Answer:
Think about the characteristics of a stereotypical English butler. They are usually depicted as sober, exceptionally loyal, and as having a dry wit. In the Oscar Wilde play ''The Importance of Being Earnest,'' Algernon's butler, Lane, and Jack's butler, Merriman, play the part. Additionally, they are able to contribute to exposing the ridiculousness of the upper echelon of English society, through a working-class lens. Let's learn more about these characters. Lane only appears in Act I, which takes place in Algernon's flat in the city. Algernon is a wealthy butler who lives in the city. There is a conversation between Lane and Algernon as they prepare for afternoon tea with Algernon's cousin, Gwendolen, and his aunt, Lady Bracknell.
Lane is of the opinion that bachelors serve better wine but claims he does not have much experience, as he has just been married once as a '' consequence of a misunderstanding between myself and a young person.'' Algernon quickly loses interest in hearing about his employee's personal life and judges him for not being a better example of morality.
Lane goes in and out of the room without interacting with Lane's guests, except to introduce them and to defend Algernon by saying, ''There were no cucumbers in the market this morning,'' when there are no cucumber sandwiches left for the guests because Algernon ate them all.
After the guests leave, Algernon confides in Lane that he intends to go Bunburying, which is Algernon's term for visiting the country to escape family, under the guise of visiting an invalid friend named Bunbury, who doesn't actually exist. Algernon's main reason for going to the country is to investigate Jack to make sure he is a suitable match for his cousin, Gwendolen. Lane packs for him without judgment. When Algernon mentions that he hopes tomorrow will be a good day, Lane responds,''It never is,'thus, revealing himself as a pessimist.
