Illustration of Jack Worthing in a top hat and formal attire, and a concerned expression on his face

The Importance of Being Earnest

by Oscar Wilde

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The Importance of Being Earnest Questions on Act 2

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The Importance of Being Earnest

In Act 2 of The Importance of Being Earnest, irony is the predominant literary device, contributing significantly to the humor. Verbal irony is evident when Cecily describes her diary as "meant for...

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The Importance of Being Earnest

In Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, religion is satirized as a superficial social convention rather than a sincere practice. The character of Reverend Chasuble, who recycles sermons for...

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The Importance of Being Earnest

Chasuble refers to Miss Prism as "Egeria" in a flirtatious manner, drawing on two connections. Egeria, like Laetitia (Prism's first name), is a Roman goddess, serving as an adviser and lover, which...

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The Importance of Being Earnest

In Act II of The Importance of Being Earnest, social expectations and the opposition between town and country are highlighted through the characters' behaviors and attitudes. The town represents...

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The Importance of Being Earnest

One favorite scene is in Act 2, where Cecily, Miss Prism, and Dr. Chasuble engage in humorous dialogue full of contradictions and euphemisms. Cecily manipulates Miss Prism and Dr. Chasuble’s...

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The Importance of Being Earnest

The tea ceremony is a Japanese tradition, not a British one. Although the British upper classes in the Victorian period typically had "afternoon tea", a light meal served in the late afternoon...

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The Importance of Being Earnest

Act II of The Importance of Being Earnest starts with Cecily and Miss Prism to introduce Cecily in her natural environment, paralleling Gwendolyn’s introduction in Act I. Cecily differs from other...

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The Importance of Being Earnest

Entrances and exits in "The Importance of Being Earnest" enhance the drama and comedy by structuring dialogues and emphasizing themes. Wilde uses dramatic exits to conclude discussions, such as Lady...

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The Importance of Being Earnest

The question – what causes the dynamic between Cecily and Gwendolen to change – probably refers to the scene in the Second Act when the two women begin to figure out that the situations involving...

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