The Importance of Being Earnest is written in the form of a play; it was designed at the time for the stage rather than to be read as a novel. This style provides a unique opportunity for the author to paint his picture in an nontraditional manner.
The most significant structural difference from the typical novel is the absence of description. Almost all characterization and plot development are expressed through dialogue, which Wilde fills with lush vocabulary and palpable emotion. An additional byproduct of this form of writing is a noticeably more present style- little is left out in the characters' interactions, providing more insight into their nature than most novels.
The unique approach that marks Wilde's writing is highlighted by the following passage.
JACK: I am in love with Gwendolen. I have come up to town expressly to propose to her.
ALGERNON: I thought you had come up for pleasure? . . . I call that business.
JACK: How utterly unromantic you are!
ALGERNON: I really don't see anything romantic in proposing. It is very romantic to be in love. But there is nothing to be in love. But there is nothing romantic about a definite proposal. Why, one may be accepted. One usually is, I believe. 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.
Wilde demonstrates Algernon (the last speaker) to be a pragmatist and a cynic, while showing Jack to be a more traditional romantic. The liveliness of the dialogue, like that of the exchange I have provided, keep me turning the pages (or, rather, pressing the button on my Barnes and Noble Nook®).
Wilde demonstrates Algernon (the last speaker) to be a pragmatist
and a cynic, while showing Jack to be a more traditional romantic. The
liveliness of the dialogue, like that of the exchange I have provided, keep me
turning the pages (or, rather, pressing the button on my Barnes and Noble Nook®).
Thus far, I have learned
that Jack is a man who is dubious about his identity. He goes by both Jack and
Ernest. He uses the two names to get out of situations, saying he needs to go
visit "Ernest" when he is in fact avoiding someone. He has come to the
city to both propose to Gwendolen and to visit with Algernon, who is hosting his aunt. The interaction sthe two have seems to indicate that the two are friends, but they pry at each other's words and are unafraid to criticize each other's decisions or opinions.
I am enticed and excited to continue reading- I'll get back to you on what happens next.
I am enticed and excited to continue reading- I'll get back to you on what happens next.
John-- first and foremost, you are and have always been HILARIOUS. Your humor really comes out in the tone of these two blog posts. (I especially appreciated the ® after Nook.) Paired with your amazing diction,--seriously, the words you use are fantastic and concise to the point of being alive-- your blog posts are entertaining and informative. Your comments on the literature are interesting as well. Oscar Wilde was a crazy guy, and it really seems like you're squeezing all of the juice out of his writing. I especially enjoyed the comment you made about the contrast between Jack and Algernon. Also, your observations about the difference between prose and script are very interesting. All of your points about the lack of description and the possible implications are very true.
ReplyDeleteMy only suggestion would be to add a little less summary. Obviously it's important to give context to the reader of your blog, but don't let plot reports take over the post. Your insights are interesting and thoughtful. They should be at the core of your writing!