In this play, being earnest is made as superficial a trait as possible; it meanssimply having the name Earnest. The characters are motivated and controlled by ahollow and artificial set of social standards that have little substance but areused to maintain social distinctions and social class privileges. Against thisrigid system of controls the young lovers pursue their dreams of romance. Theplay is structured as a series of verbal fencing matches in which showing theright form is as important as making one’s point. The plot is nonsensical, amere excuse for causing the lovers some temporary setbacks before the inevitablecomic happy ending.
The tone is brightly serious; none of the characters haveany inkling that they are speaking absurdities. Even the self-indulgent Algernonis earnest in his self-indulgence.
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