YOUNG ADULT
READERS
STAGE 6 • Unabridged Text
The Importance of Being Earnest One of Oscar Wilde’s funniest plays, The Importance of Being Earnest was described by the dramatist as being ‘a trivial comedy for serious people’. The satire is biting, as Wilde uses wit and humour to expose some of the trivialities and inconsistencies of Victorian society. In this reader you will find: - Information about Oscar Wilde’s life - An introduction focusing on background and context - Background pages on critical readings and themes - Notes on the text - Appreciation and Extension Activities
Oscar Wilde The Importance of Being Earnest
Oscar Wilde
STAGE 6
Eli Readers is a beautifully illustrated series of timeless classics and specially written stories for learners of English.
Oscar Wilde The Importance of Being Earnest
Tags Classic literature, humour, satire
Elementary
600 headwords
A1
STAGE 2
Pre-Intermediate
800 headwords
A2
Key (KET)
STAGE 3
Intermediate
1000 headwords
B1
Preliminary (PET)
STAGE 4
Upper Intermediate 1800 headwords
B2
First (FCE)
STAGE 5
Advanced
2500 headwords
C1
Advanced (CAE)
STAGE 6
Proficiency
Unabridged Texts
C2
Proficiency (CPE)
Classic
www.elireaders.com
ELT C 2
S t ER es AD arn l. RE E -6 .r. I ing 57 I s EL Be 17 EL LT of 36U e -5 AD nc 88 G rta 8N o 7 U Imp N 9 YO he ISB T
Recorded extracts on CD. Download full text as MP3 from www.elireaders.com
YOUNG ADULT ELI READERS
STAGE 1
ELT C2
YOUNG ADULT
READERS
YOUNG ADULT
READERS
The ELI Readers collection is a complete range of books and plays for readers of all ages, ranging from captivating contemporary stories to timeless classics. There are three series, each catering for a different age group; Young ELI Readers, Teen ELI Readers and Young Adult ELI Readers. The books are carefully edited and beautifully illustrated to capture the essence of the stories and plots. The Readers are supplemented with ‘Focus on’ texts packed with background cultural information about the writers and their lives and times.
C2
Oscar Wilde
The Importance of Being Earnest Introduction, background to the text, notes and activities by Janet Borsbey and Ruth Swan
YOUNG ADULT
READERS
Oscar Wilde The Importance of Being Earnest Introduction, background to the text, notes and activities by Janet Borsbey and Ruth Swan ELI Readers Founder and Series Editors Paola Accattoli, Grazia Ancillani, Daniele Garbuglia (Art Director) The authors would like to thank: All the team at ELI and E. Chuther for their help and support Graphic Design Sergio Elisei Layout Enea Ciccarelli Production Manager Francesco Capitano Photo credits Corbis, Wikipedia creative commons Š 2014 ELI s.r.l. P.O. Box 6 62019 Recanati MC Italy T +39 071750701 F +39 071977851 info@elionline.com
For this series of ELI graded readers, we have planted 5000 new trees.
Cover: Oscar Wilde, 1875 Typeset in 11,5 / 15 per Monotype Dante Printed in Italy by Tecnostampa Recanati – ERA 604.01 ISBN 978-88-536-1757-6 First edition: February 2014 www.elireaders.com
The FSC certification guarantees that the paper used in these publications comes from certified forests, promoting responsible forestry management worldwide.
Contents 6
Introduction to The Importance of being Earnest
10 Background to the Characters 12 ACT I 42 ACT I – Looking Back 45 ACT II 82 ACT II – Looking Back 84 ACT III 104 ACT III – Looking Back 106 Focus on ... – Oscar Wilde (1854 – 1900) 108 Focus on ... – The Trials of Oscar Wilde 110 Focus on ... – Quotes from Oscar Wilde
These icons indicate the parts of the story that are recorded start
stop
Introduction to The Importance of being Earnest
The Author Oscar Wilde was born on 16th October, 1854, in Dublin, Ireland. He was educated in both Ireland and England and soon became known for his sharp wit and brilliant conversation. His father and mother were well-known for both their eccentricity and for their talents. Wilde did most of his writing while in London and was a famous member of the Aesthetic Movement, known as much for his social flamboyance as for his writing. After a series of trials, Wilde’s health was ruined, and he died in France, on 30th November, 1900. He is still regarded as one of the greatest wits in the English language and his plays, short stories and poetry are widely read. For a fuller biography, see pages 106-107. The Production The Importance of Being Earnest was the last of four comedies produced between 1892 and 1895 and staged in London and New York, the others being Lady Windermere’s Fan, A Woman of No Importance and An Ideal Husband. They were all seen as following in the Irish literary tradition of Irish drama from Congreve through to Sheridan and were largely well-received. Soon after the production of The Importance of Being Earnest came Wilde’s trials and the ruin of his professional career.
6
Critical Interpretations At the time, critics disagreed in their interpretations of The Importance of Being Earnest: so different from the Victorian melodramas of the day. It was also different from the work of well regarded contemporaries such as George Bernard Shaw, whose plays were about more serious topics. Words such as frothy, delightful, nonsense, degenerate were used, although contemporary critics agreed that it was very, very funny and that audiences loved it. Oscar Wilde’s own view can perhaps shed some light on matters: its subtitle is A Trivial Comedy for Serious People and Wilde declared that triviality should be treated seriously and that the serious things in life should be treated with ‘sincere and studied triviality’. This is possibly why the play is so funny; actors play the trivial parts of the characters so very seriously. Today, The Importance of Being Earnest is regarded as Wilde’s best play and critics such as Ian Gregor have re-evaluated the importance of the language, paradox and the use of farce within the play. Controversy Perhaps the best known fact about the staging of The Importance of Being Earnest is that the Marquess of Queensbury, father of Lord Alfred Douglas, (Douglas being romantically linked to Oscar Wilde) was refused entrance to the theatre on the opening night. Queensbury had planned to disrupt the performance in order to show his disapproval of Wilde’s relationship with his son. Soon after, Queensbury accused Wilde of homosexuality, which was considered criminal at the time. After an unsuccessful libel case and subsequently being found guilty of indecency, Oscar Wilde was sentenced to a ruinous two years of imprisonment. His career was devastated at its very peak. For further information about the trials, see page 108.
7
8
John Gielgud and Robert Fleming in a stage version of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest.
9
Background to the Characters (in order of appearance) Algernon Moncrieff: Jack’s best friend and a rich, idle bachelor. He’s very witty and intelligent. Lady Bracknell is his aunt (Augusta) and Gwendolen is his cousin. He lives in London so has always known Jack under the name of Ernest (see below). Many of his lines in the play are extremely funny. Lane: Algernon’s manservant John ( Jack/Ernest) Worthing, J.P.: Known as Jack in the country ( Jack being a nickname for John) and Ernest in London. He is a Justice of the Peace, hence the initials J.P., and is the protagonist of the play. Being a J.P., he comes across as a respectable and responsible young man, but he leads a double life. Lady Bracknell: Algernon’s Aunt Augusta and Gwendolen’s mother. She’s ambitious, snobbish and domineering. She wants her daughter to marry well, as she herself did. The characters are generally in awe of her. A lot of her lines are extremely funny, although, unlike Algernon’s witty remarks, her humour is often because ignorance. Rev. Canon Chasuble, D.D.: The rector on Jack’s estate in the country. The letters D.D. stand for Doctor of Divinity. He likes to show how well-read he is, and admires Miss Prism. Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax: Algernon’s cousin and Lady Bracknell’s daughter. She’s in love with Ernest (a.k.a. Jack). A bit like her mother, she is pretentious and a snob, however she also comes across as intelligent. She is very quick to pronounce on matters of manners and good taste.
10
Cecily Cardew: Jack is Cecily’s guardian. Cecily lives on his country estate. She is only eighteen and is in love with an imaginary figure called Ernest, who she thinks is Jack’s wicked brother. Miss Prism: She is Cecily's governess and extremely puritanical. She is very proud of the fact that Jack is so respectable and such an upright member of the community. She has a soft spot for Canon (Dr) Chasuble. Merriman: Jack’s butler in the country. *** The Importance of Being Earnest A Trivial Comedy for Serious People THE PERSONS IN THE PLAY In Order of Appearance Algernon Moncrieff Lane, Manservant John ( Jack/Ernest) Worthing, J.P. Lady Bracknell Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax
Miss Prism, Governess Cecily Cardew Rev. Canon Chasuble, D.D. Merriman, Butler
THE SCENES OF THE PLAY ACT I. Algernon Moncrieff ’s Flat in Half-Moon Street, London, W. ACT II. The Garden at the Manor House, Woolton. ACT III. Drawing-Room at the Manor House, Woolton. TIME: The Present.
11
ACT I
2 SCENE: Morning-room in Algernon’s flat in Half-Moon Street, London,
W. The room is luxuriously and artistically furnished. The sound of a piano is heard in the adjoining room. [lane is arranging afternoon tea on the table, and after the music has ceased, algernon enters.] a l g e r n o n . Did you hear what I was playing, Lane? l a n e . I didn’t think it polite to listen, sir. a l g e r n o n . I’m sorry for that, for your sake. I don’t play accurately — anyone can play accurately — but I play with wonderful expression. As far as the piano is concerned, sentiment is my forte*. I keep science for Life. l a n e . Yes, sir. a l g e r n o n . And, speaking of the science of Life, have you got the cucumber sandwiches cut for Lady Bracknell? l a n e . Yes, sir. [lane hands them on a salver*.] a l g e r n o n [Inspects them, takes two, and sits down on the sofa]. Oh! ... by the way, Lane, I see from your book that on Thursday night, forte (here) strength. From the Italian and used in music to mean loud. Compare ‘piano’ meaning quiet or soft
12
a salver a metal tray
the importance of being earnest
when Lord Shoreman and Mr Worthing were dining with me, eight bottles of champagne are entered as having been consumed. l a n e . Yes, sir; eight bottles and a pint. a l g e r n o n . Why is it that at a bachelor’s establishment the servants invariably drink the champagne? I ask merely for information. l a n e . I attribute it to the superior quality of the wine, sir. I have often observed that in married households the champagne is rarely of a first-rate brand. a l g e r n o n . Good heavens! Is marriage so demoralising as that? l a n e . I believe it is a very pleasant state, sir. I have had very little experience of it myself up to the present. I have only been married once. That was in consequence of a misunderstanding between myself and a young person. a l g e r n o n [Languidly]. I don’t know that I am much interested in your family life, Lane. l a n e . No, sir; it is not a very interesting subject. I never think of it myself. a l g e r n o n . Very natural, I am sure. That will do, Lane, thank you. l a n e . Thank you, sir. [lane goes out.] algernon.
Lane’s views on marriage seem somewhat lax. Really, if the lower orders don’t set us a good example, what on earth is the use of them? They seem, as a class, to have absolutely no sense of moral responsibility.
[Enter lane.]
13
oscar wilde
lane.
Mr Ernest Worthing.
[Enter jack. lane goes out.] algernon.
How are you, my dear Ernest? What brings you up to
town*? Oh, pleasure, pleasure! What else should bring one anywhere? Eating as usual, I see, Algy! a l g e r n o n [Stiffly]. I believe it is customary in good society to take some slight refreshment at five o’clock. Where have you been since last Thursday? j a c k [Sitting down on the sofa]. In the country. a l g e r n o n . What on earth do you do there? j a c k [Pulling off his gloves]. When one is in town one amuses oneself. When one is in the country one amuses other people. It is excessively boring. a l g e r n o n . And who are the people you amuse? j a c k [Airily]. Oh, neighbours, neighbours. a l g e r n o n . Got nice neighbours in your part of Shropshire? j a c k . Perfectly horrid! Never speak to one of them. a l g e r n o n . How immensely you must amuse them! [algernon goes over and takes a sandwich.] By the way, Shropshire is your county, is it not? j a c k . Eh? Shropshire? Yes, of course. Hallo! Why all these cups? Why cucumber sandwiches? Why such reckless extravagance in one so young? Who is coming to tea? a l g e r n o n . Oh! merely Aunt Augusta and Gwendolen. j a c k . How perfectly delightful! jack.
town (here) London
14
the importance of being earnest
algernon.
Yes, that is all very well; but I am afraid Aunt Augusta won’t quite approve of your being here. j a c k . May I ask why? a l g e r n o n . My dear fellow, the way you flirt with Gwendolen is perfectly disgraceful. It is almost as bad as the way Gwendolen flirts with you. j a c k . I am in love with Gwendolen. I have come up to town expressly to propose to her. a l g e r n o n . I thought you had come up for pleasure? ... I call that business. j a c k . How utterly unromantic you are! a l g e r n o n . I really don’t see anything romantic in proposing. It is very romantic to be in love. But there is nothing romantic about a definite proposal. Why, one may be accepted. One usually is, I believe. Then the excitement is all over. The very essence of romance is uncertainty. If ever I get married, I’ll certainly try to forget the fact. j a c k . I have no doubt about that, dear Algy. The Divorce Court was specially invented for people whose memories are so curiously constituted. a l g e r n o n . Oh! there is no use speculating on that subject. Divorces are made in Heaven — [jack puts out his hand to take a sandwich. ALGERNON at once interferes.] Please don’t touch the cucumber sandwiches. They are ordered specially for Aunt Augusta. [algernon takes one and eats it.] j a c k . Well, you have been eating them all the time. a l g e r n o n . That is quite a different matter. She is my aunt.
15
ACT I – Looking Back
1
Answer the questions about Act One. 1 What is Lane’s reason for his negative feelings about marriage? ............................................................................................................................. 2 Why has ‘Ernest’ kept Jack a secret from Algernon? ............................................................................................................................. 3 Why doesn’t Algernon want Jack to get engaged to Gwendolen? ............................................................................................................................. 4 Whose was the cigarette case? ............................................................................................................................. 5 Where was Jack found, as a baby? ............................................................................................................................. 6 How does Lady Bracknell feel about the circumstances of Jack’s birth? .............................................................................................................................
2 Read page 21 again. What four reasons does Algernon give for not wanting to dine with Aunt Augusta (Lady Bracknell)? 1 ........................................................................................................................ 2 ........................................................................................................................ 3 ........................................................................................................................ 4 ........................................................................................................................
3
42
What is Lady Bracknell’s view of modern education?
Grammar for Proficiency
4 Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using the word given. Do not change the word given. You must use between three and eight words, including the word given. 1 Algernon frequently eats too much. prone Algernon ..................................................................................... too much. 2 ‘Ernest’ had his own reasons for not telling Algernon about Jack’s existence. dark Jack .................................................................................................... reasons. 3 Lane is not very admiring of the quality of champagne in married households. lacks Lane ................................................................ of champagne in married households. 4 Perhaps finding cucumbers at the market is proving difficult for Lane. difficulty Lane appears ............................................................... cucumbers at the market. 5 I liked you even before I met you. indifferent I was far ........................................................................................ I met you. 6 I have to say, I’m afraid I smoke rather a lot. admit I ................................................................................................................. a lot.
LOOKING AHEAD
5
Think about Act Two. 1 What do you expect will happen next: • to Algernon? • to Jack? 2 We meet Cecily in Act Two. What do you expect her to be like?
43
Focus on …
Oscar Wilde (1854 – 1900) Oscar Wilde was one of Ireland’s best and most famous writers. He wrote numerous plays and poems and also a novel. His works were extremely popular and he became one of the most successful playwrights of Victorian times.
Family Background Oscar Fingal O’Flaherie Wills Wilde was born in Dublin, on October 16th, 1854. He came from a wellknown eccentric and academic family; his mother, Jane, was a poet and an exceptionally good linguist; his father, William, was a doctor who did much to help the poor, including founding an eye hospital for poorer people, at his own expense. Oscar had an older brother, William, and a younger sister Isola; she died when she was very young. Oscar was deeply affected by his sister’s death and carried a lock of her hair with him all his life.
Education Oscar was an intelligent child and he loved books and reading. He went to Portora Royal School, Enniskillen when he was 10 years old and he fell in love with Latin and Greek and Roman studies. He was so good at the classics that he won the school prize more than once. When he graduated from school, in 1871, he won the school scholarship to attend Trinity College in Dublin. He did exceptionally well at Trinity and was awarded a top prize for his studies every year, including, in his final year, the University’s
highest academic award for Greek. He was also awarded a scholarship to further his studies at Magdalen College, Oxford, where he continued to do extremely well. While at Oxford, he started to make serious moves towards creative writing and published his first poem, Ravenna, which won a prize for the best English poem written by an undergraduate. He graduated in 1878 and then moved to London, and continued to write poetry. He published his first collection, simply called Poems, in 1881.
Travel, Marriage and Family Later in 1881, Wilde went to America to give a series of lectures. He was a leading advocate of the Aesthetic Movement; a theory of art and literature that looked at the pursuit of beauty for its own sake, rather than from any political or social viewpoint, and this formed part of many of his lectures. Whilst in America, he met a lot of important and influential writers and academics, including Henry Longfellow, Oliver Wendell Holmes and Walt Whitman. He then went to Paris for a short time before returning to London to embark on another lecture tour of Britain and Ireland which lasted until the middle of 1884. In the same year, on May 29th 1884, Wilde married an English woman, called Constance Lloyd. They had two sons: Cyril in 1885, and Vyvyan, born a year later. Constance was wealthy but, with a family to support, Wilde took a job at Women’s World magazine and worked there from 1887 – 1889. 106
Writing Career It was around this time that Oscar started his most creative period of writing. In 1888, he published The Happy Prince and Other Tales, a collection of children’s short stories which was probably written for his sons. In 1891, he published his first, and only, novel A Picture of Dorian Gray. It had originally been published in an American magazine, a year earlier, but he worked on it further to publish it in book form. Although it is now considered as one of the greatest literary works of the late Victorian period, it was badly received by the critics because, at that time, it was considered immoral.
In February 1892, Oscar’s first play, Lady Windermere’s Fan, opened at The St. James’ Theatre in London. It was hugely successful and encouraged him to make plays his primary form of writing. His most notable plays and, those which firmly established him as a playwright, were A Woman of No Importance (1893), An Ideal Husband (1895) and his most famous play, The Importance of Being Earnest (1895), the latter still remaining his most popular play today.
Arrest and Prison In the summer of 1891, Oscar became involved with Lord Alfred (Bosie) Douglas, the third son of the Marquess of Queensberry. Bosie was an undergraduate at Oxford and admired Oscar’s novel Dorian Gray hugely. They became lovers and were inseparable until, in April 1895, Wilde was arrested. Bosie’s father had accused Oscar of homosexuality (which was illegal at the time) and, after a series of trials, he was convicted of gross indecency. He was sentenced to two years hard labour. The scandal completely ruined his reputation and his wife took their children to Switzerland, changing the family name to Holland. While in prison, Wilde wrote a long letter to Bosie, published after his death, under the title De Profundis. Wilde was released with his health irrevocably damaged and he spent the rest of his life in Europe, publishing The Ballad of Reading Gaol in 1898, a poem about his experiences in prison. He died in Paris on 30 November 1900, at the age of 46. I never saw a man who looked With such a wistful eye Upon that little tent of blue Which prisoners call the sky. Look further: www.oscarwildesociety.co.uk 107