An in-depth analysis of Act 1 Scene 1:

(A conversation between Lady Bracknell and Jack after Jack’s proposal to Gwendolen)

Before the conversation has started the reader already knows that there is a clear difference in status between Lady Bracknell and Jack, Lady Bracknell being of a much higher status. Compared to the conversation between Jack and Algernon earlier, on the topic of marrying Gwendolen, the undertone of that conversation was less serious. However, the manner of this conversation has a more official, more formal feel to it. This can be established through the topic at hand; Gwendolen being Lady Bracknell’s daughter means that the subject is a very important one. The reader is aware of the topic through the use of the lexis: “not down on my list of eligible young men”. Lady Bracknell clearly takes the idea of finding a suitable partner for her daughter to be an important one. Although there is turn taking going on, it is more of a question- answer session between Lady Bracknell and Jack. In this case, Jack being the one having to answer a number of questions being fired at him. This suggests that the rhythm of the conversation is moving quite rapidly.

The majority of the time that Lady Bracknell finishes a line of speech, she ends it with a question directed to Jack, which he is to answer, without being disrespectful. This once again reflects both the status and the roles within the conversation. The way in which Lady Bracknell is delivering questions to Jack suggests that she is of a much higher status. The conversation between Jack and Algernon earlier showed that Algernon was of a higher status, relative to the conversation, whereas usually they are of equal statuses. However in this conversation there is a clear difference between statuses regardless of the topic of discussion. The fact that it is of a delicate and very important subject just emphasises the difference in status.

 Throughout the conversation, Lady Bracknell comes across as quite judgemental on certain topics such as the way in which a man should present himself and the age at which is right for a gentleman to get married. This might be inferred as her being quite opinionated, this might be justified because she comes from a well respected background. She also seems to be well connected as she knows a lot of people; she is well respected by the general public. The idea that she might not know someone might mean that they are inferior to her:”Lady Bloxham? I don’t know her” and “nowadays that is no guarantee of respectability of character.” She clearly sees herself as someone who has the right to judge people and it comes off slightly egotistical.  

The order in which Lady Bracknell directs her questions shows a lot about her character. It is common to ask the most important matters in your opinion first. In the case of Lady Bracknell however, her first few questions are related to money and personal details about Jack. She is someone who cares deeply about her reputation and does not want it to be tarnished. One of the last questions she asks: “Now to minor matters. Are your parents still living?” establishes a lot about her character. Usually to someone, a question related to family and death is an important matter, to Lady Bracknell it seems to be an insignificant detail. This shows that she is a cold, stern and heartless person. Her response to when Jack tells her that they have both passed away reiterate how judgemental she is: “to lose both looks like carelessness”. Although the conversation has taken a serious turn, she seems to be unabashed in her retort.

This relatively short conversation has presented a lot about Lady Bracknell’s character. It has once again shown the differences in status and at the same time has also shown that the topic at hand is a very important factor on the outcome of the conversation.     

Analysis of Act 1 Scene 1

Through reading the first Act of scene 1 a topic can be established through the conversation between Algernon and Jack; in this case the topic is on "Bunburying". This is further seen through the lexis: 'What you really are is a Bunburyist". Algernon seems to be interrogating Jack about his private life, this is emphasised through stress that Algernon uses through certain words: "I suspected that" the stress in this sentence is on the word 'suspected'. This clearly shows that Algernon is suspicious about Jack's behaviour and on what Jack's hidden agenda is.
Algernon is clearly the dominant speaker and he is of a higher status relative to the conversation. He is the one putting questions forward to Jack in an interrogating manner. Whereas Jack is conversing through short direct sentences, Algernon on the other hand uses longer, in depth vocabulary in a way to corner Jack into a confession on his true identity. Although Algernon is the dominant speaker there is clear turn taking in the conversation which suggests that in relative status they are both of the same status and are mutual friends.
There also seems to be a rhyme throughout the conversation. The way in which Algernon is putting questions and statements forward to Jack and the manner in which he is speaking, in this case of an informal, light hearted way suggests that the rhyme is quite fast. The use of coinage in this context, also allows the conversation to take a less serious turn. The word Bunburying is polysemic, in the case of the conversation it means to have a double life, hiding ones true identity. However the word Bunburying has a deeper meaning, in reality it means to hide your homosexuality which can be directly meaningful to Oscar Wilde himself.

Algernon: Farewell Ernest. Until we meet again. (Ushers John towards the door)
John: Why the sudden rush to get rid of me? What are you hiding? (John slowly walks back into the room)
Algernon: I’m expecting Aunt Augusta to arrive soon. And before you ask, no, my dear cousin is not coming with her!
John: Oh dear look at the time I best be going. Give your Aunt my best regards.
Algernon: As insincere as you are John, I shall pass along the message.
John: How grateful I am that you understand me so well! Well good day.

(John exits)

Algernon: Finally that fellow left. Lane! Bring me the cigarette case.
Lane: Here you are sir. Would you like me to send this to Mr Worthing?
Algernon: Why ever would you do such a thing? Hand it over. (Brings out his hand) I’ve always liked the look of this case. (Looks at Lane) Don’t judge me Lane, I am merely curious. You may leave.
Lane: Yes sir.

(Lane exits)

(Algernon open the case and begins to read the inscription)

Algernon: “From little Cecily with her fondest love to her dear Uncle John” What a peculiar inscription .This fellows name has always been Earnest Worthing. Who is this John and who is this Cecily? Hmmm I suspect that a bit of Bunburying at play! This shall be interesting. (Pockets the cigarette case and leaves the room)

A short analysis of ‘The importance of Being Earnest’

The title ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ already gives the reader something to think about; with an ambiguous title the reader is already questioning the motive of the play. Whether the definition of Earnest is to be sincere or whether it is possibly someone’s name. The title alone is intriguing but with the added sub title: ‘A trivial comedy for serious people’ the reader can make assumptions on what the play will entail. Clearly this play is a light-hearted one that should be enjoyed by everyone including ‘serious people’.  

As mentioned before the pluralistic title will probably lead the reader to check the cast list to find out whether there is a character who goes by the name Earnest. Although no ‘Earnest’ is on the character list, the characters that are written clearly show that there is a status divide within the play. With some characters given Christian names such as ‘John Worthing’ and ‘Algernon Moncrieff’ where as others are merely known by their last names: ‘Lane’ and ‘Merriman’ there is clearly a distinct difference in how these characters will interact in the play. Also some characters are given titles along with their names, such as: ‘Lady Bracknell’ and ‘Hon Gwendolen Fairfax’ these names suggest that they are of a high status within the play. The cast list allows the reader to make a judgement on the characters before they have been introduced.

Through the opening dialogue from Act 1 Scene 1 Oscar Wilde explores status through the use of dialogue. The way in which higher and lower class interact can be clearly seen. Algernon Moncrieff is clearly of a higher status then that of Lane. He is the one who is in control of this conversation as he is the one putting questions forward as well as demands: “have you got cucumber sandwiches cut for Lady Bracknell?” he is also using discourse throughout the conversation compared to Lane who only ever answers Algernon’s questions in short, precise answers without using discourse. In fact the only point at which Lane does develop on a question, in this case marriage, Algernon is quick to tell him that he is not interested in his personal affairs. It can be seen that Algernon does not want to break down the barriers between the different social classes. In my opinion this has more to do with keeping up a reputation then of not caring. Algernon’s monologue after Lane has been dismissed suggests that he does care about his opinion as he is questioning it afterwards: “Lane’s views on marriage are somewhat lax.”  Algernon seems to be putting up a front in order to protect his higher status and also to some degree his pride. Oscar Wilde has already left the readers questioning the title, the characters and the idea of social status within the opening page of dialogue.

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