The Importance of Being Earnest

            I really was not interested in watching this film but it was not that bad.  The humor was different from the previous films we have seen in class.  It was more witty and fast paced.  Marriage during this time seemed to be important and is a constant reminder through out. There were two points of view on marriage. One that it is just business and the other it is for pleasure.

            Jack (Earnest) is in love with Gwendolen and wants to marry her. Jack’s love for her is not business at all. We can clearly see this through out as both he and Gwendolen express their feeling for one another. Jack serenades her when she and his ward Cecily find out about Jack and Algernon double life. Gwendolen loves Jack who she knows by the name of Earnest, that she gets a tattoo of his name. An impulsive decision based on love for her Earnest, which I though was a bit extreme for someone to do. Both Jack and Gwendolen show that marriage does not have to be about business but can be full of love. Which I assume is what most people who get married want in their marriage. But Gwendolyn’s mother, Lady Bracknell sees marriage as business.

            Lady Bracknell is an upper class woman who only wants a suitable son in law based on her criteria’s. She questions Jack about his finances, political stance, where he lives, and who his parents are. He was answering her questions to her liking till Jack reviled he does not know who his parents are. He was found in a handbag at a railway station. After hearing this Lady Bracknell dismisses Jack and does not want him to bother Gwendolen about marriage, unless he can find out who his parents are.  Sounds like a business deal.

            Even though everything worked out for all the characters, this film brings up the question about marriage. How does the audience view marriage? We see two views of marriage, which we either agree or disagree with. Overall, this was an enjoyable film.