Reading: The Importance of Being Earnest, Act II

Vocabulary in Context
Activity 4 – Vocabulary Work. Match each word with its definition.

1. ( G ) ardous A n. a person who dislikes humankind

and avoids human society
2. ( H ) equanimity B n. a trap for catching birds or
animals; a thing likely to lure or
tempt someone into harm
3. ( F ) debonnaire/debonair C n. a new word, meaning, usage, or
phrase; the introduction or use of
new words or new senses of
existing words.
4. ( I ) impetuous D n. mental calmness or stability esp.
in a difficult situation
5. ( A ) misanthrope E v. to be indecisive; to waver
between different opinions or
actions
6. ( E ) neologism F adj. courteous, gracious, and having
a sophisticated charm
7. ( K ) quixotic G n. difficult and tiring
8. ( B ) snare H adj. exceedingly idealistic;
impractical and unrealistic
9. ( J ) utilitarian I adj. acting or done quickly without
thought or care; rash; impulsive
10. ( E ) vacillate J speak candidly without avoiding
unpleasant or embarrassing issues
11. ( C ) call a spade a spade K adj. designed to be useful or
practical rather than attractive
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Reading Comprehension Activity

Activity 5 – Close read. While you read Act II, answer the following questions. Cite
textual evidence to support your answers.
1. What does Cecily tell her governess, Miss Prism, that she wishes Jack would
allow?
 Cecily wishes that Jack would allow his younger brother, Ernest, to come down
to Hertfordshire.
Evidence:
 "I wish Uncle Jack would allow that unfortunate young man, his brother, to
come down here sometimes."

2. Miss Prism goes on a walk with (whom?), leaving Cecily alone.

 Miss Prism goes on a walk with Dr. Chasuble, leaving Cecily alone.
Evidence:
 "[Miss Prism] goes down the garden with Dr. Chasuble."

3. Upon his return to Hertfordshire, whose death does Jack announce to Miss
Prism and Dr. Chasuble?
 Jack announces the death of his brother, Ernest, to Miss Prism and Dr. Chasuble.
Evidence:
 "My brother."
 "Dead!"

4. What arrangement does Jack make with Dr. Chasuble after announcing Ernest's
death?
 Jack arranges for Dr. Chasuble to christen him, as he has not been christened
yet.
Evidence:
 "I would like to be christened myself, this afternoon, if you have nothing better
to do."
 5. Who does Algernon pretend to be when he visits Cecily at Hertfordshire?
 Algernon pretends to be Jack's younger brother, Ernest.
Evidence:
 "You are my little cousin Cecily, I’m sure."
 "But I am your cousin Cecily. You, I see from your card, are Uncle Jack’s brother,
my cousin Ernest, my wicked cousin Ernest."

6. What prevents Jack from revealing Algernon's assumed identity to Cecily?

Jack is initially prevented from revealing Algernon's assumed identity by the presence
of Cecily, who is excited about the prospect of being engaged to someone named
Ernest.

7. What response does Cecily give Algernon when he proposes marriage?

Cecily responds positively to Algernon's proposal. She says, "Oh yes, it will be exactly
three months on Thursday."

8. What about the name "Ernest" attracts Cecily to Algernon, just as it attracts
Gwendolen to Jack?
Cecily mentions her attraction to the name "Ernest" when she says, "It had always
been a girlish dream of mine to love someone whose name was Ernest." This echoes
the theme introduced earlier, where Gwendolen declares her preference for the name
"Ernest" and insists on marrying a man with that name.

9. How does Cecily first identify herself to Gwendolen at the Manor House?
Cecily identifies herself as "Cecily Cardew" when she says, "Pray let me introduce
myself to you. My name is Cecily Cardew."

10. What do Cecily and Gwendolen do upon learning from Jack that "Ernest" is a
fiction?
Initially, both Cecily and Gwendolen are upset and angry upon learning that "Ernest" is
a fictional character. However, their attitudes change when they discover that both
men are, in fact, named Algernon and Jack. The situation becomes more complex and
humorous as the truth unfolds.

Themes
Duty and Responsibility
The Victorians valued duty and respectability above all else. Earnestness (a determined
desire to do the correct thing) was at the top of the code of conduct. Appearance was
everything, and style was much more important than substance. So, while a person
could lead a secret life, carry on affairs within marriage or have children out of wedlock,
society would look the other way as long as proper appearances were maintained.
Wilde questions whether the more important or serious issues of the Victorian Era are
overlooked in favor of more trivial concerns about appearance.
Courtship and Marriage
Wilde felt these Victorian Values were perpetuated through courtship and marriage,
both of which had their own rules and rituals. Marriage was a careful selection process.
When Lady Bracknell pummels Jack with questions about parents, politics, fortune,
addresses and the like, his answers must be appropriate for a legal union between two
families to be approved. Marriage is presented as a legal contract between consenting
families of similar fortunes; love and happiness have little to do with it.
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Activity 6 – Themes. There are even more themes in The Importance of Being Earnest.
Think about the themes that are considered important in the novel, select two, and
express each one using the following phrases:
“The Importance of being Earnest tells us that . . . We know this because . . .”
Complete the phrases by giving specific reasons. Present the statements of the theme
to the class in Forum 1 on Moodle. Consider the presentation about Themes available in
the platform for your own responses.

The Importance of being Earnest tells us that the theme of social identity and class
distinctions is crucial in shaping the characters' lives. We know this because the entire
plot revolves around the characters' efforts to maintain or manipulate their social
status. The use of fictitious identities, like Ernest, reflects the societal expectations and
pressures placed on individuals based on their class. The characters' pursuit of love and
marriage is intricately tied to their perceived social standing, creating a humorous
commentary on the rigid social norms of the time.
The Importance of being Earnest tells us that the theme of marriage and romance is a
satirical exploration of societal expectations. We know this because the characters'
obsession with the name 'Ernest' as a prerequisite for love satirizes the superficiality
and absurdity often associated with romantic ideals. The play mocks the seriousness
with which marriage is often approached and highlights the trivial reasons people use
to justify their romantic pursuits. Through witty dialogue and farcical situations, Wilde
critiques the conventional views on love and matrimony, offering a humorous
commentary on Victorian society's preoccupation with marriage as a social institution.