues that "bunburying" is used by the character of Algernon, in Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest", to escape the adult responsibility that attends truth-telling. The paper shows how it is a practice that, ironically, reveals the truth about someone's character and preoccupations.

From the Paper:

"When read in its totality, it appears as though being a "Bunburyist" is to be someone who engages in dissembling and misdirection in an attempt to evade unwanted social obligations - or obligations of any sort. In effect, the causes of Algernon's "bunburying" appears rooted in a desire to escape the responsibilities that attend being an adult and a member of the British social elite during the final decades of the nineteenth century."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Wilde, Oscar. "The Importance of Being Earnest (Act III)." Fireblade Coffehouse. N.d. Jerry Stratton. 24 May 2007 <http://www.hoboes.com/html/FireBlade/Wilde/earnest/>
• Wilde, Oscar. "The Importance of Being Earnest (Act I)." The Literature Network. 2007. Jalic, Inc. 23 May 2007 <http://www.online-literature.com/wilde/being_earnest/3/>

More papers on "Bunbury" and "Bunburying":

• Analytical Essay # 133754 : "Bunburying in "The Importance of Being Earnest"
• Analytical Essay # 120439 : "Symbolism in "The Importance of Being Earnest"
• Comparison Essay # 93543 : "The Importance of Being Earnest"

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