Question

In The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde, both Jack and Algernon pretend to be Earnest Worthing, and as Earnest Worthing become engaged to two different women. How does this confusion most likely affect the play?

Answer 1

Answer:

This confusion shows that dishonesty is always revealed, but that it does not always affect those involved.

Explanation:

During the play, the women meet and eventually discover they are engaged to the same man. In the middle of the discussion, Jack and Algernon end up telling the whole truth, since their dishonesty was discovered. The women decide to leave and not keep in touch with either, because all the morality and persona of Earnest Worthing does not exist. However, men do not seem to care about this, as they keep talking about teas and cookies, maintaining triviality and false decorum.