WeRead Powered by ReaderPub
The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People cover

The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People

Chapter 1: The Importance of Being Earnest
By Oscar Wilde
Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

British LiteraturePlays/Films/Dramas

About This Book

The play follows two witty young gentlemen who invent alter egos to escape social obligations, producing romantic pursuits, mistaken identities, and farcical misunderstandings. Their deceptions complicate courtships with two young women and draw intervention from a domineering relative, while a governess and a clergyman become entangled in revelations that resolve family secrets. Through sharp epigrams and ironic situations the work satirizes social conventions, especially attitudes toward marriage, respectability, and personal identity. A blend of light absurdity and pointed critique sustains brisk comedic momentum across three acts.

The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People

This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.

Title: The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People

Author: Oscar Wilde

Release date: March 1, 1997 [eBook #844]
Most recently updated: November 10, 2025

Language: English

Credits: David Price

*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST: A TRIVIAL COMEDY FOR SERIOUS PEOPLE ***

The Importance of Being Earnest

A Trivial Comedy for Serious People

THE PERSONS IN THE PLAY

John Worthing, J.P.
Algernon Moncrieff
Rev. Canon Chasuble, D.D.
Merriman, Butler
Lane, Manservant
Lady Bracknell
Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax
Cecily Cardew
Miss Prism, Governess

THE SCENES OF THE PLAY

ACT I. Algernon Moncrieff’s Flat in Half-Moon Street, W.

ACT II. The Garden at the Manor House, Woolton.

ACT III. Drawing-Room at the Manor House, Woolton.

TIME: The Present.

LONDON: ST. JAMES’S THEATRE

Lessee and Manager: Mr. George Alexander

February 14th, 1895

* * * * *

John Worthing, J.P.: Mr. George Alexander.
Algernon Moncrieff: Mr. Allen Aynesworth.
Rev. Canon Chasuble, D.D.: Mr. H. H. Vincent.
Merriman: Mr. Frank Dyall.
Lane: Mr. F. Kinsey Peile.
Lady Bracknell: Miss Rose Leclercq.
Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax: Miss Irene Vanbrugh.
Cecily Cardew: Miss Evelyn Millard.
Miss Prism: Mrs. George Canninge.