From the Bookshelf of Reading the Classics…

The Importance of Being Earnest

Oscar Wilde

Start date: March 5, 2015

Finish date: March 31, 2015

Discussion: Past Group Reads

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* Washington Square - Reading Schedule
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last updated May 08, 2021 11:27AM

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Apr 16, 2013 Henry Avila rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Algernon (Algy) Moncrieff, is being visited, by his enigmatic friend, Ernest Worthing, that is "Ernest" in town and Jack (John), in the country. It's a long story, but we have time, Mr. Worthing, likes to go to town! Get as far as possible, away from his stifling, depressing, responsibilities at home, change his name to Ernest and becomes his younger brother ( who doesn't exist). Do the wrong things, everybody has secrets, still lies in fact, flow like maple syrup on pancakes, from his lips. Tha Algernon (Algy) Moncrieff, is being visited, by his enigmatic friend, Ernest Worthing, that is "Ernest" in town and Jack (John), in the country. It's a long story, but we have time, Mr. Worthing, likes to go to town! Get as far as possible, away from his stifling, depressing, responsibilities at home, change his name to Ernest and becomes his younger brother ( who doesn't exist). Do the wrong things, everybody has secrets, still lies in fact, flow like maple syrup on pancakes, from his lips. That's the charm of this play, finding out the truth, strange but the facts, will eventually make it all right. The constantly broke Algernon, also likes telling a few untruths, he has an imaginary friend, at his age! Bunbury, chiefly used, by Mr. Moncrieff, to get out of going, to see the intimidating Lady Bracknell, his aunt. Friend Bunbury, always becomes gravely ill, just as his presence is needed , at his relative's residence, the good man, goes to see the sick friend, what devotion! There are not many like him, around anymore, but the sick man inevitably recovers, which greatly irritates his Aunt Augusta, wishing that Bunbury, makes up his mind, is he staying or going? Lady Bracknell is very, very, scary, she makes people uncomfortable, the sooner they get out of her sight, the more comfortable they become...Her husband , Lord Bracknell, hides upstairs and is not seen very often, except by his family, most people in London don't know he exists. His wife likes it that way... Today Aunt Augusta, comes to see her nephew, bringing along her quiet daughter, Gwendolen. Ernest/Jack is madly in love with her, she seems not to mind too much, but of course there is a problem. Ernest was found in a railroad station, in a handbag, at the tender age of one, nobody knew where he came from, fortunately for the baby, being adopted by his founder, a very rich, and kindly, old gentleman. Who, when he expired, left him, Ernest, a wealthy man, in his will, 28 years later, complications arise, Mr. Worthing, proposes to Algernon's cousin, she accepts, yet Lady Bracknell seems dubious. He is not on her list, of worthy bachelors, starts asking questions, who are his parents? Tells the great lady , he doesn't have any, she replies, that seems like carelessness, which annoys the not quite earnest, Ernest. Now the unethical Mr. Moncrieff, is eavesdropping, writes down his friend's unknown address, the "shy" man, never told him, and after everyone leaves, he hops on a train and arrives at Worthing's home. Pretends to be Ernest, Jack's never seen evil brother, another pretend surprise, at meeting with Cecily, his friend's beautiful 18- year-old ward, granddaughter of his late benefactor. Love at first sight, she wants to reform the notorious man, he's very willing to become respectable , all is going well, but Jack (this is the country), returns home, you guessed it , also the fearsome, Lady Bracknell and daughter. Trouble, with a capital T, both girls are engaged to a man called Ernest! Which cause hurt feelings and a lot of turmoil, name calling and disagreeable scenes, before the resolution of our play...A witty and amusing story, making fun of the foibles of the upper class , by Oscar Wilde ...who else? ...more

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