The Importance of Being Earnest (Annotated Edition)

Algernon Moncrieff prepares for the arrival of his aunt, Lady Bracknell, and her daughter, Gwendolen, in his stylish London flat in 1895. His butler, Lane, brings in “Ernest Worthing” (who is listed as “John Worthing” in the cast list and “Jack” in the body of the play, although both Lane and Algernon believe his name is Ernest), who has just returned from the country. Jack reveals he has come to London to propose to Gwendolen. Algernon ridicules the notion of marriage, and says that before Jack can marry Gwendolen, he has to clear up the issue of Cecily. Algernon orders Lane to bring in Jack’s cigarette case and shows the inscription: “‘From little Cecily, with her fondest love to her dear Uncle Jack.’” Jack says his name is Ernest in town and Jack in the country. Algernon says he has always suspected Jack was a “Bunburyist,” and now he has proof. Jack explains that Thomas Cardew, who adopted him, willed Jack to be guardian to his granddaughter, Cecily. Cecily now lives at Jack’s place in the country under the guidance of her governess, Miss Prism. Since Jack must maintain a high level of morality to set an example, he needs an excuse to get into town. He has invented a ne’er-do-well younger brother named Ernest who lives in Albany, and whose problems frequently require Jack’s attendance. Algernon confesses that he has invented an invalid in the country, Bunbury, for when he needs to get out of town. Jack insists that he is through with “Ernest,” but Algernon maintains that he will need him more than ever if he marries.