The Importance of Being Earnest

by Oscar Wilde
The Importance of Being Earnest cover
Good Books rating 4.22
Drama
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Paperback • £3.49–£13.99
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Technical
  • ID: 7795
  • Added: 2025-12-16
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • ISBN: 9780435233037
  • Publisher: Heinemann
  • Published: 1994-01-01
  • Formats: 6
  • Reviews: 4

Oscar Wilde's classic comedy of manners, The Importance of Being Earnest, is a brilliant farce that pokes fun at the hypocrisies and pretensions of the Victorian era. The play follows two gentlemen, Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, who each create fictional personas to escape their societal obligations and pursue romantic interests. /n/n Filled with clever dialogue, sharp wit, and memorable characters, the play is a timeless exploration of love, identity, and the importance of being earnest—or at least appearing to be.

Reviews
GoodReads · 2025-12-24
fun 4.20

The play is seen as a perfect demonstration of the stupidity of Victorian society. It's a fun play with serious undertones and an effective critique of society.

They appreciate the play for its sharp critique of Victorian society. The humour is enjoyable, but they also recognize the serious undertones that make the play more than just a comedy. They see it as a powerful commentary on societal norms and behaviours. The play is praised for its ability to balance fun and seriousness, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    It's Wilde's perfect demonstration of how stupid Victorian society was.

    It's a fun play, but there are serious undertones.

    It's an effective critique of society.

Efsunland · 2023-06-17
delightful 4.00

The play is described as a silly and fun comedy filled with one-liners, becoming more delightful as the coincidences and awkward encounters pile up.

The reviewer enjoyed the play for its humor and clever one-liners. They found the accumulation of coincidences and awkward situations to be particularly delightful, making the play a joy to read. The reviewer's enthusiasm for the play's comedic elements is evident, highlighting its ability to entertain and amuse. The play is seen as a light-hearted and enjoyable piece that continues to charm readers.

Quick quotes

    It's a silly and fun comedy packed with one-liners.

    As the coincidences and awkward encounters pile up, it only becomes more delightful.

    It's a delightful read.

Book by Book · 2021-02-17
clever 4.20

The play is aptly described as a trivial comedy for serious people, highlighting its clever satire and enduring appeal.

The reviewer appreciated the play's clever satire and its ability to appeal to both serious and casual readers. They noted that the play's description as a trivial comedy for serious people remains apt, highlighting its timeless appeal. The reviewer's admiration for the play's wit and humor is evident, making it a memorable and enjoyable read. The play is seen as a classic piece that continues to entertain and engage audiences.

Quick quotes

    It's a trivial comedy for serious people.

    It's a clever satire.

    It's a memorable and enjoyable read.

Buried in a Bookshelf · 2018-01-31
brilliant 4.50

The play is praised for its mastery of dialogue, with the reviewer appreciating Wilde's wit and considering it a valuable resource for their own writing.

The reviewer found the play to be a brilliant example of Wilde's wit and dialogue. They particularly enjoyed how the play's clever use of language and humor made it a delightful read. The reviewer also mentioned that they might revisit the play when working on their own writing, indicating its lasting impact and value. Overall, the play is seen as a timeless piece that continues to inspire and entertain.

Quick quotes

    Wilde seems to have mastered the art of dialogue.

    I might go back to it when I'm stuck on writing dialogue for my own plays.

    Overall, I liked the play.

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