The Importance of Being Earnest

Improbable plots are seen frequently throughout this play. One very improbable situation exists between Gwendolen and Jack. She says that she would only love him if his name was Ernest, and when he questions her about "Jack," she says she would not be able to love him. This situation is later mirrored between Cecily and Algernon when he claims to be Ernest, Jack's brother. She too admits she would not love him were he to bear a different name than Ernest. Both girls describe why they are intrigued by the name Ernest. Before Gwendolen is introduced, a pun on the name Ernest is made by Algernon when he tells Jack, "You are the most earnest-looking person I ever saw in my life." Ernest evidently "perfectly suits" Jack, and later suits Algernon as well. The emphasis put on the power of their names is comedy because this is very improbable. In today's society, emphasis is put on the power withheld through money. This could be a make or break in a relationship. It is obvious for some women that money equal attractiveness. While it seems silly, our society has adapted this mindset. These two instances are nearly equivalent in the sense that love is not based on the person itself, but rather certain qualities one possesses.