Smarr Publishers
English
for
Classical Studies
A Student’s Companion to
The Importance
of Being Earnest
by Abigail E. Schoolfield
Copyright © Watson Educational Services, Inc., 2006
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Importance
BeingEarnest
Earnest //
The The
Importance
of of
Being
Introduction to The Importance of Being Earnest
O
SCAR WILDE’S actual name at birth was Oscar Fingall
O’Flahertie Wills Wilde—a mouthful by any standard.
Wilde wrote several poems, the most famous being “The Ballad
of Reading Gaol,” many plays, but only one novel, The Picture
of Dorian Gray.
The play that you will be reading, The Importance of Being
Earnest, has received mixed reviews. George Bernard Shaw
stated that the play “amused me, of course; but unless comedy
touches me as well as amuses me, it leaves me with a sense of
having wasted my evening.” However, the play is arguably not a
comedy, but a farce. If this is so, then a farce is not supposed to
“touch” us. The whole idea of the farce is supposed to be absurd
in that the silliness in the play must seem to impact the
characters in a serious way. In fact, life is viewed as very trivial.
When asked what philosophy the play espoused, Wilde expressed, “we should treat all the
trivial things of life seriously, and all the serious things of life with sincere and studied
triviality.”
The central male characters are bent upon flouting social mores, but the best that we can say
about Jack and Algernon is that the one is guilty of laziness and other of gluttony. Yet lying
seems to be the primary structure of the play. Jack creates a fictional brother who is an outcast
so that he can go to the city from time to time. As for Algernon, he has an imaginative fellow
who is called Bunbury, a poor invalid. In addition to these lies, Jack masquerades as Ernest in
Act I and Algernon becomes Ernest in Act II. But because of these lies, Jack discovers his true
self.
In spite of the façade of wanting to revel in pleasure and wickedness, both men truly desire to
find wives. The absurdity is increased when we learn that both Gwendolen and Cecily have
rather imaginative diaries. Both of these women want husbands, but under the condition that the
man they will marry must have the name of Ernest. Gwendolen believes that the name Ernest
represents stability and security, while Cecily associates the name with Jack’s misfit “brother.”
The Importance of Being Earnest is unique not only as making fun of society, but arguably of
drama during Wilde’s lifetime as well.
ROBERT W. WATSON
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The Importance of Being Earnest
Lesson One
1.1 Vocabulary
forte n.
vulgar adj.
conduce v.
tedious adj.
1.2 Vocabulary Exercise: Circle the word that does not belong with the other words in the
same line.
1. forte
skill
aptitude
stockade
2. vulgar
common
stylish
boorish
3. conduce
contribute
leads
charge
4. tedious
adroit
tiresome
boring
1.3 Reading Assignment: The Importance of Being Earnest, pp. 1-8
1.4 Recall Questions
1. When he tells Algernon that he was once married, how does Lane say it happened?
2. When Jack comes to see Algernon, where does he say he has been?
3. What does Jack say one does in the city and in the country?
4. For whom is Algernon preparing sandwiches?
5. Why does Algernon believe his aunt will not approve of Jack’s being at his house?
6. Why has Jack come to town from the country?
7. What token of Jack’s does Algernon have that reveals the existence of Cecily?
8. Who does Jack say Cecily is?
9. What does Cecily call Jack in the cigarette case and how does that let Algernon know Jack
is lying?
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10. Why is Jack called “Ernest” in the city and “Jack” in the country?
11. Whom does Jack admit Cecily really is?
12. What is the name of Algernon’s fictional invalid friend?
13. What reasons does Algernon give for wanting to dine with Jack instead of his aunt?
14. What does Algernon make Jack promise him in return for giving Jack time alone with
Gwendolen?
1.5 Critical Thinking
 Are Jack and Algernon contented with their lives? Why or why not?
 Explain how deceptions are important at the beginning of this play.
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The Importance of Being Earnest
Lesson Two
2.1 Vocabulary
expurgation n.
metaphysical adj.
recumbent adj.
profligate adj.
2.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. By noontime, the workers in the hot fields were thankful for a respite by assuming a
_____________________ position under the nearest tree.
2. The explanation for why Candi was late to class was so ____________________ that the
teacher was uncertain what the tardy student meant.
3. John’s grandfather worked for the government censurers during World War II; Mr. Marshall
directed the _________________ of offensive material from books before publication.
4. My ____________________ brother wasted his inheritance by betting at the race track.
2.3 Reading Assignment: The Importance of Being Earnest, pp. 8-19
2.4 Recall Questions
1. What reason does Algernon give Lady Bracknell for not being able to dine with her?
2. What is it about Jack that Gwendolen says she loves?
3. When Jack proposes to Gwendolen, what is her answer?
4. Lady Bracknell wants to ask Jack some questions to see if she approves of him. How old is
Jack?
5. When she asks him if he knows everything or nothing, what is his answer?
6. Where are Jack’s parents?
7. Who found Jack, and how did he get his last name?
8. Where was Jack found?
9. How does Lady Bracknell feel about Jack’s background, and what does she advise him to
do?
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10. What does Jack decide to do with his imaginary brother?
11. Why does Jack not want Algernon to meet Cecily?
12. Gwendolen returns to tell Jack what?
13. When will Jack return to the country?
14. What do Jack and Gwendolen plan to do when Jack leaves?
2.5 Critical Thinking
 Explain how Lady Bracknell represents a false value system that stresses mere form and an
appearance of correctness over substance.
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The Importance of Being Earnest
Lesson Three
3.1 Vocabulary
vacillate v.
quixotic adj.
canonical adj.
portmanteau n.
3.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. My biggest fault is my ___________________ disposition; I can never make of my mind
about anything.
2. While traveling in Europe, I prefer one large _________________ rather than several
smaller suitcases, because I change trains often.
3. In that the Bible is authoritative, the commandments and teachings are not optional, but are
_____________________.
4. Paul has the _________________ idea about providing a home for homeless cats; he said
that he would accept cats from around the world.
3.3 Reading Assignment: The Importance of Being Earnest, pp. 21-30
3.4 Recall Questions
1. What language is Cecily studying that she dislikes so much?
2. Why does Cecily want Jack’s brother, Ernest, to come visit?
3. Why does Cecily prefer a diary to her memory for recording her secrets?
4. Why was Miss Prism’s novel never published?
5. After Miss Prism and Dr. Chasuble go for a walk, who arrives saying he is Jack’s brother?
6. Why does Algernon say he must go back to town on Monday?
7. Where does Cecily tell Algernon that Jack wants to send him?
8. Why does Jack return to the country early wearing mourning clothes?
9. What does Jack ask Dr. Chasuble to do for him later that day?
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10. When Cecily announces that Jack’s brother is there, Jack is so furious that he refuses to
shake Algernon’s hand at first. Why does he change his mind?
11. When Algernon and Jack are left alone, Algernon informs Jack that he is staying there for
how long?
12. What, according to Jack, is calling Algernon back to town?
13. What does Jack promise Algernon in order to get him to leave?
3.5 Critical Thinking
 In today’s reading, what things are trivial that seem to be of a great importance to the
different characters?
 In your opinion, do people make trivial matters to become controlling in their lives? How?
 What are some important matters in life that people tend to trivialize?
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The Importance of Being Earnest
Lesson Four
4.1 Vocabulary
equanimity n.
aristocratic adj.
impetuous adj.
machination n.
4.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. Paula puts on such _________________ airs whenever she speaks about her relatives who
live in London, even though she would not know a nobleman from a commoner.
2. I marveled at the ___________________ of Jamie who continued reading her book right
through the earthquake.
3. The four boys’ ___________________ to take the city’s statute was discovered by Miss
Read, the teacher.
4. Teresa is __________________ almost to a fault whenever she is asked to drive the car; but
she is less passionate when asked to do the dishes.
4.3 Reading Assignment: The Importance of Being Earnest, pp. 31-42
4.4 Recall Questions
1. When Algernon proposes to Cecily, she tells him they have been engaged for the last three
months. How did they become engaged?
2. Why did Cecily temporarily break off their engagement?
3. What is it about Algernon that Cecily says makes her love him?
4. Where does Algernon go when he leaves Cecily?
5. Who arrives for a visit during Algernon’s absence?
6. When Gwendolen finds out that Cecily is Ernest Worthing’s ward, how does she react and
what does she admit she wishes Cecily was like?
7. What proof do the two ladies give each other of their respective engagements to Ernest
Worthing?
8. Why does Cecily give Gwendolen the opposite of what she asks for at tea?
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9. When Jack and Algernon return, Jack is forced to explain the truth to Cecily and
Gwendolen. How do they react?
10. When the ladies leave, Jack wants Algernon to leave. What appointment must Algernon
stay for and at what time is the appointment?
11. Why does Jack believe it is more important for him to be christened than Algernon?
12. Why does Algernon disagree?
4.5 Critical Thinking
 Explain how Cecily and Gwendolen trivialize marriage and social graces.
 Discuss whether Gwendolen is a more believable character than Cecily.
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The Importance of Being Earnest
Lesson Five
5.1 Vocabulary
effrontery n.
mercenary adj.
celibacy n.
perambulator n.
5.2 Vocabulary Exercise: Circle the word that does not belong with the other words in the
same line.
1. effrontery
forwardness
squalid
brashness
2. mercenary
cheap
bribable
buyable
3. celibacy
chastity
continence
alacrity
4. perambulator
stroller
carriage
escalator
5.3 Reading Assignment: The Importance of Being Earnest, pp. 43-54
5.4 Recall Questions
1. What reasons do Jack and Algernon give for lying to Cecily and Gwendolen?
2. What finally makes Cecily and Gwendolen forgive them?
3. Who arrives just as the couples are being reconciled?
4. What does Algernon tell Lady Bracknell has happened to Bunbury?
5. How does Lady Bracknell feel about Cecily and her engagement to Algernon when she
hears about Cecily’s background and income?
6. What reason does Jack give Lady Bracknell for refusing his consent to Cecily’s
engagement?
7. How old does Cecily have to be before she legally comes of age?
8. What does Jack tell Lady Bracknell she must do before he consents?
9. When Dr. Chasuble arrives, who does he say has been waiting to see him?
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10. When Miss Prism arrives, Lady Bracknell demands to know what happened to a baby that
Miss Prism had been keeping and lost years ago. What story does Miss Prism tell?
11. It is finally found out how Miss Prism lost her novel that she earlier spoke of writing. How
did she lose it?
12. Jack finally figures out how he was lost as a baby, and Lady Bracknell explains his
background to him. Who is his mother? Who is his brother?
13. How does Jack find out the name of his father?
14. What does Jack’s real full name turn out to be?
5.5 Critical Thinking
 Which of the two marriages will be more successful? Why?
 What do the minor characters, Rev. Chasuble and Miss Prism, provide for the play?
 The theme of death is referred to in the play. Is death trivialized in the play? Why or why
not?
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Glossary for The Importance of Being Earnest
aristocratic (…-r¹s“t…-kr²t”ik) adj. Relating to a member of a ruling class or of the nobility;
having the tastes, the manners, or other characteristics of the aristocracy
canonical (k…-n¼n“¹-k…l) adj. Of, relating to, or required by canon law; of or appearing in the
biblical canon; conforming to orthodox rules, as of procedure
celibacy (sμl“…-b…-s¶) n. Abstinence from marriage especially by reason of religious vows; the
condition of being unmarried
conduce (k…n-d›s“) v. To contribute or lead to a specific result
effrontery (¹-fr¾n“t…-r¶) n. Brazen boldness; presumptuousness
equanimity (¶”kw…-n¹m“¹-t¶) n. The quality of being calm and even-tempered; composure
expurgation (μk“sp…r-g³”sh…n) n. The removal of erroneous, vulgar, obscene, or otherwise
objectionable material before publication
forte (fôrt or fôr“t³”) n. Something in which a person excels
impetuous (¹m-pμch“›-…s) adj. Characterized by sudden and forceful energy or emotion;
impulsive and passionate; having or marked by violent force
machination (m²k”…-n³“sh…n) n. The act of plotting; a crafty scheme or cunning design for the
accomplishment of a sinister end
mercenary (mûr“s…-nμr”¶) adj. Motivated solely by a desire for monetary or material gain; hired
for service in a foreign army
metaphysical (mμt”…-f¹z“¹-k…l) adj. Based on speculative or abstract reasoning; highly abstract or
theoretical; abstruse; immaterial; incorporeal
perambulator (p…-r²m“by…-l³”t…r) n. A baby carriage
portmanteau pôrt-m²n“t½) n. A large leather suitcase that opens into two hinged compartments
profligate (pr¼f“l¹-g¹t) adj. Given over to dissipation; dissolute; recklessly wasteful; wildly
extravagant
quixotic (kw¹k-s¼t“¹k) adj. Caught up in the romance of noble deeds and the pursuit of
unreachable goals; idealistic without regard to practicality; capricious; impulsive
recumbent (r¹-k¾m“b…nt) adj. Lying down, especially in a position of comfort or rest; reclining;
resting; idle
tedious (t¶“d¶-…s) adj. Tiresome by reason of length, slowness, or dullness; boring
vacillate (v²s“…-l³t”) v. To sway from one side to the other; oscillate; to swing indecisively from
one course of action or opinion to another
vulgar (v¾l“g…r) adj. Of or associated with the great masses of people; common; spoken by or
expressed in language spoken by the common people; vernacular; deficient in taste,
delicacy, or refinement
The Importance of Being Earnest
Vocabulary Quiz
Instructions: Match the word with its definition.
A. aristocratic
D. celibacy
G. expurgations
J. mercenary
M. profligate
P. vacillating
B. canonical
E. effrontery
H. impetuous
K. metaphysical
N. recumbent
1. _____ wavering, unsteady
2. _____ acting suddenly or rashly
3. _____ evil schemes; evil plots
4. _____ elite; superior in class; exclusive
5. _____ authorized, recognized; accepted
6. _____ purging or cleansing
7. _____ lying down; reclining, idle
8. _____ even-tempered; calm, composed
9. _____ impudent boldness; shameless audacity
10. _____ able to hold a lot; roomy; spacious
11. _____ a type of suitcase; clothing case for travel
12. _____ recklessly extravagant; shamelessly immoral
13. _____ abstract; beyond the physical
14. _____ excessively romantic; chivalrous
15. _____ working for gain; hired as a soldier
16. _____ unmarried; a vow not to marry
C. capacious
F. equanimity
I. machinations
L. portmanteaus
O. quixotic
Answer Keys to The Importance of Being Earnest
Vocabuary Exercise, Lesson 1
1. stockade
2. stylish
3. charge
4. adroit
Lesson 1
1. He says it happened as a result of a misunderstanding.
2. In the country.
3. In the city one amuses himself; in the country one amuses others.
4. His Aunt Augusta and cousin Gwendolen
5. Because of his flirtation with Gwendolen
6. To propose to Gwendolen
7. His cigarette case
8. His aunt
9. She calls him Uncle Jack; an aunt would not call her nephew uncle
10. In order to get to town from the country, he invented a brother named Earnest
11. A girl who was put in his charge when her father died
12. Bunbury
13. Because he dined with his aunt on Monday, he is sent down with either no ladies or two,
and he would be seated beside Mary Farquhar
14. He make him promise to let him dine with him
Vocabuary Exercise, Lesson 2
1. recumbent
2. metaphysical
3. expurgation
4. proflgate
Lesson 2
1. His friend, Bunbury, is sick
2. The name he uses, Earnest
3. Yest
4. Twenty-nine
5. He knows nothing
6. His parents are dead
7. Mr. Thomas Cardew found him; he had a train ticket for Worthing, so he made it Jack’s
name
8. In a handbag at a train station
9. She does not think he has a position in society, and advises him to acquire some relations
soon
10. He decides to say he died
11. Because he feels she is too young and pretty for Algernon
1
12. She is afraid they will never be married
13. On Monday
14. To communicate daily
Vocabuary Exercise, Lesson 3
1. vacillating
2. portmanteau
3. canonical
4. quixotic
Lesson 3
1. German
2. She thinks that she and Miss Prism could have a good influence on him
3. Because she says memory holds only things that have never happened
4. Because she lost the manuscript
5. Algernon
6. He says he has a business appointment
7. To Australia
8. He says his brother has died
9. To christen him
10. Cecily tells him she will never forgive him if he refuses
11. For a week
12. His duty as a gentleman
13. He promises to change his mourning clothes
Vocabuary Exercise, Lesson 4
1. aristocratic
2. equanimity
3. machination
4. impetuous
Lesson 4
1. They were engaged in Cecily’s imagination
2. Cecily felt that it was necessary to make the engagement serious
3. His assumed name, Earnest
4. To see Dr. Chasuble
5. Gwendolen
6. She wishes she was 42 and plain
7. They show their diary entries
8. To be spiteful because of the mutual jealousy over Earnest
9. They are surprised and they go into the house to get away from Jack
10. His christening at a quarter to six
11. Because he has not yet been christened and Algernoon has.
12. He says he has experience being christened, but Jack does not and being christened might
make him ill.
2
Vocabuary Exercise, Lesson 5
1. squalid
2. cheap
3. alacrity
4. escalator
Lesson 5
1. Algernon says he wanted to meet Cecily; Jack says he wanted to see Gwendolen often
2. They are touched by the gentlemen’s willingness to be christened for their sakes
3. Lady Bracknell
4. He is dead
5. She approves
6. He does not approve of Algernon’s character
7. Thirty-five
8. She must consent to his marriage to Gwendolen
9. Miss Prism
10. Miss Prism was keeping a baby. She accidentally put the baby in her handbag and her novel
in the bassinette
11. She lost it in the mix-up with the baby who was left at the station in a handbag
12. His mother is Lady Braknell’s sister, his brother is Algernon
13. He looks on the army lists
14. Earnest John Moncrieff
The Importance of Being Earnest
1. P
2. H
3. I
4. A
5. B
6. G
7. N
8. F
9. E
10. C
11. L
12. M
13. K
14. O
15. J
16. D
3
4