The Importance of being Earnest

I had just watched the play The Importance of being Earnest written by Oscar Wilde performed by local production, W!LD RICE. Despite the controversies of the play starring an all-male cast in suits, the script was in fact kept in its original form and overall it turned out to be an excellent performance. The live musical accompaniment by The T’ang Quartet had added the icing on the cake. Details can be found on the SISTIC site.

The plot, to put it briefly, is about 2 young gentlemen living in 1890's England who have taken to bending the truth in order to put some excitement into their lives. John (Jack) Worthing has invented a brother, 'Ernest', whom he uses as an excuse to leave his dull country life behind to visit the ravishing Gwendolyn. Algernon (Algy) Montcrieff decided to take the name 'Ernest' when visiting Worthing's young and beautiful ward, Cecily at the country manor. Things start to go awry when they end up together in country and their deceptions are discovered - threatening to spoil their romantic pursuits.

As with other Oscar Wilde's works, there always seems to be some deeper hidden meaning. Earnest as defined by the dictionary means serious in intention, purpose, or effort; or, showing depth and sincerity of feeling. Upon simple reflection, it is indeed important to be earnest in life. Perhaps I would even go as far as to say that the key to relationships is to be sincere. All people seem to have a knack to feel what someone else's intentions are, without that someone actually telling them.

As perpetuated by the plot, it could be one of the underlying messages is that the truth always prevails. That is why in our pursuits of life, we need to be earnest. We need to be true to ourselves, understand our goals and pursue them with a sincere heart.