Oscar Wilde’s Importance of Being Earnest (TH)

                            

This blog is part of task on Oscar Wilde’s Importance of Being Earnest (TH). Oscar Wilde's" Important Of Being Earnest" topic which was given by professor Miss Megha Trivedi and for the reference of the task detail reading click here. Certainly, here's a unique and intriguing answers so, this blog is through out given under this topics...

1) Wilde originally subtitled The Importance of Being Earnest “A Serious Comedy for Trivial People” but changed that to “A Trivial Comedy for Serious People.” What is the difference between the two subtitles?

2) Which of the female characters is the most attractive to you among Lady Augusta Bracknell, Gwendolen Fairfax, Cecily Cardew, and Miss Prism? Give your reasons for her being the most attractive among all.

3)The play repeatedly mocks Victorian traditions and social customs, marriage, and the pursuit of love in particular. Through which situations and characters is this happening in the play?

4)Queer scholars have argued that the play's themes of duplicity and ambivalence are inextricably bound up with Wilde's homosexuality and that the play exhibits a "flickering presence-absence of… homosexual desire" Do you agree with this observation? Give your arguments to justify your stance.

5)Below are various movie and radio adaptations of this play. Write your critique on various adaptations of this play. 

Refer to this blog - https://blog.dilipbarad.com/2021/01/importance-of-being-earnest-oscar-wilde.html

 * Information About Oscar Wilde:-                       

 

    Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was an Irish poet, playwright, and novelist. He is best known for his epigrams, plays, and the novel The Picture of Dorian Gray. Wilde's writing style is characterized by its wit, elegance, and aphoristic quality. He was a master of the epigram, a short, witty saying that often contains a paradox or reversal. Wilde's plays are known for their sparkling dialogue, social satire, and witty characters. His novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, is a dark and decadent tale of a young man who sells his soul for eternal youth.

Wilde's personal connection with literature was deep and abiding. He was a voracious reader and a gifted writer. He was also a passionate advocate for the arts and for the importance of literature in society. Wilde believed that literature could help us to understand ourselves and the world around us. He wrote that "the highest aim of art is to reveal the beauty of the world, and the use of the novel is to instruct, charm, stimulate, and refine."

#  Wilde's Writing Style:-

Wilde's writing style is characterized by its wit, elegance, and aphoristic quality. He was a master of the epigram, a short, witty saying that often contains a paradox or reversal. For example:

"Only a fool believes that all women are the same."

"The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about."

"A cynic is a man who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing."

Wilde's plays are known for their sparkling dialogue, social satire, and witty characters. For example, in his play The Importance of Being Earnest, the character of Lady Bracknell says:

"To lose one parent, Mr. Worthing, may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness."

Wilde's novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, is a dark and decadent tale of a young man who sells his soul for eternal youth. The novel is written in a lush and evocative style, and it explores themes such as beauty, morality, and the nature of art.

#  Wilde's Genre:-

Wilde wrote in a variety of genres, including poetry, plays, novels, and essays. His most famous works are his plays, such as The Importance of Being Earnest, and his novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray. However, he also wrote a number of poems, essays, and short stories.

Wilde's poetry is known for its beauty, elegance, and wit. His most famous poems include "The Ballad of Reading Gaol" and "Requiescat."

Wilde's essays are often humorous and satirical. He wrote on a variety of topics, including art, literature, and society. His most famous essays include "The Critic as Artist" and "The Soul of Man under Socialism."

Wilde's short stories are often dark and decadent. They explore themes such as sin, temptation, and the nature of evil. His most famous short stories include "The Canterville Ghost" and "Salome."

#  Wilde's Personal Connection with Literature:-

Wilde's personal connection with literature was deep and abiding. He was a voracious reader and a gifted writer. He was also a passionate advocate for the arts and for the importance of literature in society. Wilde believed that literature could help us to understand ourselves and the world around us. He wrote that "the highest aim of art is to reveal the beauty of the world, and the use of the novel is to instruct, to charm, to stimulate, and to refine."

Wilde's love of literature began at a young age. His mother, Jane Wilde, was a poet and writer herself, and she introduced him to the classics at a young age. Wilde attended Trinity College Dublin and Magdalen College Oxford, where he studied classics and literature. He was a brilliant student, and he won numerous awards for his writing.

After graduating from Oxford, Wilde moved to London and began to write professionally. He wrote poems, plays, novels, and essays. He also became a popular lecturer and speaker. Wilde's work was highly acclaimed by critics and the public alike. He was one of the most famous and popular writers of his time.

Wilde's personal connection with literature continued throughout his life. He was a lifelong patron of the arts, and he supported many other writers and artists. He was also a passionate advocate for the importance of literature in education and society. Wilde believed that literature could help us to become better people and to create a better world.

# Here are some examples of Wilde's epigrams:

• "The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about."
• "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken."
• "A cynic is a man who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing."
• "Work is the curse of the drinking class."
• "We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars."

# Here are some examples of Wilde's plays:

• The Importance of Being Earnest
• Lady Windermere's Fan
• A Woman of No Importance
• An Ideal Husband
• Salomé

# Here is an example of Wilde's poetry:

• "The Ballad of Reading Gaol"

# Here is an example of Wilde's short stories:

• "The Canterville Ghost"
• "The Happy Prince"
• "Lord Arthur Savile's Crime"
• "The Sphinx Without a Secret"
• "The Young King"

# Conclusion:-

In summary, Oscar Wilde's enduring literary legacy is defined by his remarkable writing style, marked by wit, elegance, and the mastery of the epigram. His works, including plays like "The Importance of Being Earnest" and the novel "The Picture of Dorian Gray," continue to captivate audiences with their sparkling dialogue and exploration of complex themes.

Wilde's contributions span various genres, showcasing his versatility as a poet, essayist, and author of darkly decadent short stories. His personal connection with literature was profound, rooted in a lifelong love for the arts and a deep belief in the power of literature to enrich and illuminate our understanding of the world.

His memorable epigrams, thought-provoking plays, and beautifully crafted poems stand as a testament to his lasting influence on the world of literature and continue to inspire readers and writers alike.

1) Wilde originally subtitled The Importance of Being Earnest “A Serious Comedy for Trivial People” but changed that to “A Trivial Comedy for Serious People.” What is the difference between the two subtitles?

Ans:-

       The difference between Wilde's original subtitle, "A Serious Comedy for Trivial People," and his revised subtitle, "A Trivial Comedy for Serious People," is subtle but significant.

#  A Serious Comedy for Trivial People:-

This subtitle suggests that the play is a serious work of art that is meant to be enjoyed by people who are only interested in trivial things. It is a satirical commentary on the superficiality of Victorian society, which placed a high value on appearances and social status.

#  A Trivial Comedy for Serious People:-

This subtitle, on the other hand, suggests that the play is a lighthearted comedy that is meant to be enjoyed by people who are serious about life. It is a more playful and ironic commentary on the same issues, and it invites the audience to laugh at themselves and the absurdity of their own society.

In other words, the original subtitle suggests that the play is a serious work that is meant to be enjoyed by trivial people, while the revised subtitle suggests that the play is a trivial work that is meant to be enjoyed by serious people.

This change in subtitle reflects Wilde's own evolving views on art and society. In his early career, he was more interested in writing serious works that would challenge and provoke his audience. However, as he grew older, he became more interested in writing comedies that would entertain and amuse his audience.

The revised subtitle also reflects Wilde's desire to make his play more accessible to a wider audience. He wanted to write a play that could be enjoyed by people of all social classes, and he believed that the revised subtitle would make the play more appealing to people who were not interested in serious art.

Ultimately, the choice of subtitle is up to the individual director or producer. However, Wilde's revised subtitle is generally considered to be more appropriate for the play, as it better reflects its tone and themes.

#  Detailed answer:- 

In addition to the above, here is a more detailed answer for question:

Wilde's original subtitle, "A Serious Comedy for Trivial People," is a paradox. It suggests that the play is a serious work of art, but that it is meant to be enjoyed by people who are only interested in trivial things. This subtitle is a satirical commentary on the superficiality of Victorian society, which placed a high value on appearances and social status.

Wilde's revised subtitle, "A Trivial Comedy for Serious People," is also a paradox, but it is more playful and ironic. It suggests that the play is a lighthearted comedy, but that it is meant to be enjoyed by people who are serious about life. This subtitle invites the audience to laugh at themselves and the absurdity of their own society.

The change in subtitle reflects Wilde's own evolving views on art and society. In his early career, he was more interested in writing serious works that would challenge and provoke his audience. However, as he grew older, he became more interested in writing comedies that would entertain and amuse his audience.

The revised subtitle also reflects Wilde's desire to make his play more accessible to a wider audience. He wanted to write a play that could be enjoyed by people of all social classes, and he believed that the revised subtitle would make the play more appealing to people who were not interested in serious art.

Ultimately, the choice of subtitle is up to the individual director or producer. However, Wilde's revised subtitle is generally considered to be more appropriate for the play, as it better reflects its tone and themes.

#  Why is the revised subtitle more appropriate for the play?

The revised subtitle, "A Trivial Comedy for Serious People," is more appropriate for the play because it better reflects its tone and themes. The play is a lighthearted comedy, but it also contains serious messages about the importance of being true to oneself and the dangers of superficiality.

The revised subtitle also invites the audience to think about the play in a more complex way. It suggests that the play is not just a frivolous comedy, but a work of art that can be enjoyed on multiple levels.

#  Conclusion:-

Wilde's change in subtitle from "A Serious Comedy for Trivial People" to "A Trivial Comedy for Serious People" is a subtle but significant one. It reflects his own evolving views on art and society, as well as his desire to make his play more accessible to a wider audience. The revised subtitle is more appropriate for the play because it better reflects its tone and themes.

2) Which of the female characters is the most attractive to you among Lady Augusta Bracknell, Gwendolen Fairfax, Cecily Cardew, and Miss Prism? Give your reasons for her being the most attractive among all.

Ans:-

       Among the female characters in Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, I find Cecily Cardew to be the most attractive. She is a young, intelligent, and vivacious woman with a strong sense of self-worth. She is also kind, compassionate, and forgiving.

Cecily is clearly the most intelligent of the female characters in the play. She is well-educated and has a deep love of literature. She is also quick-witted and can hold her own in a conversation with anyone. Cecily is also very vivacious and has a zest for life. She enjoys spending time outdoors and being active. She is also a talented musician and singer.

Cecily has a strong sense of self-worth. She knows who she is and what she wants. She is not afraid to stand up for herself or her beliefs.

Cecily is also kind, compassionate, and forgiving. She is always willing to help others, even those who have wronged her. In addition to all of these qualities, Cecily is also physically attractive. She is described as being "exceedingly pretty" and having "lovely eyes."

Here are some specific examples from the play that illustrate Cecily's intelligence, vivacity, sense of self-worth, and kindness:

• Cecily's intelligence is evident in her conversations with Algernon. She is able to keep up with his wit and repartee, and she even outwits him on a few occasions.
• Cecily's vivacity is evident in her love of life and her enjoyment of the outdoors. She is also a talented musician and singer.
• Cecily's sense of self-worth is evident in her refusal to be intimidated by Lady Bracknell. She also stands up for her beliefs, even when they are unconventional.
• Cecily's kindness is evident in her willingness to forgive Algernon for lying to her about his identity. She is also kind to Miss Prism, even though she knows that Miss Prism is her mother.

Overall, I find Cecily Cardew to be the most attractive female character in The Importance of Being Earnest. She is intelligent, vivacious, kind, compassionate, and forgiving. She is also physically attractive.

#  Conclusion:-

In addition to the above, I would like to add that Cecily Cardew is also a feminist icon. She is a strong and independent woman who is not afraid to challenge the status quo. She is also a role model for young women everywhere.

Cecily is also a very funny character. She has a great sense of humor and is always able to see the bright side of life. This makes her even more attractive as a character.

Overall, I believe that Cecily Cardew is the most attractive female character in The Importance of Being Earnest because she is intelligent, vivacious, kind, compassionate, forgiving, physically attractive, a feminist icon, and funny.

3)The play repeatedly mocks Victorian traditions and social customs, marriage, and the pursuit of love in particular. Through which situations and characters is this happening in the play?

Ans:-

       Wilde mocks Victorian traditions and social customs, marriage, and the pursuit of love in particular through a variety of situations and characters in The Importance of Being Earnest.

#  Situations:-

• The play opens with Jack Worthing, a foundling who has been raised by a kind old gentleman, pretending to be named "Ernest" because his guardian wanted him to have a respectable name. This situation mocks the Victorian obsession with social status and respectability.
• Algernon Moncrieff, Jack's best friend, also leads a double life. He pretends to have a sickly friend named "Bunbury" in the country whenever he wants to avoid social obligations. This situation mocks the Victorian emphasis on propriety and etiquette.
• Both Jack and Algernon are in love with women whose names are Gwendolen and Cecily, respectively. However, both women have declared that they will only marry a man named Ernest. This situation mocks the Victorian ideal of romantic love, which was often based on superficial appearances and social status.
• In the end, Jack and Algernon discover that they are both actually named Ernest. This discovery allows them to marry the women they love, but it also undermines the entire premise of the play, which is that social status and respectability are more important than true love.

# Characters:-

• Lady Bracknell, Gwendolen's mother, is a caricature of the Victorian upper class. She is obsessed with social status and respectability, and she is determined to find a suitable husband for her daughter.
• Miss Prism, Cecily's governess, is a parody of the Victorian ideal of the proper and respectable woman. She is a strict and authoritarian figure who believes that young ladies should be kept under close supervision.
• Jack and Algernon are both parodies of the Victorian ideal of the gentleman. They are both charming and witty, but they are also lazy, irresponsible, and self-centered.

Overall, Wilde mocks Victorian traditions and social customs, marriage, and the pursuit of love in particular by creating absurd situations and characters. The play's humor comes from the contrast between the characters' pretensions and their true nature.

Here are some specific examples from the play of Wilde's mockery of Victorian traditions and social customs:

• Lady Bracknell's interview of Jack Worthing is a hilarious satire of the Victorian obsession with social status and respectability. She asks him a series of ridiculous questions, such as whether he owns any landed property and whether his parents were married at the time of his conception.
• Miss Prism's lecture on education is a parody of the Victorian emphasis on propriety and etiquette. She tells Cecily that young ladies should be taught to "refrain from inquiring too closely into the private lives of their friends."
• Jack and Algernon's discussion of love is a witty commentary on the Victorian ideal of romantic love. They agree that love is "a purely physical impulse" and that it is "much better to be loved than to be liked."

* Conclusion:-

Wilde's mockery of Victorian traditions and social customs is still relevant today. He exposes the hypocrisy and absurdity of a society that is more concerned with appearances than with substance. He also challenges the Victorian ideal of romantic love, which was often based on unrealistic expectations and social pressure.

4)Queer scholars have argued that the play's themes of duplicity and ambivalence are inextricably bound up with Wilde's homosexuality and that the play exhibits a "flickering presence-absence of… homosexual desire" Do you agree with this observation? Give your arguments to justify your stance.

Ans:-

        Yes, I agree with the observation that the themes of duplicity and ambivalence in The Importance of Being Earnest are inextricably bound up with Wilde's homosexuality and that the play exhibits a "flickering presence-absence of… homosexual desire."

1)  Duplicity and ambivalence:-

The play is full of characters who lead double lives. Jack Worthing pretends to be named "Ernest" in the city and "Jack" in the country. Algernon Moncrieff pretends to have a sickly friend named "Bunbury" in the country whenever he wants to avoid social obligations. Lady Bracknell pretends to be a respectable member of society, but she is actually a hypocrite and a snob. Miss Prism pretends to be a proper and respectable governess, but she is actually the mother of an illegitimate child.

This duplicity and ambivalence reflects Wilde's own experience as a homosexual man in Victorian England. Homosexuality was illegal at the time, so Wilde had to keep his sexuality a secret. He had to lead a double life, pretending to be heterosexual in public while living his true life in private.

2)  Flickering presence-absence of homosexual desire:-

There are a number of moments in the play that suggest a "flickering presence-absence of… homosexual desire." For example, Jack and Algernon's friendship is extremely close and intimate. They are constantly complimenting each other and expressing their admiration for each other. They also seem to enjoy spending time together more than they do spending time with women.

Another example is the fact that Jack and Algernon are both in love with women named Ernest. This suggests that they may be unconsciously attracted to each other.

Finally, the play's happy ending is somewhat ambiguous. Jack and Algernon are able to marry the women they love, but only because they have discovered that they are both actually named Ernest. This suggests that their marriages may be based on a false premise.

#  Conclusion:-

Overall, I believe that the themes of duplicity and ambivalence in The Importance of Being Earnest are inextricably bound up with Wilde's homosexuality and that the play exhibits a "flickering presence-absence of… homosexual desire." This is evident in the play's characters, situations, and ending.

It is important to note that Wilde's play was written over a century ago, and society has changed a great deal since then. Homosexuality is no longer illegal, and LGBTQ+ people are able to live more openly and authentically. However, Wilde's play remains a powerful and important work of art that continues to resonate with audiences today. It is a play that celebrates the importance of being true to oneself, even in the face of adversity.

5)Below are various movie and radio adaptations of this play. Write your critique on various adaptations of this play. 

Refer to this blog - https://blog.dilipbarad.com/2021/01/importance-of-being-earnest-oscar-wilde.html

Ans:-

As per my choice I choose these adaption and details given below:-

      The Importance of Being Earnest (1952) is a classic British comedy film directed by Anthony Asquith and starring Michael Redgrave, Michael Denison, Edith Evans, Joan Greenwood, Dorothy Tutin, Margaret Rutherford, and Miles Malleson. It is a faithful adaptation of Oscar Wilde's 1895 play of the same name.

The film is set in Victorian England and follows the story of two young gentlemen, Jack Worthing (Redgrave) and Algernon Moncrieff (Denison), who both lead double lives. Jack pretends to be a respectable guardian named "Ernest" in the country, while Algernon pretends to have a sickly friend named "Bunbury" in the country whenever he wants to avoid social obligations.
Both Jack and Algernon fall in love with women whose names are Gwendolen and Cecily, respectively. However, both women have declared that they will only marry a man named Ernest. This leads to a series of comedic complications, as Jack and Algernon try to figure out how to maintain their double lives and win the hearts of the women they love.

#  Critique:-

The 1952 film adaptation of The Importance of Being Earnest is a beautifully made and thoroughly enjoyable film. It captures the wit, charm, and absurdity of Wilde's play perfectly. The cast is superb, and they deliver Wilde's dialogue with great precision and comic timing.
The film's production values are also excellent. The sets and costumes are lavish, and the cinematography is beautiful. Anthony Asquith's direction is stylish and assured, and he never lets the film's pace flag.

One of the film's greatest strengths is its cast. Edith Evans is particularly brilliant as Lady Bracknell, Gwendolen's mother. She is perfectly cast as the snobbish and overbearing matriarch. Margaret Rutherford is also excellent as Miss Prism, Cecily's governess. She brings a great deal of warmth and humor to the role.

Michael Redgrave and Michael Denison are both charming and charismatic as Jack and Algernon, respectively. Joan Greenwood and Dorothy Tutin are also excellent as Gwendolen and Cecily.

Overall, the 1952 film adaptation of The Importance of Being Earnest is a classic and beloved work of cinema. It is a film that can be enjoyed by audiences of all ages, and it is sure to entertain and delight.

Some specific things to note about the film:

• The film is beautifully shot and the sets and costumes are lavish.
• The cast is superb, and they deliver Wilde's dialogue with great precision and comic timing.
• The film is very funny, and it captures the wit and charm of Wilde's play perfectly.
• The film is also quite faithful to the play, and it does not make any major changes to the story or characters.

# Criticisms:-

One of the few criticisms that has been leveled at the 1952 film adaptation of The Importance of Being Earnest is that it is too faithful to the play. Some critics have argued that the film does not take enough advantage of the cinematic medium. For example, the film uses very little editing, and it relies heavily on static shots.

Another criticism is that the film is too British. Some critics have argued that the film's humor and cultural references may not appeal to international audiences.

Overall:-

Overall, the 1952 film adaptation of The Importance of Being Earnest is a classic and beloved work of cinema. It is a beautifully made film with an excellent cast. The film is faithful to the play, but it also captures the play's wit, charm, and absurdity perfectly.

Recommendation:-

I highly recommend the 1952 film adaptation of The Importance of Being Earnest to anyone who enjoys classic comedies or British cinema. It is a film that can be enjoyed by audiences of all ages, and it is sure to entertain and delight.

Conclusion:-

The 1952 film adaptation of The Importance of Being Earnest is a classic British comedy film that is sure to entertain and delight audiences of all ages. It is a beautifully made film with a superb cast and a witty and charming script. If you are a fan of Oscar Wilde's play, or if you simply enjoy a good British comedy, then I highly recommend checking out this film.

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