17 words to know before reading The Importance of Being Earnest

1. The characters or roles played by an actor in a performance.
2. The different aspects or identities a person presents in various situations.

Dramatis Personae John Worthing, J. P. Algernon Moncrieff Rev. Canon Chasuble, D.D. Merriman, Butler Lane,

1. Short for "reverend," a title for clergy.
2. Abbreviation for "revenue" in finance.

Dramatis Personae John Worthing, J. P. Algernon Moncrieff Rev. Canon Chasuble, D.D. Merriman, Butler Lane, Manservant Lady Bracknell Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax

1. A sleeveless outer vestment worn by clergy during Mass or Eucharist services.
2. A long, flowing garment, often ornate, symbolizing the priest's role in worship.

Dramatis Personae John Worthing, J. P. Algernon Moncrieff Rev. Canon Chasuble, D.D. Merriman, Butler Lane, Manservant Lady Bracknell Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax Cecily Cardew Miss

1. A male servant employed to assist with domestic duties.
2. A personal attendant or valet for a gentleman.

John Worthing, J. P. Algernon Moncrieff Rev. Canon Chasuble, D.D. Merriman, Butler Lane, Manservant Lady Bracknell Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax Cecily Cardew Miss Prism, Governess

1. A respectful title for a man, especially in Korean culture.
2. A unit of weight in the Imperial system (short for "hundredweight").

P. Algernon Moncrieff Rev. Canon Chasuble, D.D. Merriman, Butler Lane, Manservant Lady Bracknell Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax Cecily Cardew Miss Prism, Governess

1. A transparent optical element with flat surfaces that refract light.
2. A geometric solid with two parallel, congruent polygonal bases and rectangular sides.

July. Basket chairs, and a table covered with books, are set under a large yew-tree. Miss Prism discovered seated at the table. Cecily is at the back watering flowers. Miss Prism Calling.

1. A large country house with lands.
2. The main house of an estate.

Street, W. Act II: The Garden at the Manor House, Woolton. Act III: Drawing-Room at the Manor House, Woolton. Time: The present.

1. A long, green, cylindrical vegetable with crisp flesh, often eaten raw in salads or pickled.
2. The plant (Cucumis sativus) that produces this vegetable.

she looks quite twenty years younger. And now I’ll have a cup of tea, and one of those nice cucumber sandwiches you promised me. Algernon Certainly, Aunt Augusta. Goes over to tea-table. Lady

1. A long upholstered seat with a back and arms, for two or more people.
2. A piece of furniture designed for comfort and relaxation in living spaces.

too. Lives at Tunbridge Wells. Just give it back to me, Algy. Algernon Retreating to back of sofa. But why does she call herself little Cecily if she is your aunt and lives at Tunbridge Wells?

1. A fictional character created as an excuse to avoid social obligations (from Oscar Wilde's play *The Importance of Being Earnest*).
2. To invent a fictitious person or scenario to escape unwanted commitments.

problematic, you will be very glad to know Bunbury. A man who marries without knowing Bunbury has a very tedious time of it. Jack That is nonsense. If I marry a charming girl like Gwendolen,

1. Used to emphasize a statement or response.
2. Truly or certainly (often expressing agreement).

name. Gwendolen Jack? … No, there is very little music in the name Jack, if any at all, indeed. It does not thrill. It produces absolutely no vibrations … I have known several Jacks, and

1. At the present time; in these modern times.
2. Currently; in contrast to the past.

in civilised life should be. Jack I am sick to death of cleverness. Everybody is clever nowadays. You can’t go anywhere without meeting clever people. The thing has become an absolute public

1. Informal term for mother.
2. (Anatomy) Milk-secreting gland in female mammals.

Mr. Worthing! Rise, sir, from this semi-recumbent posture. It is most indecorous. Gwendolen Mamma! He tries to rise; she restrains him. I must beg you to retire. This is no place for you.

1. A book where personal experiences and thoughts are recorded daily.
2. A daily record of events or transactions.

your diary, Cecily. I really don’t see why you should keep a diary at all. Cecily I keep a diary in order to enter the wonderful secrets of my life. If I didn’t write them down, I should

1. Small, sweet, individual-sized baked goods, often similar to cupcakes but less sweet.
2. Savory versions may include ingredients like cheese or vegetables.

in an agitated manner. The butter would probably get on my cuffs. One should always eat muffins quite calmly. It is the only way to eat them. Jack I say it’s perfectly heartless your eating

1. A throat-clearing sound to get attention or express hesitation.
2. Used to introduce a statement or remark, often humorously or awkwardly.

upon her lips. Miss Prism glares. I spoke metaphorically.—My metaphor was drawn from bees. Ahem! Mr. Worthing, I suppose, has not returned from town yet? Miss Prism We do not expect him till

1. In a strange or unusual manner.
2. Belonging exclusively to a specific person, place, or thing.

were all on my side. But I must say that I think that Brother John’s coldness to me is peculiarly painful. I expected a more enthusiastic welcome, especially considering it is the first time I