The Importance of Being Earnest
by Oscar Wilde
Original Title: The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People
Compiled by: Oscar Wilde
Publication Date: 14 February 1895
Genres: Fiction, Play, Drama, Tragedy, Satire
File version: 1.0
This lighthearted play tells the farcical tale of Jack Worthing and Algernon Montcrieff—two men who falsely claim to be named Ernest when they fall in love with two women whose affections are illogically but irrevocably tied to the name.
The Importance of Being Earnest was widespread upon its debut in 1895, but the reputation of Oscar Wilde’s works declined when he was imprisoned for accusations of homosexual behaviour.
It was not until the twentieth century that Wilde’s work was recognised for its literary worth and comedic genius. Subsequently, The Importance of Being Earnest has been adapted many times for film and theatre, most recently in the 2002 film starring Colin Firth, Rupert Everett, Reese Witherspoon, and Dame Judy Dench.
