Importance of Being Earnest Authoritative Text, Backgrounds, Criticism

In Ernest, Wilde's humorous and delightfully cynical (or if you prefer, cynically delightful!) perceptions of English conventions and late Victorian culture truly shine. He relays with ease witty observations about the social pretensions of that period regarding matters like civility, sex, marriage, art, language, vice, gender roles, and truth. While reading Ernest, I laughed just as often as I...more

In Ernest, Wilde's humorous and delightfully cynical (or if you prefer, cynically delightful!) perceptions of English conventions and late Victorian culture truly shine. He relays with ease witty observations about the social pretensions of that period regarding matters like civility, sex, marriage, art, language, vice, gender roles, and truth. While reading Ernest, I laughed just as often as I exclaimed "A-HA!" The Importance of Being Ernest is exactly what every great comedy should be: smart, entertaining, progressive, funny, and believable.   hide