An analysis of "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde

Extract

[...] Also, the play begins with Algernon as Jack's best friend, but it ends with him as his younger brother (Wilde act 3). Therefore, Elinor's questions are equally as important as Aristotle's theory when it comes to the critical analysis of a play, as it helps in understanding the ‘world' of the play (Fuch paragraph 3). Works Cited Aristotle. Aristotelian elements of a play.” Nd.web.28th October 2014. Elinor Fuch. visit to the small planet.” Nd.web.28th October 2014. Oscar Wilde. Importance of being Earnest.” Nd.web.28th October 2014. [...]

[...] This language comprises the arrangement of thoughts into words (Aristotle paragraph 4). The First act of the play clearly displays diction. We see at first Algernon discovering the letter in Jack's cigarette case. At first he does not really speak. But the thoughts in his mind ultimately lead him to speak of his suspicions, and he directly confronts Jack, who then confesses to him. It is therefore seen that the characters in this play develop words from thoughts (Wilde act 1). [...]

[...] This is how the actors or figures in a play relate to each other, in a bid to achieve their different goals and motives (Aristotle paragraph two). Understanding the character helps in the identification of the conflict, since conflict is created by the goals, motives and desired pursued by each of the characters throughout the play. In the case at hand, the desire of Cecily is to get married to Ernest, which is also the desire of Gwendoline (Wilde act 3). This creates a conflict between them, a conflict that leads to the discovery of the truth. [...]

[...] It is the one that reveals the play's main theme while giving it significance. Dialogue between and among characters is the main route to understanding the thought of a character (Aristotle paragraph 3). Hence, it is through the thoughts of different characters that the audience discovers and appreciates the theme in a play. In this play, the suspicions of Algernon, Gwendoline's cousin, tends to suggest the fact that Jack is leading a double life. When he finds the letter addressed to ‘Uncle Jack' from' little Cecily', Algernon gets furious (Wilde act 1). [...]