CliffsNotes on The Importance of Being Earnest

by Van Kirk, Susan

• ISBN13: 9780764544613
• ISBN10: 0764544616
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-12-29
• Publisher: Cliffs Notes

Summary

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.

Author Biography

Susan Van Kirk has taught high school English in Monmouth, Illinois, for 30 years.

Table of Contents

Life and Background of the Playwright.

Wilde’s Early Years.

Education, Travel, and Celebrity.

Marriage and Commercial Success.

A Playwright with a Secret Life.

Disaster and Ruin.

Wilde’s Last Years.

Introduction to the Play.

Introduction.

Brief Synopsis.

List of Characters.

Character Map.

Critical Commentaries.

Act I—Part 1.

Act I—Part 2.

Act II—Part 1.

Act II—Part 2.

Act III.

Character Analyses.

John (Jack) Worthing.

Algernon (Algy) Moncrieff.

Lady Augusta Bracknell.

Gwendolen Fairfax & Cecily Cardew.

Rev. Chasuble & Miss Prism.

Critical Essays.

Duty and Respectability.

The Absence of Compassion.

Religion.

Popular Culture.

Secret Lives.

Passion and Morality.

Courtship and Marriage.

Perpetuating the Upper Class.

Class Conflict.

CliffsNotes Review.

CliffsNotes Resource Center.

Index.