CliffsNotes on Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest

by Susan Van Kirk

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer a look into critical elements and ideas within classic works of literature. The latest generation of titles in this series also feature glossaries and visual elements that complement the classic, familiar format.

CliffsNotes on The Importance of Being Earnest offers a concise look at this Victorian farce, which tweaks the complacency and aristocratic attitudes prevalent among the wealthy upper class of the time. Hidden identities, fierce repartee, underlying passions, and surprises punctuate this lively play.

This study guide shows, through its expert commentaries, just how three sets of lovers clear up mishap and misunderstandings and end up happily ever after. Other features that help you figure out this survey of Victorian social issues include

A close look at the author's life, which itself was rife with scandal and ruin Summaries and commentaries, act by act Descriptive character analyses A character map that reveal key relationships Critical essays on Victorian views on compassion, religion, marriage, and more A review section that tests your knowledge, and suggested essay topics

Classic literature or modern-day treasure — you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

74 pages, Paperback

First published January 16, 2004

About the author

Susan Van Kirk's book, Death in a Ghostly Hue, has been nominated for a 2025 Anthony Award for Best Paranormal Mystery.


Susan Van Kirk was born in Galesburg, Illinois, and educated at Knox College (BA) and University of Illinois (M.Ed). She taught for thirty-four years at Monmouth High School in Monmouth, Illinois,(1968-2002), and an additional ten years at Monmouth College (2002-2012.)

She wrote a memoir of her teaching life in "The Education of a Teacher (Including Dirty Books and Pointed Looks)," published 2010.

Her Endurance Mysteries include "Three May Keep a Secret," "Marry in Haste," "The Locket: From the Casebook of TJ Sweeney," "Death Takes No Bribes," and "The Witch's Child." Harlequin Worldwide Mystery has republished this series.

"A Death at Tippitt Pond" is a standalone cozy mystery.

The Art Center Mysteries, published by Level Best Books include "Death in a Pale Hue," "Death in a Bygone Hue," and "Death in a Ghostly Hue" (July 2024.)

She divides her time between her home in Monmouth, Illinois, and Phoenix, Arizona, where her children and grandchildren live.