English 10 IB
5/20/06
Ms. Peifer
The Importance Of Being Earnest Commentary
"[Algernon]: What you really are is a
Bunburyist. I was quite right in saying you were a
Bunburyist. You are one of the most advanced Bun-
buryists I know.
[Jack]: What on earth do you mean?
[Algernon]: You have invented a very useful younger
brother called Earnest, in order that you may be able to
come up to town as often as you like. I have invented
an invaluble permanent invalid called Bunbury, in
order that I may be able to go down into the country
whenever I choose. Bunbury is perfectly invaluble. If
it wasn't for Bunbury's extraodinary bad health, for
instance, I wouldn't be able to dine with you at Willis's
to-night, for I have been really engaged to Aunt Au-
gusta for more than a week."(Wilde,123)
"[Algernon]: What you really are is a
Bunburyist. I was quite right in saying you were a
Bunburyist. You are one of the most advanced Bun-
buryists I know.
[Jack]: What on earth do you mean?
[Algernon]: You have invented a very useful younger
brother called Earnest, in order that you may be able to
come up to town as often as you like. I have invented
an invaluble permanent invalid called Bunbury, in
order that I may be able to go down into the country
whenever I choose. Bunbury is perfectly invaluble. If
it wasn't for Bunbury's extraodinary bad health, for
instance, I wouldn't be able to dine with you at Willis's
to-night, for I have been really engaged to Aunt Au-
gusta for more than a week."(Wilde,123)
In this passage from "The Importance Of Being Earnest", Oscar Wilde's purpose is to explain to his audience what Bunburying is, and also to relay the theme of the story through the idea of Bunburying. Wilde uses an extensive vocabulary to intensify the reading, and he also uses the theme of dual and mistaken identities to create humor in this passage.
Wilde's ditcion and word choice adds a touch of extra humor to an already humorous passage, but he does this to make a commentary on the way of Victorian life and customs. He tries to tell the audioence through such language that it is really unnecessary to use such polite and intelligent language all the time, and ecspecially when you are with your best of friends. He also uses his expansive vocabulary to intensify and brighten the reading as to make the reading more excitable and humorous. "[Algernon]: I have invented an invaluble permanent invalid called Bunbury"(Wilde, 123). Instead of using such exquisite words, Wilde could have said "I came up with a priceless permanently sick man named Bunbury", but he doesn't, as to make his point about Victorian lifestyle and make the passage more humorous.
Throughout the play, the idea and theme of dual and mistaken identities is the most important theme in all of the play. It sets the basis for the whole story, and Wilde makes it known that it will be very important later on in the story trough this passage. He uses this farcical idea to create humor, as well has advance the plot in the play by inventing the idea of Bunburying and having dual identities to get out of previous arrangements or just for pure fun, in the case of Jack. Wilde enhances the humor throughout the play by bringing back this theme and making ridiculous situations out of it, which is another main idea of Farce.
Wilde aims to entertain the reader through these two main ideas and writing styles, but he also uses them to create a hidden commentary on how ridiculous Victorian life really is, and how impractical it can be. Wilde's also creates humor in this passage by using farce and language the has a tone of sattire to it.
Wilde's ditcion and word choice adds a touch of extra humor to an already humorous passage, but he does this to make a commentary on the way of Victorian life and customs. He tries to tell the audioence through such language that it is really unnecessary to use such polite and intelligent language all the time, and ecspecially when you are with your best of friends. He also uses his expansive vocabulary to intensify and brighten the reading as to make the reading more excitable and humorous. "[Algernon]: I have invented an invaluble permanent invalid called Bunbury"(Wilde, 123). Instead of using such exquisite words, Wilde could have said "I came up with a priceless permanently sick man named Bunbury", but he doesn't, as to make his point about Victorian lifestyle and make the passage more humorous.
Throughout the play, the idea and theme of dual and mistaken identities is the most important theme in all of the play. It sets the basis for the whole story, and Wilde makes it known that it will be very important later on in the story trough this passage. He uses this farcical idea to create humor, as well has advance the plot in the play by inventing the idea of Bunburying and having dual identities to get out of previous arrangements or just for pure fun, in the case of Jack. Wilde enhances the humor throughout the play by bringing back this theme and making ridiculous situations out of it, which is another main idea of Farce.
Wilde aims to entertain the reader through these two main ideas and writing styles, but he also uses them to create a hidden commentary on how ridiculous Victorian life really is, and how impractical it can be. Wilde's also creates humor in this passage by using farce and language the has a tone of sattire to it.
1 comment:
Ryan,
Well organized commentary. Make sure to introduce your quotes and to explain their relevance. Don't introduce new ideas/material in the conclusion. Overall you do and excellent job looking at diction and elements of farce to create humor and a critique on Victorian society.
-Ms. Johnson
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