First performed in 1895, The Importance of Being Earnest is Oscar Wilde’s most famous play, a brilliant satire of Victorian society, marriage, and social conventions. The play follows the tangled identities of two bachelors, Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, who create fictitious personas to escape societal obligations. When both men use the name "Ernest" to woo two women—Gwendolen and Cecily—their deception leads to absurd misunderstandings and comedic chaos.

Wilde’s sharp wit, paradoxical humor, and keen observations of aristocratic life make this play a timeless masterpiece of comedy. Beneath its playful surface, the work critiques rigid social norms and the superficiality of the upper class.

Why read this book?

• One of the most celebrated comedies in English literature, packed with clever wordplay and unforgettable lines.

• A sharp critique of Victorian hypocrisy, still relevant in today’s discussions on identity and societal expectations.

• Fast-paced and highly entertaining, making it an ideal introduction to Oscar Wilde’s literary brilliance.

• A play that remains a staple of theater, literature courses, and adaptations across film and stage.

About the Author

Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) was an Irish playwright, poet, and novelist known for his wit, flamboyant personality, and sharp social critique. His other notable works include The Picture of Dorian Gray, An Ideal Husband, and Lady Windermere’s Fan. Wilde’s literary success was overshadowed by his infamous trial and imprisonment for "gross indecency," but his works have endured as some of the finest examples of satire and humor in English literature.