Directions: Choose either The Importance of Being Earnest or No Exit . Write a multiple paragraph essay in which you directly address the issue presented. Use examples and quotes from the play for support.
This is an analyzation of the play NOT the movie
DIRECTIONS : Analyze the use of comedy in the play to explore a satirical statement it makes in regards to marriage, class or gender.
Be sure to choose one only. marriage, class, or gender. 3-5 pages max
( EXAMPLE OF THIS ESSAY ATTACHED BELOW)
Requirements: Typed, double-spaced, four pages at a twelve-point font. Use MLA format. Sources can not be used or consulted.
Note: An A paper will have a thorough introduction that provides a set up for the analysis, a clear thesis that addresses the essay topic, a strong use of specific examples/quotes throughout the body, clear and distinct body points, a sound theme that provides a backbone to the analysis, well-structured individual paragraphs, a smooth recap at the end. An A paper will also be free of major writing and style errors.
Please try to keep the essay similar to the sample attached as that is an A paper
Rough Outline Breakdown for topic 1
- List two key traits of that character, with specific quotes to prove each trait.
#1. Algernon is unromantic and doesn’t see a point in marriage.
“I really dont see anything romantic in proposing. It is very romantic to be in love. But nothing romantic about a definite proposal. Why, one might be accepted. One usually is, I believe. Then the excitement is all over. The very essence of romance is the uncertainity. If i ever get married, I’ll certainly try and forget the fact.” - Algy goes to Jack’s house pretending to be Ernest just to cause trouble
- Despite his sassy comments about marriage, as soon as he sees Cecily, we wants to marry her
#2. Algernon shows his disrespect to the society.
“Of course the music is a great difficulty. You see, if one plays good music, people don’t listen, and if one plays bad music, people don’t talk”.What comment does the author use that character to make about:
a. marriage:
“I really dont see anything romantic in proposing. It is very romantic to be in love. But nothing romantic about a definite proposal. Why, one might be accepted. One usually is, I believe. Then the excitement is all over. The very essence of romance is the uncertainity. If I ever get married, I’ll certainly try and forget the fact.”
For marriage (or relationships) to work, people have to fool themselves (look past certain things)
b. class: wealthy people really aren’t wealthy
“Lane’s view on marriage seem somewhat lax. Really, if the lower orders don’t set us a good example, what on earth is the use of them? They seem, as a class, to have absolutely no sense of moral responsibility.” (Wilde 4)
The wealthy have to look to the poor for models of moral responsibility
- Algernon is stating that the duty of the lower class is to set an example, but they act as if they don’t understand how to live orderly and successfully.
gender
“Of course I admit that the faults were all on my side. But I must say that I think brother John’s coldness to me is peculiarly painful. I expected a more enthusiastic welcome, especially considering it is the first time I have come here.” This shows that men take the blame for everything whenever there is nothing goes in their favor.
Men are all “f* boys” – they are not interested in a serious relationship, only hopping from one to the other