The Importance Of Being Earnest LRJ #1

Ryan Readinger

English 10 IB

May 10th, 2009

Ms. Peifer

The Importance Of Being Earnest LRJ#1

In Act One, Algernon describes how marriage is great, but proposing is like business. He feels that marriage and romance are an uncertainty. "The very essence of romance is uncertainty. I i ever get married, I'll certainly try to for get the fact."(Wilde,118). Algernon states this with a tone of blandness, he believes that marriage is good, but still not all that amazing, and his matter-of-fact tone implies this certain belief. His beliefs on marriage give the audience a slight look at what Algernon's character will turn out to be. These insights tell the audience that Algernon is a no nonsense character, or at least he pretends to be, because he is very open with the fact that there should'nt be divorces and that romance is no fun if you already know whats going to happen. "Oh! there is no use speculating on that subject. Divorces are made in Heaven"(Wilde, 118).
The tone of the conversation between Algernon and Jack is really quite proper, even if the things they are talking about aren't proper at all. They are always speaking in delicate and informed speech, as if they were trying to impress one another because they had just met. They both use extensive vocabulary in places they don't really need to, but that is part of the humor and wit contained in the play (Algernon: I may mention that I have always suspected you of being a confirmed and secret Bunburyist;, and I am quite sure of it now. Jack: Bunburyist? What on earth do you mean by a Bunburyist?"(Wilde, 121)