Product Overview
The Importance Of Being Earnest: Satirizing Victorian Society
Oscar Wilde's play has been a staple in literature courses for decades. Its wit, humor, and sharp critique of Victorian society make it a valuable text for exploring both literary and cultural themes.
Ordering Books for The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
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Notes About The Literary Touchstone Classics Edition of The Importance of Being Earnest
We think the Literary Touchstone Classic edition of The Importance of Being Earnest is the best for classroom use. These affordable editions of beloved works are designed by former educators with the needs of both teachers and students in mind.
To help students fully understand the classic work they're studying, every Literary Touchstone Classic includes pre-reading notes that cite important aspects of the text that students should examine and question while reading. Each book also contains an extensive vocabulary list and a glossary that explains unfamiliar allusions and challenging passages.
If you're looking for books that will last for years, Literary Touchstone Classics fit the bill. Sturdy bindings and high-quality paper ensure they'll hold up to repeated use, and they're made in the U.S.A.
Other Editions
If you need to add onto a class set of a different edition or simply prefer another edition, contact us with the ISBN or edition information, and we'll check the availability for you.
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About the Play The Importance of Being Earnest |
Wilde's play follows the lives of two young men, Algernon Moncrieff and Jack Worthing. Both men lead double lives to escape social obligations. Jack, known as "Ernest" in the city, seeks the hand of Gwendolen Fairfax, while Algernon, masquerading as Jack’s fictitious brother "Ernest," pursues Jack’s ward, Cecily Cardew. The plot thickens with mistaken identities, secret engagements, and the revelation of Jack's true lineage. The play's clever dialogue and improbable situations keep audiences entertained and provide rich material for classroom discussions. Wilde's use of epigrams—witty, concise statements—adds a layer of humor and insight. Analyzing these can help students appreciate Wilde's linguistic prowess and the deeper truths behind his humor. Irony and paradox are prominent in Wilde’s writing. Identifying and discussing these elements can enhance students' comprehension of the play's underlying messages and its critique of society. Wilde employs symbolism and imagery to great effect. Analyzing symbols like the handbag or the diary can deepen students' understanding of the play's themes and character motivations.
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Themes in the play The Importance of Being Earnest |
Satire and Critique of Victorian Society: Wilde's sharp critique of Victorian norms is evident throughout the play. He satirizes the superficiality of social conventions, particularly through characters like Lady Bracknell, who embodies the era's rigid class structure. This theme offers a gateway to discussions on societal expectations and their relevance today. The Nature of Identity: The concept of identity is central to the play. Characters adopt different personas to escape societal constraints, raising questions about the authenticity and fluidity of identity. Exploring this theme can lead to meaningful conversations about self-perception and societal roles. The Role of Marriage: Marriage is a recurring motif in the play, portrayed both as a social contract and a personal endeavor. Wilde’s treatment of marriage—often humorous and cynical—invites students to examine the institution's significance and evolution over time.
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Activity Ideas for the play The Importance of Being Earnest |
Guided Questions: Prepare guided questions to facilitate in-depth discussions. Questions like "What does Wilde suggest about the nature of identity?" or "How does the play critique societal norms?" can spark thoughtful dialogue. Group Activities: Organize group activities where students can collaborate to analyze scenes or themes. Have the groups each perform the scenes they have analyzed. Group work can foster a sense of community and enhance learning through shared insights. Essays and Research Papers: Assign essays or research papers on themes, characters, or historical context. Written assignments can deepen understanding and provide opportunities for critical analysis. Creative Projects: Encourage creative projects like designing a modern adaptation or creating visual art inspired by the play. Creative projects can make the material more engaging and accessible.
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