70 pages 2 hours read

Oscar Wilde

The Importance of Being Earnest

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1895

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Importance of Being Earnest centers on two young men, Jack and Algernon, whose use of fictitious personas complicate their romantic pursuits with Gwendolen and Cecily, leading to a series of humorous misunderstandings and revelations about identities and social obligations. The play humorously critiques the pretensions and ethics of the British aristocracy.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest has been widely praised for its sharp wit, humorous dialogue, and satirical critique of Victorian society. Critics appreciate Wilde's clever wordplay and engaging characters. However, some feel the play's light-heartedness can overshadow deeper themes. Overall, it's a masterful comedy that continues to entertain.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Importance of Being Earnest?

A reader who enjoys sharp wit, social satire, and clever dialogue will appreciate Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest. This play appeals to fans of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and P. G. Wodehouse's Jeeves series, blending humor with a critique of Victorian society's pretensions.

RecommendedReading Age

14+years

Book Details

Period

Victorian Period

Genre

Play: Comedy / Satire

Education

Drama / Tragedy

Themes

Society: Class

Identity: Sexuality

Topics

Education