"On the contrary, Aunt Augusta, I've now realized for the first time in my life the vital Importance of Being Earnest" (180).
I think the witty word play between "earnest" as in one who is sincere and being named "Ernest" is what drives the plot of the entire play. The duplicity in meanings allows for interchangeable dialogue that show both humor and a somewhat harsh critique on Victorian morals. From the very beginning, Jack's lies backfired on him with the cigarette case given by Cecily. It told the audience that he had a habit of telling lies and hiding behind fake identities for their own pleasure. After Gwendolen claimed that the name "Ernest" is what made her fall in love with him, Jack did seem to turn more "earnest". At first he wanted to completely get rid of his fake brother "Ernest" and then once he found out that he needed to be named "Ernest", he decides to christen himself all for the sake of being "Ernest' for Gwendolen.
The revelation of his name actually turning out to be "Ernest" at the very end sort of left me feeling like maybe he wasn't that bad of a liar after all...and perhaps he's more earnest than I thought he was at the beginning.
Your analysis of "earnest/Ernest" is really interesting. I never noticed that after Gwendolen said that she loved the name "Ernest", Ernest became more earnest. This furthers the ironic nature of the play. At the time that Gwendolen claimed that she loved the name "Ernest", Ernest was already lying to her. However, the moment she professed her love to him was when he was tangled in a web of lies, including his identity and his "brother". Afterwards, he does try to change himself and become a better person. In this instance, the man has to change himself to fit the woman's desires. This reinforces tht men are more powerful in society.
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