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ashtronomic's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Witty, charming, ridiculous and funny.
Once again another quotable piece of writing by Oscar Wilde. It’s criticism of upper class society is more subtle than in The Picture of Dorian Grey, but still present. The level of sarcasm present is outstanding, especially compared to other texts I’ve read from the time. The whole story was genuinely very funny.
“I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train.”
Delightfully unpredictable, I was constantly surprised by the twists and turns the narrative took. Wonderful to also see some women exerting their authority in fictional 1890s; a rare treat.
vhungw's review against another edition
4.0
I read this in class and thought it was really funny. Didn’t laugh as much as I wanted to tho bc the class would be dead silent most of the time
lavrendy's review against another edition
5.0
I read this in high school and am happy to report that ten years later it is as ridiculous and brilliant as ever.
My fav lines:
- (When asked to give Algy her diary, Cecily responds:) “Oh, no. You see, it is simply a very young girl’s record of her own thoughts and impressions, and consequently meant for publication. When it appears in volume form I hope you will order a copy.”
- “Once a week is quite enough to dine with one’s own relations.”
- “I hope you will always look at me just like that, especially when there are other people present.”
My fav lines:
- (When asked to give Algy her diary, Cecily responds:) “Oh, no. You see, it is simply a very young girl’s record of her own thoughts and impressions, and consequently meant for publication. When it appears in volume form I hope you will order a copy.”
- “Once a week is quite enough to dine with one’s own relations.”
- “I hope you will always look at me just like that, especially when there are other people present.”
misshashmeme's review against another edition
5.0
"I hope you have not been leading a double life, pretending to be wicked and being really good all the time. That would be hypocrisy."
This play made me realise that Oscar Wilde was a genius.
The Importance of Being Ernest is a trivial comedy for serious people. Quite literally. One may say that it is a rather silly story of mistaken identities, lovers, and society. Two best friends, Algernon and Jack, are trying to woo a couple of women who think they are falling in love with a man named Ernest. However, they also claim that they wouldn’t love them so if their name was anything except Ernest.
“Literary criticism is not your forte, my dear fellow. Don’t try it. You should leave that to people who haven’t been at a University. They do it so well in the daily papers.”
Very subtly, the play attacks the elite society of Britain. Personally, I think it is relatable for almost all relatively "elite" societies worldwide. The high level of satire is still very relevant in the world. The characters are all depicted as exaggeratedly shallow and glib. They are rather ridiculous, yet somehow so real.
“If it was my business, I wouldn’t talk about it.”
The level of wit and sarcasm involved in this play is what makes it highly humorous, while still being very relevant. It has been relevant for the past century and I believe that it will remain to be relevant for generations to come.
This play made me realise that Oscar Wilde was a genius.
The Importance of Being Ernest is a trivial comedy for serious people. Quite literally. One may say that it is a rather silly story of mistaken identities, lovers, and society. Two best friends, Algernon and Jack, are trying to woo a couple of women who think they are falling in love with a man named Ernest. However, they also claim that they wouldn’t love them so if their name was anything except Ernest.
“Literary criticism is not your forte, my dear fellow. Don’t try it. You should leave that to people who haven’t been at a University. They do it so well in the daily papers.”
Very subtly, the play attacks the elite society of Britain. Personally, I think it is relatable for almost all relatively "elite" societies worldwide. The high level of satire is still very relevant in the world. The characters are all depicted as exaggeratedly shallow and glib. They are rather ridiculous, yet somehow so real.
“If it was my business, I wouldn’t talk about it.”
The level of wit and sarcasm involved in this play is what makes it highly humorous, while still being very relevant. It has been relevant for the past century and I believe that it will remain to be relevant for generations to come.
sumayyaha's review
5.0
Rating - 4.5 Stars (Assigned Reading)
____________________________________
I read this for English IV with my class and it was the funniest play I have ever read (and finally understood). We were all laughing and giggling at each snipe and comedic turn of events.
Would definitely reread it.
____________________________________
I read this for English IV with my class and it was the funniest play I have ever read (and finally understood). We were all laughing and giggling at each snipe and comedic turn of events.
Would definitely reread it.
hanzy's review against another edition
5.0
An interesting play filled with interesting characters. I may have never read it or even thought of reading it had it not been for the extra time I found myself having after the Corona epidemic.
seventhbookworm's review against another edition
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
vittotosatto's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
read for my "english drama onstage and onscreen" class. finally! actually such a fun read