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Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest", 2006.
This paper describes and analyzes Oscar Wilde's play "The Importance of Being Earnest".
1,935 words (approx. 7.7 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 61.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Oscar Wilde's comic play "The Importance of Being Earnest" is a satiric look at aspects of British society, notably the influence of social class and rigid stratification. The author points out that the play toys with the dual meaning of the sound of Ernest: How important it is to be earnest, meaning sincere, and how important it is to be named Ernest. The paper relates that Wilde develops an inverted parody of the stock romantic situation in which the lovers' devotion alone and not their names have meaning; the play abounds in inversions of romantic cliches found in epigrams and certain conversational exchanges, which are structured on the basis of a reversal of expectations. Includes many quotations.
From the Paper
"To say that Jack is manipulating reality is to say that he is manipulating his own reality, for the play does not deal in what we would call objective reality. This is a world that does not exist, with people who operate on their own logic. Reality for Jack is always something of a blur because he has no idea who he really is. In this sense, his entire life is an appearance rather than a reality until he learns through a series of coincidences at the end of the play who he really is--he is Algy's older brother--and what his name is--his name really is Ernest."
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Oscar Wilde's 'The Importance of Being Earnest', 2008.
This paper looks at the play and the 2002 Miramax film of 'The Importance of Being Earnest'.
1,728 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 55.95
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Abstract
This paper provides the writer's personal views regarding the play and film of "The Importance of Being Earnest". The writer notes that, while reading 'The Importance of Being Earnest' she wondered how it could possibly work as a movie. The writer then provides a critique and argues that the movie did not work particularly well. The writer points out that the cast was brilliant, the script is classic and witty and the budget was certainly adequate, but argues that the movie falls flat and then discusses where exactly it went wrong. The writer maintains that that the over-the-top fluffiness is exactly what Oscar Wilde would have wanted The writer concludes that both play and movie are worth experiencing, but only in that order.
From the Paper
"With a script like this, the fault must lie, at least in part, with the direction. If there was one thing done correctly in this film, however, it was the casting. The cast really was wonderful: from the characters they were chosen to play, to their individual performances, all the way to their work as an ensemble. In some instances, however, I felt they looked too deeply for something to do. Judi Dench is brilliant, but her character is rather simple: the archetypal stern mother. I just felt when reading it like it was a rather straight forward mother, looking to control the situation to better her daughter's future. I felt like Judi Dench was too good, and too much, to play this rather dry character. She is such a grounded actor I had trouble believing in her character's one track mind. I felt the same for Reese Witherspoon. Witherspoon has such a spark to her; I felt she was too much for the simple vulnerability of Cecily. The movie added in these fantasies of hers which I think in part were there to help a modern audience understand what the attraction to Algernon would be to Cecily. And it also acted as a vehicle to give Witherspoon more room to develop Cecily. But once again, for me, it really altered the character. It may be the way I read it."
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"The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde, 2005.
This paper looks at the theme of double lives in the play "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the theme of double lives in the play "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde. The paper looks specifically at the lives of three characters; Algernon Moncrieff, Jack (Ernest) Worthing and Cecily Cardew, all of whom lead double lives.
From the Paper
""The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde explores the depth of dual identity in Victorian society. Classical-Themes: This trait is most apparent in Algernon and Jack in their episodes of Bun burying which Algernon defines as the practice of creating an elaborate deception so that one can misbehave while at the same time appearing to live up to the highest standard of duty and responsibility."
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"The Importance of Being Earnest" ( Oscar Wilde ), 1996.
Examines role of Cecily Cardew's diary in advancing play's farcical plot & her relationship with Ernest.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 1 source, $ 47.95
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From the Paper
" This study will examine the role of the diary of the character of Cecily Cardew in Oscar Wilde's play The Importance of Being Earnest, and the relationship of that diary to the story and Cecily's relationship with Ernest. The diary is merely another piece of utter nonsense and deception, especially self-deception, in a play composed of little but deception and nonsense.
Cecily creates in her diary a make-believe world in which she fantasizes a relationship with Ernest. In fact, the relationship she fantasizes is not with the real "Ernest," who is in fact Jack, but rather with Algernon, who she believes to be Jack's brother, who is not actually his brother. In fact, Jack has no brother, and in any case, Cecily had never even met "Ernest" (Algernon) before she had composed the bulk of her.."
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"The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde, 1994.
A discussion of the theme of appearance vs. reality in the characters and relationships of the comic play.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 4 sources, $ 31.95
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From the Paper
"Oscar Wilde's play The Importance of Being Earnest has a title that is a play on words embodying the dichotomy in the play between reality and illusion, a dichotomy embodied as well in the main character of John Worthing, It is important for Jack to be earnest, meaning honest and aboveboard as well as open and sincere, and it is also important for him to be named "Ernest" because the woman he loves, Gwendolen, would prefer that this were so and fervently believes it to be so. Yet, in order to be named "Ernest" he has to fail at being earnest, since his name is not Ernest at all. He has been manipulating appearances and reality for some time, and he is soon to be caught in his own deceptions. The course of his travails actually leads him to a point where he can be both Ernest and earnest in reality, thus making an onest man of his in spite of himself."
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Existentialism and Oscar Wilde, 2007.
An examination of existentialism in Oscar Wilde's play "The Importance of Being Earnest".
2,510 words (approx. 10.0 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 76.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the idea of identity in Oscar Wilde's play, "the Importance of Being Earnest" and in other Victorian works, and questions whether the individual or society shapes essence. The writer further discusses Jean-Paul Sartre's existentialist philosophy and how it relates to Wilde's play.The paper also looks at works by other authors where the characters decide how to behave based on their social status.
From the Paper
"The plot of Oscar Wilde's play The Importance of Being Earnest is much involved with questions of identity and toys with the meaning of identity, especially in terms of the social conventions of British Victorian society. Wilde is not normally thought of as an existentialist, but many of the concerns he raises in this play and some of his other works mirror concerns of the existentialists, including the issues of identity and authenticity."
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"The Importance of Being Earnest", 2007.
A comparison of the effectiveness of Oscar Wilde's play "The Importance of Being Earnest" with the film directed by Oliver Parker.
1,630 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how well the 2002 film directed by Oliver Parker, "The Importance of Being Earnest" dramatizes the original play written by Oscar Wilde. The paper describes the basic plot of the play and then discusses instances where the plot is not able to be played effectively in the film. It discusses the reasons why these acts are less effective in film than in the dialogue of the play and why certain imagery in the film does not work well.
Table of Contents:
Introduction: Synopsis
Act I: Bunbury, Interrogation and Refusal Scenes
Act II: An Interjection Of Ballooning And Flashbacks In The Cicely's Education, Diary Writing, And Fight Scenes With Gwendolyn
Act III: The Introduction of Archery, Unraveling, and Christening
Conclusion--Summing Up
From the Paper
"The drive to physicalize the verbal wit of the Wilde play is made further evident in the Act II war of words over Gwendolyn and Cicely's tea party, where the jazzy music on the soundtrack and the clattering cutlery draw the viewer's attention away from what the characters are actually saying that is clearly not in the play. (Fifth difference) Finally, the film's dramatization of Act II includes a ballooning sequence that seems completely at odds with the plot, and serves only to show Algernon in different attire than what Algernon wears in the drawing room that is not in the play. (Sixth difference) While it is helpful to show the characters assume different costumes in different locations, just as they assume different personas, the activity is so strange to the eye; it is hard to focus on exactly what is occurring on the level of dialogue during the sequence."
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"The Importance of Being Earnest", 2002.
This paper analyzes Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest".
1,400 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 1 source, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper review themes used by Wilde in this play: Duplicity, Bunburyism, the role of faude,u and the satirical nature of Wildes' criticism of Victorian society. u
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Oscar Wilde and Victorian Morality, 2006.
This paper examines Victorian views of morality and marriage as portrayed in 'The Importance of Being Earnest' by Oscar Wilde.
675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 2 sources, $ 26.95
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Abstract
In this paper, the writer discusses the institution of marriage as demonstrated in the Victorian play 'The Importance of Being Earnest' by Oscar Wilde. The writer shows that the morality of being unity with a loved one is certainly the external social apparatus of Victorian marriage, but Wilde often points out the reality of patriarchal institutions that make marriage more like a business. Further the writer demonstrates that by realizing what moral virtues uphold the union of man and woman in love; the contrary affect of female abuse and sublimation are often the satirical reality in Wilde's classic play.
From the Paper
"This drama study will examine the morality of the Victorian marriage within the context of Oscar Wilde's 'The importance of Being Earnest'. By defining the often patriarchal nature of marriage in the Victorian period, one can realize the social institution that forged the strict observance of men and women being 'one' through a legal and moral binding. However, Oscar Wilde often conflicts with the institution of marriage, and argues that it is a business, rather than a pleasure. In essence, the Victorian institution of marriage is often hypocritical in that it portrays an image of money and legality, which denies the supposed moral pleasure of loving commitment. The opening First Act presents the conflict of pleasure and business in relation to marriage, as Algernon and his butler Lane discuss the topic of morality in marriage."
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"Major Barbara" and "The Importance of Being Earnest", 2002.
A comparative analysis of the satirical style of Shaw's "Major Barbara", and Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest".
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 2 sources, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper explores the social commentary in both Shaw's "Major Barbara", and Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest". The paper discusses the satirical style of each. It concludes that both authors used the parody as a way of calling attention to the inequities of society.
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Oscar Wilde, 2005.
This paper discusses Oscar Wilde as a writer and looks at his life and the external influences to his writing.
2,700 words (approx. 10.8 pages), 6 sources, $ 106.95
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Abstract
This paper is a long essay on the life, times & career of Oscar Wilde. Some major works are touched on, including 'Salome', 'The Importance of Being Earnest', and 'The Soul of Man Under Socialism'. However, this paper is primarily looking at the external life, background, influences, and career of Oscar Wilde, rather than his writing. Major influences on his philosophy and career are mentioned including Ruskin, Mahaffy, his parents, family and lovers. There is brief mention and discussion of his "outing" and subsequent trials.
From the Paper
"Oscar Wilde Irish playwright, author, and poet Oscar Wilde was a radical in many ways. His flamboyant lifestyle, open homosexuality, outrageous disregard for cultural norms, as well has his socialist and anarchist ways of thinking were more than a century ahead of his time. His ideas and styles are more common today than one hundred years ago, but are still outside of the mainstream and are considered quite "alternative" and radical. Wilde's radical nature was expressed throughout his writing, his lifestyle and his philosophy. George Bernard Shaw said of Wilde, "He plays with everything: with wit, with philosophy, with drama, with actors and audience, with the whole theatre" (Holland 96 1988). In this paper one will see how this clever, irreverent, playfulness was extended into the rest of his life, career, and philosophy. The details of Wilde's short life are fairly well known. Oscar O'Flahertie Fingal Wills Wilde was born October 16, 1854 in Dublin... "
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Oscar Wilde, 2002.
A discussion of Oscar Wilde's homosexuality.
1,111 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
The paper examines the issue of the author Oscar Wilde's homosexuality, how it was portrayed in his writings, accepted by society, and how he was eventually taken to court and found guilty of gross indecency. It looks at how homosexuality was not ?obvious? to Victorian society and Wilde often engaged with a kind of cat and mouse game with his reading public as a closeted homosexual author. Famously, the word ?earnest? was slang in many circles for homosexuality and queerness and it reviews his play "The Importance of Being Earnest" as a heterosexual comedy of manners.
From the Paper
"Throughout both of his trials, Wilde adopts a kind of insouciant, provocative pose that seems, to the modern eyes, to be a ?typical? portrait of a flamboyant male homosexual. Because Oscar Wilde?s artistic medium has become synonymous with such a posture it is difficult to re-read history with open eyes. However, the answer as to why Wilde thought he could ?get away with it,? would seem to be found, not so much in the actual, textual evidence of either the trials or Wilde?s later works during and after his imprisonment. Rather it is the attitude by which sexuality in general, and homosexuality in particular, was viewed by Wilde?s Victorian reading public."
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Oscar Wilde?s Fairy Tales, 2004.
An analysis of Oscar Wilde?s philosophy of Greek love in his fairy tales.
2,484 words (approx. 9.9 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 75.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how Oscar Wilde?s reputation as one of the preeminent literary geniuses of the Victorian era remains an extraordinary accomplishment for an Irishman writing for and about English society. It looks at how, after his conviction on sodomy charges led to two years in prison and self-imposed exile to France, Victorian society vigorously denied Wilde's existence in their ranks and how Wilde?s role as an outcast within Victoria?s conservative society represents a compelling force in his fairy tales. It analyzes his books, ?The Happy Prince?, ?The Star-Child", and ?The Young King?, as well as ?The Soul of Man Under Socialism?, for elements of Wilde?s theory of masculine love.
From the Paper
"In ?The Young King? the protagonist is a very young man ?for he was only a lad, being but sixteen years of age? (Pomegranate) with enchanting beauty ?wild-eyed and open-mouthed, like a brown woodland Faun? (Pomegranate). This detail about the Young King corresponds with an age-frame where Wilde would have been discovering his own sexual preference. In ?The Young King?, the young man?s metamorphosis, through a dream quest, reconciles his conflicting roles as the son of the poor goat-herder and his destiny as ?the son of the Old King.? Shimmering on the surface of this tale is Christ?s message from the ?Sermon on the Mount? (Matthew 5, 6 & 7). Wilde declares, in "The Soul of Man under Socialism,? that the message of Christ to man was simply ?Be Thyself.? The young King?s recognition of his true self within these conflicting roles reflects his attainment of the virtue asked for in Christ?s message."
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Oscar Wilde's Lord Goring: the Dandy-Philosopher, 2000.
An analysis of the character of Lord Goring in Oscar Wilde's play, "An Ideal Husband".
1,700 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 5 sources, $ 55.95
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Abstract
The essay discusses Lord Goring who is socially ?idle?, yet ideal in terms of philosophy. Moreover, it describes Goring as the most interesting and outstanding persona in the play, his ambivalent behavior, and the change he goes through during the play, and why he could be considered Wilde?s alter ego. The paper ends raising the question of whether or not Wilde has lost grip on this character. Did Wilde manipulate Goring?s behavior in order to obtain the desired ending of the play?
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