The Importance of Being Earnest
by Oscar Wilde
English • First performed 1895 • Public Domain • Free to stream
The Importance of Being Earnest is widely considered the wittiest play in the English language. Written by Oscar Wilde and first performed in London on Valentine's Day 1895, it follows two young men — Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff — who have both invented fictional alter egos called "Ernest" to escape their social obligations. When their deceptions collide and their love interests both turn out to be romantically attached to the name Ernest, the result is a cascade of comic misunderstandings, sharp epigrams, and one of the great scenes in dramatic literature involving a handbag. Every line is quotable. Lady Bracknell's interrogation of Jack remains one of the funniest things ever written. Wilde called it "a trivial comedy for serious people" — which understates it considerably.
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About the book: The Importance of Being Earnest
The Importance of Being Earnest, a Trivial Comedy for Serious People is a play by Oscar Wilde, following his earlier works Lady Windermere's Fan, A Woman of No Importance and An Ideal Husband. The author began work on the new play at Worthing and revised it over the summer before it was first performed at the St James's Theatre in London. Following its successful opening night, the play was later published from exile in Paris after the author's release from prison.
The farcical comedy depicts the tangled affairs of two young men about town who lead double lives to evade unwanted social obligations, both assuming the name Ernest while wooing the two young women of their affections. Celebrated for its wit and repartee, the play parodies contemporary dramatic norms and gently satirises late Victorian manners. While contemporary reviews praised the play's humour, some critics had reservations about its lack of social messages.
The successful opening night marked the climax of Wilde's career, but a feud with the father of his lover led to a series of legal trials resulting in his conviction and imprisonment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Importance of Being Earnest free to listen to?
Yes, completely free to stream. No account, no subscription, no ads. It is in the public domain.
Who wrote The Importance of Being Earnest?
The Importance of Being Earnest was written by Oscar Wilde. It first performed at the St James's Theatre in London on 14 February 1895, just months before Wilde's arrest and imprisonment.
Is The Importance of Being Earnest in the public domain?
Yes, The Importance of Being Earnest is in the public domain and free to read, share, and listen to worldwide.
How long is The Importance of Being Earnest to listen to?
The Importance of Being Earnest takes approximately 2 hours to listen to in full.
When was The Importance of Being Earnest written?
The Importance of Being Earnest was first published in 1895. It is now in the public domain and free to stream.
Who narrates The Importance of Being Earnest?
The Importance of Being Earnest uses AI multi-voice narration. Each character has a distinct voice — narrators, heroes, villains and supporting characters all sound different, making it easy to follow the story.
Can I download The Importance of Being Earnest?
No download is needed. The Importance of Being Earnest streams directly in your browser — no app, no account, no signup required. Just press play.
What genre is The Importance of Being Earnest?
The Importance of Being Earnest is classic literature. It is a classic work of literature now in the public domain.