The Importance of Being Earnest is a play by Oscar Wilde that was first performed in 1895. Explore key facts, the plot summary, and important quotes.

Summary

Read one-minute Sparklet summaries, the detailed scene-by-scene Summary & Analysis, or the Full Book Summary of The Importance of Being Earnest.

Characters

See a complete list of the characters in The Importance of Being Earnest and in-depth analyses of Jack Worthing, Algernon Moncrieff, Gwendolen Fairfax, and Cecily Cardew.

Literary Devices

Here's where you'll find analysis of the main themes, motifs, and symbols in The Importance of Being Earnest.

Quotes

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Quick Quizzes

Test your knowledge of The Importance of Being Earnest with quizzes about every section, major characters, themes, symbols, and more.

Essays

Learn more about The Importance of Being Earnest by reading these mini-essays and suggested essay topics.

Further Study

Go further in your study of The Importance of Being Earnest with background information about Oscar Wilde and the play, as well as suggestions for further reading.