The+Importance+of+Being+Earnest+-+Quotations


 * || =QUOTATION= || = = || =CONTEXT= || =APPLICATION= ||
 * || I don’t play accurately—any one can play accurately—but I play with wonderful expression. ||  || Algernon Moncrieff, Act 1, to Lane, his manservant. || Emphasises IRONY - difference between appearances and reality in this scene.

Algy's character - stereotype of the upper-class buffoon. Doesn't care for reality (being able to play) - just appearances. || Jack: **Is that clever?** Algernon: **It is perfectly phrased!** ||  || Algernon and Jack Act 1 || Appearance vs. Reality What they say does not have to make sense, it only has to sound nice- very superficial which Jack brings to our attention asking "Is that clever?" Society does not care about substance but instead how it appears. || =NOTE - USE FIREFOX OR IE TO EDIT. NOT SAFARI, CHROME OR ANYTHING ELSE!= =FEEL FREE TO ADD MORE ROWS IF NECESSARY= =QUOTES ARE EXACTLY REPLICATED FROM THE TEXT - CHECK THAT THEY"RE CORRECT!=
 * || Algernon: All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That's his.
 * || "A Hand-bag" ||  || Between Lady Bracknell and Jack - discussing his origins || The superficiality and triviality of the aristocracy. The fact that Lady Bracknell places so much emphasis on Jack's origins also reveals Wilde's cynical take on marriage - that it is not a union between two people who are in love but rather, it is based on reputation. ||
 * || I do not approve of anything that tampers with natural ignorance ||  || Act 1 Lady Bracknell to Jack || It's a mockery of the English aristocracy who aren't properly educated and live in a world of superficiality. ||

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