The Importance of Being Bunbury

For Jack, Algernon, Cecily and Gwendolen, a name reveals love. I found it incredibly entertaining that these two women could fall for a man, merely as a result of his name. Along with how these men go to great lengths to own this name, for the sake of love. Eros has created pandemonium with that bow and arrow of his, for all these characters are running towards love and going to great lengths to evade shame. Shame of the common man; to be him and to love him. As Gwendolyn states, “And I pity any woman who is married to a man called Jack. She would probably never be allowed to know the entrancing pleasure of a single moment’s solitude. The only really safe name is Earnest.” Then there is Cecily, who states, “There is something in that name that seems to inspire absolute confidence. I pity any poor married woman whose husband is not called Earnest.” All for the love of Earnest, for everyone could love a man named Earnest- even if his existence was based on that of false pretenses. For as long as the social classes were clearly defined and maintaining elite status- let love prevail for all, in a mere instant. Is this truly a Hollywood ending? Do the classes remain elite when the reality is that cousins are awaiting a married union- all for the sake of Earnest. Is there importance in being Earnest? Apparently if you are seeking love- there is. This man Earnest who by his name is viewed as a confident man, a man of stature, a man of many talents a man of elite status. While in the reality of this pursuit of Earnest, a revelation occurs, Earnest is the opposite of what his image adheres him to be. Jack and Algernon are not confident; do not truly hold elite social status and the only true talent which they exude is the importance of being Bunbury.