The Importance of Being Earnest

“In matters of grave importance, style, not sincerity, is the vital thing.”

4/5 ⭐

This play is hilarious.

Reading something that was meant to be performed automatically means the reader doesn’t get the full effect, but it still was extremely entertaining. And despite the 1895 release date, the humor holds up.

This review will mostly be excerpts from the play because there are so many great quotes.

“I hope you have not been leading a double life, pretending to be wicked and being good all the time. That would be hypocrisy.”

The play is a satire of Victorian society that follows two men who each pretend to be named “Earnest” as they try to win the affections of two women with ridiculous expectations.

“I really don't see anything romantic in proposing…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.”

The best character, Lady Bracknell, dishes out her insane takes on society and marriage and what is “proper” to anyone who will listen.

Like this:

“The whole theory of modern education is radically unsound. Fortunately in England, at any rate, education produces no effect whatsoever.”

Or this:

“Long engagements give people the opportunity of finding out each other's character before marriage, which is never advisable.”

Oscar Wilde doesn’t overstay his welcome with this play. It is short and to the point. The satire is biting and the characters are over the top in the best ways.

“It is a terrible thing for a man to find out suddenly that all his life he has been speaking nothing but the truth. Can you forgive me?”

If you have a free afternoon, give this play a try. It can be read in a couple hours and it won’t disappoint.

We’ll end on my favorite quote, from the main love interest near the end of the book:

“If you are not too long, I will wait here for you all my life.”