the importance of being earnest essay topics

The Importance of Being Earnest

By oscar wilde, the importance of being earnest essay questions.

Explain the pun of the title. Who is being Earnest in this play? Do Gwendolen and Cecily prefer having husbands named Ernest to having earnest husbands?

Analyze the gender reversals in this text. Does the feminized Lord Bracknell foreshadow what Jack and Algernon may become? Are males or females more passive/dominated in this play?

How does dramatic irony create humor in The Importance of Being Earnest? Identify a handful of instances in which the audience members know more about what is going on than the characters on stage. Why does this create humor?

What is the role of textuality in this play-do letters and diaries have a stronger reliability or ring of truth than conversation?

Analyze the various times that the characters eat in this play, primarily the cucumber sandwiches and the muffins. Does eating serve a primarily social or anti-social function?

Does Wilde prevent any version of true love? Does the extent to which Gwendolen and Cecily are self-centered affect your analysis?

Algernon observes that: "Women only call each other sister when they have called each other a lot of other things first." How does the development of the relationship between Cecily and Gwendolen bear out this remark? What causes them to bond together? What causes them to behave competitively?

What does the common classification of The Importance of being Earnest as a "comedy of manners" refer to? Could this play operate in a classless, non-hierarchical society?

How do words take on a life of their own in this play? How does this relate to why it is it so easy for Prism to substitute her manuscript for a baby? Analyze diaries as a source of power and truth-making.

Analyze the role of class in Lady Bracknell's worldview. If she more impressed by land, by nobility, or by wealth?

The Importance of Being Earnest Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for The Importance of Being Earnest is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

What happened as a result of the following situation?

When Jack tells Lady Bracknell that Cecily will be a rich woman, Lady Bracknell immediately changes her mind about Cecily and decides that she will be a suitable wife for Algernon.

The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde

Algernon's throwaway quip to Lane that "anyone can play [piano] accurately but I play with wonderful expression" is a good thumbnail of Wilde's philosophy of art. Wilde was heavily influenced by Walter Pater and the other aesthetes of the...

What can I say about the NARRATIVE TECHNIQUE ?

The play, The Importance of Being Earnest , does not have a narrator.

Study Guide for The Importance of Being Earnest

The Importance of Being Earnest study guide contains a biography of Oscar Wilde, literature essays, a complete e-text, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About The Importance of Being Earnest
• The Importance of Being Earnest Summary
• Character List

Essays for The Importance of Being Earnest

The Importance of Being Earnest essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Importance of Being Earnest.

• Maxims and Masks: The Epigram in "The Importance of Being Earnest"
• Paradox through Pacing in Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest"
• Sincere Triviality: The Comedy of Oscar Wilde
• Structural Stereotypes of the Characters in The Importance of Being Earnest
• The Institution of Marriage in Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” and Susan Glaspell’s “Trifles”

Lesson Plan for The Importance of Being Earnest

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to The Importance of Being Earnest
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
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• The Importance of Being Earnest Bibliography

E-Text of The Importance of Being Earnest

The Importance of Being Earnest e-text contains the full text of The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde.

Wikipedia Entries for The Importance of Being Earnest

• Introduction

Essay Topics for Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest (for English 1112, Lakehead University (Canada)

Philip v. allingham , contributing editor, victorian web.

[ Victorian Web Home —> Authors —> Aesthetes and Decadents —> Oscar Wilde —> Works —> Leading Questions ]

Instructions : Employ one of the critical quotations as the basis for your term paper of 1,500 to 3,000 words.

1. Robert Boyle describes Wilde's last play as a humorous "treatment of decay and death," and of "human suffering," in which Wilde finally abandons the effort to balance "conventional moral norms with the realities of human behavior" (325). Responding to these remarks, develop an essay topic about an underlying, serious theme in The Importance Of Being Earnest . Please confirm by e-mail the precise wording of your topic.

2. According to Karl Beckson , "Central to Wilde's life and art was the idea of the dandy as the embodiment of the heroic ideal as well as of the aesthetic temperament hostile to bourgeois sentiment and morality" (205). Which of the characters in the play embodies this aesthetic principle, and how? From your consideration of these characters' utterances and actions develop an appropriate essay topic. Please confirm by e-mail the precise wording of your topic.

3. William Keach contends that Lady Bracknell's "cross-examination of Jack lays the groundwork for much of the rest of the plot" (184), and that the underlying tension of the play depends upon "the contrast of city and country so important to the double lives being led" (183). Explain these two points, then develop one of them into a suitable essay topic. Please confirm by e-mail the precise wording of your topic.

4. Otto Reinert claims that "Wilde's basic formula for satire is [his characters'] assumption of a code of behavior that represents the reality that Victorian convention pretends to ignore" (15). Reinert argues that in this play Wilde is principally concerned with the difference between conventional and actual manners and morality. Discuss these points, then refine this "formula for satire" into an essay topic. Please confirm by e-mail the precise wording of your topic.

5. Richard Foster believes that the terms "farce" and "comedy of manners" are unsuitable for this Wilde play because it is far more subtle, complicated, and artistic than such labels imply.

Farce . . .depends for its effects upon extremely simplified characters tangling themselves up in incongruous situations, and upon a knowing audience gleefully anticipating their falling victim, in their ignorance, to some enormous but harmless confusion of fact or identity." Furthermore, "A comedy of manners is fundamentally realistic: it requires the audience to accept the world presented on the stage as a real world, a possible world." [19]

Foster contends that the play is in fact an elaborate lampoon.

Apply the terms "farce," "comedy of manners," and "lampoon" to The Importance of Being Earnest , then develop an essay topic that utilizes these terms. Please confirm by e-mail the precise wording of your topic.

6. Pointing out that inverted relationships are the norm in this play, Robert J. Jordan , rejects the proposition that The Importance of Being Earnest is a satire or a social criticism; rather, "at the most important level it seems to be a fantasy in which unattainable human ideals are allowed to realize themselves." Elegance, symmetry, taste, indifference to conventional morality, and a total lack of sexual corruption (for which Wilde substitutes "food-lust") are achieved in this make-believe world.

Apply the term "fantasy" to Wilde's play, demonstrating how it achieves some of Foster's ideal elements listed above, then develop a suitable essay topic. Please confirm by e-mail the precise wording of your topic.

7. Wilde suggests that his Victorian contemporaries should treat trivial matters with greater respect and pay less attention to what society then regarded as serious. Discuss how Wilde expresses this philosophy and comment on the effectiveness with which he has communicated his 'message' with reference to ONE of the following in the play: death, politics, money, property, food, or marriage. Please confirm by e-mail the precise wording of your topic.

8. Using three examples drawn from the play, show how Algernon uses Wilde's aesthetic principles to transform his life into a work of art. Please confirm by e-mail the precise wording of your topic.

9. How does Wilde portray food as both a weapon and a means of demonstrating one's power? Discuss three examples from the play to demonstrate how Wilde uses food. Please confirm by e-mail the precise wording of your topic.

10. Describe how this play mayor may not fit the criteria associated with the genre of the lampoon. Define the term "lampoon" and apply this definition to the play: what is Wilde lampooning? What is his intention in lampooning it? What are his techniques, and do these produce appropriate attitudes in the audience? Please confirm by e-mail the precise wording of your topic.

11. Define the term "fantasy," then demonstrate how Wilde treats ONE of the following fantastically (as opposed to realistically): Victorian society's class structure, food and the Victorian conventions surrounding it, the resolution of the plot. Please confirm by e-mail the precise wording of your topic.

12. Using appropriate quotations and paraphrases from at least one major scene in the play, show how Wilde treats humorously serious issues and conflicts that existed within Victorian society. You might wish to demonstrate how the play deals with one of the following matters: marriage and courtship, sexual double standards, the class structure, money and property, and attitudes towards illness and death. Please confirm by e-mail the precise wording of your topic.

13. In French, the title of the play is Ernest ou l'Importance d'être Constant . Explain how this title sheds additional light on the key issues of self-awareness, self-knowledge, and being "earnest" versus being "constant." Consider the implications of the French title for all the major characters. Please confirm by e-mail the precise wording of your topic.

Beckson , Karl. "Oscar Wilde." Modern British Dramatists, 1900-1945. Part 2: M-Z. Dictionary of Literary Biography . Vol. 10. Pp. 204-218.

Boyle , Robert. "Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)." British Novelists, 1890-1929: Traditionalists. Dictionary of Literary Biography . Vol. 34. Detroit: Gale Research, 1985. Pp. 315-331.

Foster , Richard. "Wilde as Parodist: A Second Look at The Importance Of Being Earnest ." College English 18, 1 (Oct., 1956): 18-23.

Jordan , Robert J. "Satire and Fantasy in Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest ." Ariel 1, 3 (July 1970).

Keach , William. Teacher's Manual: Adventures in English Literature . New York: Harcourt, Brace, Jovanovich, 1980. Pp. 183-7.

Reinert , Otto. "Satiric Strategy in The Importance Of Being Earnest ." College English 18, 1 (Oct., 1956): 14- 18.

Related Materials

• Writing and Discussion Questions
• Introduction to the play

a. Parenthetical citation rather than foot- or end-notes will be considered acceptable; for a play longer than a single act, please provide act number in roman numerals followed by page number in arabic numerals.

b. Double space all text; if you are doing your essay by hand, you may single space quotations of forty words or longer, but integrate shorter quotations; for example:

Lady Bracknell is unrealistically, almost contemptuously honest when she reveals her ignorance of the German language. Objecting to French songs on the grounds of possible impropriety of subject-matter, she remarks, "But German sounds a thoroughly respectable language, and indeed, I believe is so" (I: 128, emphasis added).

A Note on Essay Topics

Topics may call for comparison between two like things, such as the humour in a modern television sit-com (situational comedy) and The Importance Of Being Earnest .

Contrast , on the other hand, implies that the writer is out to demonstrate differences between things usually thought to be similar. For example, one might contrast the duplicity of Jack and Algernon here with that of Dr. Jekyll in Stevenson's novella.

Other possibilities are explanation and analysis, for example: "Why We Laugh WITH and Not AT Lady Bracknell."

Last modified 13 March 2006

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The Importance of Being Earnest

Oscar wilde.

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The Art of Deception: Fact v. Fiction

As a leader of the Aesthetic movement, Wilde was especially interested in the relationship between life and art, pondering the eternal question, “Does art imitate life, or life imitate art?” Wilde explores this relationship in The Importance of Being Earnest through the conflict that arises when fact collides with fiction. The conflict between fact and fiction is driven by Algernon and Jack’s lies about their respective identities, specifically the fictional personas they create in order…

The Pursuit of Marriage

The pursuit of marriage is a driving force behind much of the play’s action. Similar to many Victorian novels of the period, the play reads as a marriage plot, documenting the errors in social etiquette and romantic upheavals that come about as Jack and Algernon stumble towards the altar. Jack pursues Gwendolen’s hand, while Algernon pursues Cecily . Because Jack and Algernon are willing to go to such outlandish lengths to appease Gwendolen and Cecily’s…

Cash, Class, and Character

The Victorian society in which Wilde lived was concerned with wealth, family status, and moral character, especially when it came to marriage. Lady Bracknell’s interrogation of Jack’s proposal to marry Gwendolen demonstrates the three “Cs”—cash, class, and character. First she asks him about his finances and then his family relations, a measure of his class. That Jack has none—no family relations, or family name, reflects poorly on his character. Upon finding that Jack has no…

Name and Identity

Through Jack’s search for his origins and family name, Wilde satirizes the Victorian Era’s intense scrutiny of cash, class, and character. Wilde subversively prods this question through the name of “ Ernest ,” a Christian name, or given name, as opposed to a family name. The name of “Ernest” comes to symbolize different things for different people. For Gwendolen and Cecily it “inspires absolute confidence” but also symbolizes the ideal husband/ lover. For Jack, “Ernest”…

Hypocrisy, Folly, and Victorian Morality

A witty wordsmith, Wilde exposes the hypocrisy of the Victorians’ strict social mores through puns, paradoxes, epigrams, and inversions in the characters’ actions and dialogue. For instance the characters often say and do the opposite of what they mean, or intend. Gwendolen flips “style” and “sincerity” when she says, “In matters of grave importance, style, not sincerity is the vital thing.” One would expect that “sincerity” should take precedence over “style” in “matters of grave…

Men and Women in Love

In the game of love that Wilde plays throughout The Importance of Being Earnest , Jack and Algernon , who strive for love, are pitted against the fickleness of the women they desire. Even though Wilde assigns stereotypical gender roles to each sex—Jack and Algernon are suave dandies , while Cecily and Gwendolen are vapid beauties—when it comes to marriage and love, he places women in a position of power because they are able to…

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The Importance of Being Earnest

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Act Summaries & Analyses

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Discussion Questions

Summary and Study Guide

The Importance of Being Earnest, a comedy, is Oscar Wilde’s final play. It premiered at St. James’ Theatre in London on February 14, 1895 and skewered the contemporary habits and attitudes of the British aristocracy. The opening was hugely successful, but Wilde’s ongoing conflict with the Marquess of Queensberry, his lover’s powerful father, led the play to close prematurely after Wilde was charged with “gross indecency” for having sex with men. Despite this setback, The Importance of Being Earnest was almost immediately revived and has become Wilde’s most celebrated play. Three major screen adaptations have been produced: in 1952 by Anthony Asquith; in 1992 by Kurt Baker with an all-Black cast; and again in 2002 with Colin Firth, Judi Dench, and Reese Witherspoon in starring roles. The citations in this guide refer to the Samuel French edition used by most theater groups.

Plot Summary

The play centers upon two young men, Algernon Moncrieff and Jack “Ernest” Worthing, and the farcical misunderstandings that trip up their respective courtships. When “Ernest” asks Algernon for permission to propose to Algernon’s cousin Gwendolen Fairfax, Algernon demands to know why his friend’s cigarette case has an engraving addressed to “Uncle Jack.” Jack has been living a double life, going by the name Ernest in London and by his legal name in the country. There, he is the guardian to Cecily Cardew, a young heiress, and must maintain his reputation with her as an upstanding, sober man. Jack pretends that he has a dissolute brother named Ernest whom he must visit in London frequently. By using an alias in London, he also manages to displace any negative gossip about himself onto his fictional brother. Algernon explains to Jack that he has done something similar by inventing a perpetually sick friend named Bunbury whose frequent illnesses serve as an excuse to avoid social obligations.

Algernon’s aunt Augusta (Lady Bracknell) and his cousin Gwendolen (Miss Fairfax) enter the room. While Algernon distracts Lady Bracknell offstage, Jack proposes to Gwendolen, who tells him that she has always longed to marry someone named Ernest and accepts. When Jack asks how she would feel if his name were Jack instead, she says she would not love him; and he resolves to be rechristened under the name Ernest.

Algernon reenters with Lady Bracknell who does not accept Jack and Gwendolen’s engagement and interrogates Jack about his background. She is mostly pleased with his answers until she discovers that he does not know his parents and was discovered in a handbag in the cloakroom at London’s Victoria Station. She storms off in a huff. Jack manages to pass on his country address to Gwendolen, but Algernon discovers the address as well.

The location changes to the garden at Jack’s country estate on a sunny July day where Cecily is studying with her governess, Miss Prism . Dr. Chasuble , the local church canon, enters and chats with Miss Prism. They are clearly attracted to one another, and Dr. Chasuble invites Miss Prism to accompany him on an evening walk. Cecily is by herself when Algernon arrives unexpectedly and introduces himself as Ernest. He pretends to be Jack’s rakish younger brother and soon charms Cecily.

Algernon and Cecily enter the house as Miss Prism and Dr. Chasuble return. Jack soon joins wearing a black suit. He is pretending that his brother Ernest has died and he is in mourning, not realizing that Algernon has arrived pretending to be Ernest. Jack arranges for Dr. Chasuble to christen him later that afternoon. Cecily and Algernon emerge from the house, catching Jack in his lie about the death of his brother. When they are alone, Jack confronts Algernon and demands that he leave. Algernon and Cecily instead conspire to make Algernon miss his train, and Algernon proposes to her. She accepts, having fallen in love with the wicked behavior of both “Ernests.” Algernon now discovers that Cecily, like Gwendolen, would not love him if his name were not Ernest.

Cecily is left alone again by the time Gwendolen arrives unannounced. Cecily welcomes Gwendolen, and the two have a mutual liking until they realize that they are both engaged to a man named “Ernest,” thinking it is the same person. Jack and Algernon soon appear and must admit to their deception.

Jack and Algernon mollify their fiancés by promising to both be rechristened as Ernest. Lady Bracknell suddenly appears and refuses to allow Algernon to marry a woman she knows only as Jack’s ward. Her objections disappear when Jack tells her that she is enormously wealthy. Jack, however, refuses to give permission for the marriage unless he is permitted to marry Gwendolen.

When Dr. Chasuble mentions Miss Prism in front of Lady Bracknell, she demands to see her. Miss Prism is an old servant of hers who misplaced her infant nephew twenty-eight years earlier. Jack fetches the handbag in which he was discovered, and it is proved that he is the infant nephew in question. Jack is the son of Lady Bracknell’s sister and, therefore, Algernon’s older brother. Jack was to have been named for his father, so he checks the old Army lists and finds that his father’s name was Ernest. Lady Bracknell gives permission for Jack and Gwendolen to marry, and Jack gives permission for Algernon and Cecily to do the same. The play ends with three couples embracing: Algernon and Cecily, Jack and Gwendolen, and Dr. Chasuble and Miss Prism.

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The Importance of Being Earnest - Free Essay Examples And Topic Ideas

The Importance of Being Earnest is a comedic play by Oscar Wilde that satirizes the Victorian social norms and aristocratic pretenses. Essays on this play might explore Wilde’s witty dialogue, the social commentary embedded within the humor, or the characters’ quest for personal freedom amidst societal expectations. Other angles might include examining the play’s influence on later literary works, or dissecting the relevance of its satire in today’s social scenario. A vast selection of complimentary essay illustrations pertaining to The Importance of Being Earnest you can find at PapersOwl Website. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

The Importance of being Earnest Analysis

The Importance of Being Earnest was a play first performed in London 1895, written by Oscar Wilde. If one takes this play face value this play is just a humorous play, but it has a darker meaning. It is truly mocking the Victorian Society of the time. This play is a horatian satire, which are happy and joyful, but seeks to correct foolishness with laughter. But all the while also attacks the characteristics of Victorian time. Oscar Wilde wrote this […]

Title: the Importance of being Earnest

Characteristics of the Genre: “The Importance of Being Earnest” is a mix of genres: satire and comedy of manners. Comedy of manners is shown in the play through the flamboyant characters, Algernon and Jack, and their witty conversations with each other. The satirical dialogue in the play has elements of sexual jokes and puns, this is significant as it conveys the purpose of the play which is to mock the ways of the Victorian society and people’s mindset towards marriage. […]

The Hidden Truth of Victorian Marriage between the Lines of Oscar Wilde’s Poetry

During the Victorian era, Victorian girls were well trained and groomed by their mothers to become the perfect wives and mothers. Relationships between a man and female, in this era, often led to marriage. Before marriage, physical contact between a woman and man was looked down upon. Individuals, within the Victorian era, married within their same level of class and the woman become the devoted housewife. In the Victorian weddings, a white dress indicated leisure and innocence of pre-marriage sexual […]

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Marriage in the Importance of being Earnest

The importance of being earnest employs satire in mocking the Victorian age mindset of, love and social norms of marriage. This comic play ironically expounds on the theme of manners by portraying social conventions in making its audience laugh. Triviality is another theme the play is trying to bring out. Oscar Wilde through that play shows how trivial matters are given more attention by people instead of earnest matters through the relationships and marriages in the play. The importance of […]

“The Importance of being Earnest” : Centuries & Marriage

Throughout the years marriage has evolved in many ways. Women now have more rights and privileges, love plays a major role in the matrimonies that take place, an engagement is entered into and neither person has to approach it like it is a business deal, and people do not have guidelines or rules to follow. Courtship was cruel to both men and women, it did not allow them to get to know other people. Now, couples can test compatibility before […]

Idea of Marriage in Oscar Wilde’s Book

"In the book, The Importance of being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde, mentions the ideals of marriage between the characters and their situations. The Importance of Being Earnest focuses on two main couples, Jack (Ernest) and Gwendolen and Algernon and Cecily. However, Lady Bracknell, Gwendolens mother, plays a key role in the plot of satire that is being used regarding marriage ideals, as her ideals sum the ridiculous standards of the Victorian Age. Oscar Wilde uses satire to ridicule the cultural […]

Gender Roles and Love in “The Importance of being Earnest”

“The Importance of Being Earnest” is a trivial comedy for serious people written by Oscar Wilde. Wilde expresses comedy through purposely criticizing the aristocratic. In “The Importance of Being Earnest,” Oscar Wilde treats humorously serious issues and conflicts, such as class structure, marriage and courtship, as if they are a joke to the Victorian Society. In the Victorian Society and even in today’s society, the world is extremely stereotypical against gender. Wilde views the females in the play stereotypically. For […]

Deception and Irony in “The Importance of being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde

To be earnest usually means to be sincere and honest. As it is mentioned in the title, the first impression that the reader gets is that the main figures are implementing these ideas. But why then are they exactly the opposite and act in such mischievous and misbehaviour ways? And here comes the irony which follows along through the whole piece. The figures create false deceitful images which lead to ""comedy of manners"". Are they used for good or bad? […]

Algernon sees marriage as an undesirable burden in life. He is doubtful about the true happiness and love that can come with marriage and therefore has his concerns about living the rest of his life in an unhealthy relationship. In Act I, as Algernon is talking to his butler Lane, Lane says “I often observed that in married households the champagne is rarely of a first rate brand,” and Algernon responds by saying “is marriage so demoralizing as that?” (Wilde, […]

The Era of Class and Play of Satire

The victorian Era is remembered as an era of class, structure, and matrimony. It is a time in which men and women had certain duties society had expected them to follow. The years between 1835 and 1900, the Victorian Era, was a time of great change. The society of England represented various classes, rules, and lifestyles. Furthermore, both men and women had their own ettiquetes. Although a respectable era, it is brought up in several plays and novels of literature […]

Character’s Personas in a Play Jack Worthing

In the play, Jack Worthing, a member of England’s upper class, has two different personas. In the town, he goes by Ernest, but in the country, where he is placed in a position of guardianship, he goes by his given name, Jack. In Act 1, he admits to a fellow Bunburyist, Algernon, that “in order to get up to town [he] pretend[s] to have a younger brother of the name Ernest, who lives in the Albany, and gets into the […]

Entertainment and Criticisms of the Victorian Era

At first glance, Oscar Wilde’s Importance of Being Earnest, appears to be a witty comedic work. When one takes a closer look, however, it becomes apparent that Wilde was issuing a variety of criticisms about the Victorian period. The characters are perceived as having power and wealth, and the very idea having said power causes the characters to behave in a way that they believe to be worthy of that power. They will stop at nothing to keep up this […]

Trivialization in the Victorian Era

Oscar Wilde trivializes serious aspects of life and makes it look like they are of lesser importance. In the fictional play, “The Importance of Being Earnest”, published in 1898, author Oscar Wilde, characters are used to make fun at the upper class and criticize their ways of life to make them look like they are of lesser importance. Oscar Wilde uses characters such as Algernon, Lady Bracknell, and Cecily to trivialize society and show how aspects of life such as […]

The Irony of being Earnest

When Oscar Wilde's play, The Importance of Being Earnest, opened in London, England, in 1895, its author was in vogue and quite prominent in the literary and social columns. “To some readers it may also have suggested - or confirmed - the impression that there was a less positive side to Wilde's notoriety” (Jackson 161). While his use of the descriptive word "earnest" in the title denotes a certain element of sincerity and honesty, Wilde cleverly employs this as a […]

Jack Worthingis a Fashionable Young Man

"Jack Worthingis a fashionable young man who lives in the country with his ward, Cecily Cardew. He has invented a rakish brother named Ernest whose supposed exploits give Jack an excuse to travel to London periodically to rescue him. Jack is in love with Gwendolen Fairfax, the cousin of his friend Algernon Moncrieff. Gwendolen, who thinks Jack’s name is Ernest, returns his love, but her mother, Lady Bracknell, objects to their marriage because Jack is an orphan who was found […]

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead

The importance of being Earnest relates to the notion that The plotline of an absurdist drama, if any exists, generally ends up where it started— nothing has been accomplished and characters are the same at the end of the play as they were at the start in the same way that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead does. While the importance of being Earnests plotline ends off where it begun with only slight changes, Earnest still being Earnest yet not fooling […]

Hypocrisy in Charles Dickens and Oscar Wilde Works

"The topic I will be covering for this paper is the similarities and differences in regards to hypocrisy displayed in Charles dickens novel, “Hard times,” and Oscar Wilde’s play, “The importance of being Earnest.” Each author portrayed the impact hypocrisy could have on those involved, both indirectly and directly and the consequences of it. After reading “Hard times,” I felt that Charles Dickens view may have been more realistic and geared towards reality. Not only were the events in his […]

History : the Victorian Era

The Victorian era takes place during the reign of Queen Victoria. Looking up to her majesty and her morals, the British population at the time was greatly concerned with the expectancy to adhere to her personality traits. These traits include the following; strong ethics, responsibility, abstaining from indulgence, self-discipline, and most importantly, the aspect of honesty. Oscar Wildes’ play, “The Importance of Being Earnest” is written after the reign of Queen Victoria, during the modern era. Many people of this […]

A Study of Irony in Oscar Wilde’s the Importance of being Earnest

Oscar Wilde’s classic play, "The Importance of Being Earnest," offers a piercing examination of Victorian society through a humorous and critical lens. This enduring comedy captures the essence of social expectations, the intricacies of personal deceit, and the quest for love and personal truth. Employing sharp wit and satire, Wilde provides a profound critique of the duplicity and folly within the upper echelons of his era, all while celebrating the virtue of genuineness and sincerity in personal connections. At the […]

The Importance of being Earnest Full Play Summary

"The Heart of Earnestness," crafted by the brilliant pen of Oscar Wilde, stands as an enduring monument to the human experience, resonating through the corridors of time with its unparalleled wit, intricate plot twists, and subtle societal observations. Within its pages, Wilde deftly threads together a tapestry of existential musings and social commentary, inviting readers on a journey through the labyrinthine depths of his creation. As the curtains part, we are transported into a world of Victorian charm and duplicity, […]

Importance of being Earnest: Comparing Film and Play

"The Importance of Being Earnest," originally a play by Oscar Wilde, has delighted audiences with its satirical wit and incisive portrayal of Victorian society since its premiere in 1895. The play has been adapted into several films, each offering a unique interpretation of Wilde's text. This essay explores the 2002 film adaptation directed by Oliver Parker, comparing it to the original play to understand how the medium transition from stage to screen influences the portrayal of characters, the setting, and […]

Themes and Irony in the Importance of being Earnest

In a world where sincerity often feels like a scarce commodity, the enduring relevance of Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest" shines through like a beacon of authenticity amidst a sea of pretense. With its razor-sharp wit and clever satire, Wilde's masterpiece not only entertains but also provokes profound reflection on the significance of honesty and genuineness in a society often obsessed with appearances. Set against the backdrop of Victorian England, a time marked by strict social norms and […]

Plot Summary for the Importance of being Earnest

The importance of being earnest : protagonist.

In Oscar Wilde's timeless classic, "The Importance of Being Earnest," the characters take center stage in a theatrical masterpiece of wit, satire, and societal critique. Embedded within the fabric of Wilde's narrative is the concept of the protagonist, traditionally seen as the driving force behind the plot. However, Wilde skillfully subverts this conventional notion, presenting a paradox that challenges typical character archetypes. Through a fresh lens on this paradox, we embark on an exploration of the multifaceted protagonism exhibited by […]

The Importance of being Earnest Film Analysis

"The Importance of Being Earnest," directed by Oliver Parker, is a vibrant adaptation of Oscar Wilde's beloved play of the same name. The film captures the essence of Wilde's acerbic wit and satirical commentary on the Victorian society, bringing to life the play’s intricate humor and timeless themes. This essay delves into the cinematic elements that Parker employed to enhance Wilde’s narrative, exploring how the film’s direction, acting, set design, and thematic portrayal contribute to its success as both a […]

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How to Write an Essay About The Importance Of Being Earnest

Understanding 'the importance of being earnest'.

Before writing an essay about Oscar Wilde's 'The Importance of Being Earnest,' it is crucial to understand the play's context, themes, and characters. This comedic play, first performed in 1895, is known for its satire of Victorian social norms and commentary on the triviality with which society treats serious institutions like marriage. Begin your essay by outlining the plot, which revolves around the protagonists Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, who adopt fictitious identities to escape societal obligations. Discuss the main characters, including Gwendolen Fairfax and Cecily Cardew, and the role they play in the narrative. Address the historical and cultural context of Victorian England, which is pivotal for understanding the play's themes, including the critique of social conventions and the concept of 'double lives.'

Developing a Thesis Statement

A strong essay on 'The Importance of Being Earnest' should be centered around a clear, concise thesis statement. This statement should present a specific viewpoint or argument about the play. For instance, you might analyze the play's treatment of hypocrisy and deception, explore its satirical take on Victorian society, or discuss the use of irony and wit in character development and dialogue. Your thesis will guide the direction of your essay and provide a structured approach to your analysis.

Gathering Textual Evidence

To support your thesis, it's essential to gather evidence from the text. This involves close reading to find relevant quotes, dialogues, and scenes that support your argument. For example, if discussing the theme of deception, identify key moments in the play that highlight the characters' use of deceit and the resulting comedic situations. Use these examples to build your argument and provide depth to your analysis.

Analyzing Wilde's Techniques and Themes

Analyze how Oscar Wilde uses literary techniques to develop the play's themes and characters. Discuss his use of wit and irony, the play’s structure, and Wilde's unique style of dialogue. For example, explore how the concept of 'bunburying' serves as a tool to critique societal norms and expectations. This analysis should demonstrate a deep understanding of the text and how Wilde communicates his critique of society.

Concluding the Essay

Conclude your essay by summarizing your main arguments and restating your thesis in light of the discussion. Your conclusion should tie together your insights into 'The Importance of Being Earnest,' emphasizing the significance of your findings. Reflect on the broader implications of the play, such as its enduring relevance and its place in the canon of English literature.

Reviewing and Refining Your Essay

After completing your essay, review and refine it for clarity and coherence. Ensure that your arguments are well-structured and supported by textual evidence. Check for grammatical accuracy and ensure that your essay flows logically from one point to the next. Consider seeking feedback from teachers or peers to help improve your essay. A well-written essay on 'The Importance of Being Earnest' will not only demonstrate your understanding of the play but also your ability to engage critically with literary texts.

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The Importance of Being Earnest Essay Topics: Top 115

Oct 25, 2022

Oct 25, 2022 | Topics

It can be hard to develop the Importance of Being Earnest Essay topics, especially if you have never written one. This is why we have come up with a list of ideas for you to use when writing your essay.

The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde is a book that covers issues such as societal problems, religion, and love. Recently university students have been writing about this masterpiece by Oscar Wilde in essays. However, there are still plenty of essay topics for them to write on society’s importance.

Table of Contents

Simple Essay Topics on The Importance of Being Earnest

• Discuss the theme of class differences in Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest
• Analyze how Lady Bracknell represents traditional values
• Examine how Algernon Moncrieff’s character changes during his time away from London
• Life is a comedy to those who think and a tragedy to those who feel. Discuss the above statement.
• Discuss how Wilde uses dialogue to reveal the hidden feelings of his characters in `The Importance of Being Earnest.
• Why do you think that Oscar Wilde wrote The Importance of Being Earnest?
• What are the similarities and differences between the play and the novel?
• How would you describe one of the main characters in The Importance of Being Earnest? Use specific examples from the text to support your answer.
• Why do you think that this play is considered a comedy?
• Analyze one of Oscar Wilde’s characters from a psychological perspective, considering their gender, age, and personality type(s).
• How does the setting of the upper-class Victorian age in London in the first half of Act I help set the mood?
• How does the character of Cecily and Gwendolen differ in this play?
• Does Lord Bracknell become a feminized figure to foreshadow the future endings of Jack and Algernon?

Easy Essay Topics on The Importance of Being Earnest

• “To what extent does the play reflect Victorian Era in England?”
• “How are the characters in the play similar to people today?”
• “Is it possible to be totally sincere with another person, or is it necessary that there be some element of pretense?”
• What makes Wilde’s plays so successful?
• What were the social implications of Victorian comedies like The Importance of Being Earnest?
• Why was Wilde considered a great writer, and what is his legacy?
• What is the significance of the name Lady Bracknell?
• What does Lady Bracknell mean when she says, “A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.”
• How does Algernon manage to become Jack’s guardian?
• Why do you think Wilde chose Earnest as the title of his play?
• What does the classification of the play as a “comedy of manners” refer to? Could this play operate in a non-hierarchical, classless society?

Interesting Essay Topics on The Importance of Being Earnest

• The Importance of Being Earnest: a comedy about the importance of being earnest
• The popularity of The Importance of Being Earnest and its characters
• Who is the most important character in The Importance of Being Earnest?
• What are some famous quotes from The Importance of Being Earnest?
• The importance of being earnest in a world where everything is not as it seems
• How the playwright managed to capture the attitudes and behavior of people in his period through his writing style
• What makes an author’s work relevant over a hundred years after publication?
• Discuss the relationship between Jack and Algy. How does it change as the play progresses?
• Why do you think Jack and Gwendolen are more concerned with marriage than love?
• What is Wilde’s opinion on marriage, if any? How would his views have been different in 1890s England than they would be now?
• What do you think the title of this play means, especially considering it is talking about a man named Ernest, who isn’t Earnest after all?

Controversial Essay Topics on The Importance of Being Earnest

• How far would you go to save a friend?
• Have we lost the ability to be honest with one another?
• Is vanity the real root of all evil?
• If one partner wants a baby and the other does not, do they have an obligation to get married anyway?
• Lady Bracknell is a hypocrite.
• Algernon’s lies are not just harmless. They have serious consequences for the people he loves.
• Jack is a deserter (like his father) who must be married before inheriting his fortune.
• What is the role of women in society?
• Is there such a thing as a “fatal flaw”?
• Are we what others see us as, or do we define ourselves?

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on The Importance of Being Earnest

• Compare and contrast the opening scenes of the play with its ending.
• Contrast Algernon’s personality when he is pretending to be Ernest and when he is not pretending to be Ernest and Jack’s personality when he is pretending to be Earnest and when he is not pretending to be Earnest.
• Contrast the characters of Lady Bracknell, Gwendolen, and Cecily with each other in terms of their upbringing, education, and general disposition toward life
• How does Lady Bracknell compare to other mothers in literature?
• Compare and contrast the play’s title with its content.
• What are some differences between being earnest and being earnest?
• Compare and contrast the attitudes toward marriage between Gwendolen and Cecily.
• Discuss how Wilde’s characters relate to one another
• Compare and contrast the importance of being earnest with that of not being earnest for an individual’s life experience to be meaningful.
• Compare and contrast the two main characters in The Importance of Being Earnest.
• Compare and contrast the two love stories in The Importance of Being Earnest.
• Compare and contrast the two social classes in The Importance of Being Earnest.

The Importance of Being Earnest Essay Topics for Kids

• What is the Importance of Being Earnest?
• What are the Special Features and Qualities of This Play?
• How Does Wilde Use Humour in his Plays?
• Why is This Play so Popular Today?
• Who was Oscar Wilde, and How Did he Become Famous?
• Why was He Imprisoned for Homosexuality ?
• Discuss the use of humor in The Importance of Being Earnest.
• Analyze the role that gender plays in this play
• Analyze how Oscar Wilde uses his characters’ names to convey meaning within The Importance of Being Earnest
• Analyze the comic relief in The Importance of Being Earnest and how it changes your perception of the play.

The Importance of Being Earnest Essay Topics for Middle School

• How does the play relate to one’s self?
• Are we all playing a role in our lives, and does it matter if we are?
• What role-playing techniques did Wilde use in the play to make it so funny?
• Is it possible to find yourself by pretending not to be yourself?
• In the play, Algernon makes a bet allowing him to say all sorts of things without repercussions. What are some reasons people might make such bets?
• According to the play, what is a Bunburyist?
• Who is Cecily, and why does she want to marry Ernest? (Hint: Think about her parents’ relationship.)
• Is it possible for someone to change their name to get out of an unwanted marriage or situation? Why or why not?
• Discuss the use of irony in The Importance of Being Earnest.
• Analyze the themes and motifs in The Importance of Being Earnest.
• Explain how Wilde uses humor to illuminate truth and reveal character, particularly in Act II, Scene 2 of The Importance of Being Earnest.
• Examine how Wilde’s play satirizes Victorian society and culture

The Importance of Being Earnest Essay Topics for High School

• How does the play compare to Oscar Wilde’s other works?
• The Importance of Being Earnest: A Comedy or a Tragedy?
• What is the Importance of Being Earnest About?
• What is the Theme of The Importance of Being Earnest?
• Who Do You Think Is More “Earnest” in this Play, Algernon or Jack? Why do you think so?
• Why should students be earnest in their education?
• Earnestness is important in business, politics, and even sports.
• Why are there so many jokes about being earnest? How can this be turned around positively?
• What does it mean to be earnest?
• Love and Marriage
• Earnest and Jack’s relationship
• Algernon and Gwendolyn’s engagement
• Cecily and Gwendolyn’s relationship with Ernest/Jack
• The importance of being Earnest in today’s society

The Importance of Being Earnest Essay Topics for College

• Describe the main characters and their relationships with each other.
• How does Lady Bracknell treat her daughter’s suitors in Act I, Scene 1?
• What does Algernon mean when he says, “the only good thing about modern life is that there’s no harm in being earnest”?
• Is it fair to mock someone based on their name or background (as Algernon does with Jack)?
• What are the effects of class differences on the characters in The Importance of Being Earnest?
• Do you think Algernon and Cecily love each other, or is their relationship purely due to their namesakes? Why?
• Are there any examples in this play where people lie to themselves about who they are
• In The Importance of Being Earnest, what is the role of coincidence?
• What is the title supposed to represent? Does it have a deeper meaning?
• What are some themes in The Importance of Being Earnest?

The Importance of Being Earnest Essay Questions

• In what ways does Wilde satirize Victorian society?
• How is Algernon’s humorous use of pseudonyms used to show that he is a different person from his friend Jack?
• Discuss the theme of “being earnest” in this play.
• What was the importance of being earnest?
• How do the characters demonstrate their roles in society?
• What is Jack’s reaction to Gwendolyn’s betrayal, and how does this reflect his character?
• Why does Lady Bracknell object to Cecily’s engagement?
• Discuss the role of social status in The Importance of Being Earnest.
• Compare and contrast Lady Bracknell and Gwendolen Fairfax.
• What is the significance of Jack’s name change?
• What role does gender play in The Importance of Being Earnest?
• Analyze the theme of marriage in The Importance of Being Earnest

I hope this study guide article was helpful for you in finding an essay topic for your on The Importance of Being Earnest. Hopefully, you can write an interesting paper using one of these ideas!

With a passion for education and student empowerment, I create blog content that speaks directly to the needs and interests of students. From study hacks and productivity tips to career exploration and personal development

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elitism is the enemy of the people

Delayed thoughts on anti-intellectualism and the state of discourse.

I’ve been plagued with the dilemma of discourse. It really began post-Feed Me’s “ Machine in the Garden ,” where I witnessed a canon event for this platform. When Emily Sundberg first published her piece, within 48 hours, it seemed like everyone in the town of Substack was compelled to share a take. I gave into the buzz myself, posting my first ever note about it (Insane. Thanks for the baptism, Emily!).

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My reflex was to agree with Emily. I thought she made good points, but more importantly, she was the first person I read who pointed out what was happening on Substack. I’ve noticed my experience on here has changed over the past few years but I couldn’t put my finger on why? I used to come onto Substack for good, independent, mostly long form writing. I wouldn’t even spend that much of my week on the platform, because in the early days, the majority of the newsletters I followed posted once a month or once every few months. But now, I log on all the time. There’s always something to read. My homepage, aka the notes page, is flush with new blog-style writing every single day.

Kyle Chayka wrote about this in his newsletter One Thing , offering a different way to frame the “repetitive content”:

If you look at any one Substack newsletter in comparison to its peers, it does appear banal and repetitive. But they are not experienced as a landscape; they are experienced individually. Each one is its own tiny world. You tend to pick one and stick with it, going to it for everything from fashion recs to Marseilles itineraries. Only sickos like journalists constantly shop around and thus run into the homogeneity.

I agree for the most part, but I think the sickos extend beyond journalists to include anyone who uses the app in general. 1 Whether or not I’m in active pursuit of a new newsletter to subscribe to, my homepage seems to be, with how flooded it is with recommendations. And I’ve realized that when presented with an infinite scroll bar, I have no self-discipline. I will be scrolling until my eyes bleed.

Obviously, shopping and blog-style newsletters do not shape the entirety of Substack. And after thinking it over more, I don’t fault anyone for leaning into this form of writing either. It takes less time to put out a listicle and it makes total sense that if we’ve been incentivized to post as consistently as possible, the easier, less intensive writing is going to be the writing that we publish more consistently. It’s also fun. Idk. 2

Emily smartly connects this shifting in content as having been shaped and encouraged by the Substack platform itself, but this point ultimately got lost in the discourse of “let women write.” And that’s another issue I have with internet discourse as a whole. I should mention that before I even read her essay, I was seeing notes about it on my homepage. After reading it, I immediately posted my own note, not because I felt that I had something genuinely amazing and inspiring to contribute, but because I felt like I needed to go to war for my girl who was getting battered left and right. The discourse was coloring my ability to just form my own thoughts and opinions based solely on Emily’s writing. I was immediately on the defensive from the first line. 3

After discussing the article more in-depth over the past few weeks with irl friends, I’ve been able to interpret her ideas and others’ criticisms of the essay with more level-headedness. But if I made a note about the essay now, weeks after it went viral (which in internet-time is like 2 dinosaur epochs ago), I fear it would be perceived as beating a dead horse. Internet discourse is so pervasive and suffocating that once the majority has decided to move on, any person who is still lingering with their related thoughts is framed as jumping onto the bandwagon way too late. There’s just no possible way they could bring something new to the table, says the majority mindset. “ Another girlhood essay?” We all groan.

I actually jumped on the girlhood discourse relatively early with my Youtube video on it last year (mainly through a sartorial lens). I read so much research related to it that by the time I published the video, I was ready to put the entire subject to bed. Since that video, I’ve seen numerous new headlines and essays about girlhood and I’ve skipped reading every single one. It’s not that I think no one else has anything insightful to say or that my thoughts and feelings are the be-all, end-all. But, I feel like my brain actually cannot fixate on one topic for this long. Maybe I blame my sicko journalist head or maybe I blame the internet. We’re not meant to be exposed to this many hot takes. It makes sense why we’re all tired.

A few days ago, I shared an unpopular opinion about a popular book on TikTok, which then incited so much uproar among a tiny group of people (for reference, the video got less than 100k views, a far cry from virality on that platform) that you would think they themselves were getting a cut of the book’s royalties. The video got stitched by another book reviewer who politely disagreed with me (we have no beef), though his comment section is another story. Some people took my 2 minute book opinion as a catalyst to insult my work as a whole. My video essays were brought under scrutiny as being “not academic enough,” which triggered my internal monologue, “It’s YOUTUBE! Cocomelon is platformed on Youtube!” 

I realize the irony now that I’m on the other side of the criticism. Only a few weeks ago, Substack writers were typing, “It’s SUBSTACK! This is a blog space not an edited publication!” 4

Criticism is so important. I’ll always believe that to my core. But sometimes I wonder if we don’t consider the medium enough. I’ve been feeling compelled lately to revisit communication theorist Marshall McLuhan’s famous idea “the medium is the message,” in which he suggests that the medium through which content is communicated is just as significant, and sometimes more significant, than the content itself. He wrote this thesis in the 1960s, but it feels forever relevant.

There’s another Booktok video I want to mention. This one is actually gaining traction and was posted by Celine @/bookishwithb. In it, she laments the state of Booktok and how anti-intellectual it’s become. She explains how people use sensationalized trope language in their book recommendation videos to cater to the algorithm, which has ended up overshadowing the actual literary analysis that used to be present on the app. 

I generally agreed with that. However, she lost me when she gave an example of two people who reviewed RF Kuang’s The Poppy War over the past few weeks. The first creator gave a more in-depth review and the second creator solely characterized the book as having a “strong female protagonist.” She goes on to rant:

To absolutize The Poppy War into just a book about a powerful female protagonist, rather than the incredibly complex, quite traumatizing, dark topic of what it actually is and how beautiful and difficult it is to create a book like that […] IS INFURIATING.

There comes a point when I have to wonder… what is a fair condemnation of anti-intellectualism and what is just… elitism? 

“IT’S TIKTOK! Sigma Ohio Rizz is platformed on Tiktok!”

To go back to mediums - Obviously, all these platforms are different, though tech execs seem to want them all to converge into the same thing. The enshittification of Substack in particular feels like a gut punch to many long term users because it happened recently and almost overnight with the introduction of notes. But within a year, I expect that the algorithm will become so ever present that it will be a bit “old man yells at cloud” 5 to complain about it.

TikTok on the other hand has a much wider community; its user base spans across multiple generations and the people on there have varying educational backgrounds and life experiences, and everyone also uses it for different reasons. TikTok also didn’t start as any sort of academic platform, but as a dancing and lip syncing platform with only 15 second video time limits. 

There are just some mediums that are not meant to host long-form, educational content or good, peer-reviewed writing. To my haters who want more academic essays, I’d suggest getting off Youtube and reading a book. (I’m for real. The Youtube medium is just not that serious.) And obviously, every platform is what we make it, but there are some actual logistical restrictions sometimes (IG Reels has a 90 sec time cap) and there are financial incentives we’d all be naive not to consider, such as the fact that without an existing following, you can’t get away with posting once every few months and still make money.

Sometimes I think we forget that these are the real drivers for the kind of content people produce and that it doesn’t necessarily mean that the people who choose to review books using trope language are stupid. When we silo people into being intellectual vs. anti-intellectual, we make a moral judgment over issues caused by systemic forces. (For what it’s worth, I do think anti-intellectualism exists (e.g. people complaining about other people writing with “big words” as if a dictionary is not easily accessible with Google), just not in this context.)

A few months ago, I caught the Broadway showing of An Enemy of the People with Jeremy Strong as protagonist Dr. Thomas Stockmann. It was phenomenal. I think Jeremy Strong is one of Hollywood’s best.

The play starts with Dr. Stockmann finding out that the local hot springs, a business that his town depends on economically, have been contaminated and he asks the mayor to close down the springs and repair them to prevent people from getting sick. The problem is that the repairs will be expensive and considering the springs are the town’s only industry, shutting them down will wreck their local economy.

Stockmann is fully earnest in his pursuit of truth and justice, believing that no matter what, the public has the right to know. And despite getting threatened, he perseveres by broadcasting his findings at a town meeting. The people in power spin his words into hysterical lies and jump on him with personal attacks in order to keep the springs open and as Dr. Stockmann gets angrier and more unheard, his shadow self steps into the spotlight. In a fit of frustration, the once bumbling, good-hearted scientist poses this disgusting dog analogy that had the audience in my theater gasping:

There’s a difference between a stray and a poodle, isn’t there? There’s a fundamental difference. I’m not saying those mutts wouldn’t be capable of learning good behavior if they’d had the right opportunities, but I wouldn’t want one living in my house… But somehow when it comes to humans—when I say I have studied biology, I know things you do not know, you should listen to me, that—that you can’t abide.”

Regardless of whether Stockmann’s right about closing down the springs, the elitism (and scientific racism) in his speech shifted our perspective of him. (As a note, the stage was ingeniously set up theatre-in-the-round and they even invited a few people from the audience to sit directly on the edges of the stage. It made events more visceral as if Stockmann was lecturing not just the other actors, but us as well.) It’s actually not because the townspeople disbelieve his findings that he then becomes branded “an enemy of the people,” it’s because of this social evolution rant he makes equating us all to mutts.

I understand the kind of anger and overwhelm that internet discourse can cause, where it feels like you’re trying to tread water but water keeps coming into your ears and you have no choice but grapple at any arm, leg, body nearby even if you’re scratching them in the process. It’s the kind of pressure that keeps me off my Youtube comment section if a video is getting too viral and off Twitter completely and maybe now off TikTok.

Admittedly, I don’t get many Booktok videos on my algorithm. I don’t interact with a lot of the book community online either, and so, I’m not seeing the enshittification happen in real time. I imagine someone who is part of that community and who has noticed a dip in quality can feel like it’s the end of the world. I won’t argue with that. The longer I spend on social media, the more I feel it’s starting to make me feel deranged. I’m still pro-opinions and pro-criticism. However, I’m becoming pessimistic; maybe the internet is not the place to host them, or maybe it just requires a steeliness that I don’t have yet.

With all that said, I’m taking some time to recalibrate my own social media usage (which now includes this platform), in fear that I might start blaming the townspeople a little too much, and forgetting the actual problem all along was the contaminated hot springs.

Maybe the best course of action is to go back to reading newsletters straight from my email inbox again.

I also want to add that my algorithm is an echo chamber and I’m sure there is a lot of similar short form writing being pushed by say, conservative men on Substack, but it’s not what I’m exposed to. The problem I’ve noticed is that young women tend to be very critical (this is a positive thing), but because the internet is so fragmented, we end up being critical over the writing we consume/are exposed to (which tends to be written by fellow women), which can feel oppressive for everyone involved. I get it. 

Marshall McLuhan categorizes mediums into “cool” vs. “hot.” A cool medium provides low-definition information e.g. television. When you’re watching a tv show, there’s external noise in say, your living room, that could impact your experience watching it. A hot medium is one that has a hi-def experience e.g. film. When you watch a movie in a movie theater, the sensory detail is so clear and there’s minimal distraction affecting how you absorb the movie. (McLuhan wrote all this before the advent of DVDs.) Through his definition, I’d say that Substack is a cool medium, because it becomes impossible to ignore the comments and discourse that surround every essay I read.

I do think that Emily was way more diplomatic than these TikTok commenters, especially since she didn’t namedrop anyone in particular. I don’t usually look myself up on the internet because I think it would make me suicidal.

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