ACT 1
- Jack immediately sits down on the sofa when he enters Algernon’s flat, without any invitation. This action exemplifies Jack and Algernon’s close relationship (2).
- Algernon retreats to the sofa and continues to flee from Jack, as Jack attempts to retrieve his cigarette case back (4). This creates an authentic scene of two friends involved in a small, playful dispute.
- Gwendolen and Jack sit down together when she arrives. This scene reflects the flirty nature between the two (8).
- Lady Bracknell enters as Jack is on one knee proposing to Gwendolen. Her entrance serves as an obstacle to the engagement between Gwen and Jack. Also, Gwendolen pushes Jack back down when he rises, which displays the reversal of gender roles (12).
- After Algernon and Cecily greet each other, “they pass into the house” (25). This gives an opportunity for Jack to arrive and explain the death of his brother Ernest.
- Gwendolen and Cecily meet and become conflicted when they find out that they are both engaged to a man by the name of Ernest. They physically rise as does the tension in the room (36).
- Algernon crosses to Cecily and kneels, displaying the submission of men to women (33).
- In the morning, Algernon follows Jack to meet with Cecily and Gwendolen (43). The two men enter as if they are a surrendering party trying to make amends for their mistakes.
- Lady Bracknell enters the Manor House as the two couples are embracing each other (45). Her entrance is another example of her being an obstacle to marriage.
- Lady Bracknell rises from her seat and is eager to leave the Manor House, however, when she learns of Cecily’s fortune, she sits back down to further engage in a discussion regarding the marriage between Algernon and Cecily (46).
Gestures & Facial Expressions
ACT 1
- Lady Bracknell greets Algernon warmly, whereas she greets Jack with an “icy coldness” (8). This reflects Lady Bracknell’s previous negative feelings towards Jack.
- “Picking up empty plate in horror” (8) – Algernon is an excellent liar, and it seems he does it for all sorts of situations, even about little cucumber sandwiches.
- “Pencil and note-book in hand” (12) – Displays Lady Bracknell’s eagerness to learn of ways she can increase her status or wealth.
- Algernon tears up the envelopes after Lane presents them to him, and then hands him sherry. This displays Algernon’s unstable financial situation. He is in debt, but he continues living lavishly and bunburys around the country. (18)
- “Algernon, who has been carefully listening, smiles to himself, and writes the address on his shirt-cuff. Then picks up the Railway guide” (18) – Foreshadows Algernon’s plan to bunbury at the Manor House.
- When Algernon arrives at the Manor House he is described as being “very gay and debonair” (24). His mannerisms display his pretentious nature, and his skillful lying abilities.
- Jack “glares” (29) as he shakes hands with Algernon. This act displays Jack’s true feelings, and that he is not happy with Algernon’s presence.
- Dr. Chausable looks “rather puzzled” and starts “pointing at Jack and Algernon” (50) as he blames the young men for wanting to get christened.
- Lady Bracknell shivers as she learns that Cecily and Algernon are engaged. She does not like the idea of Algernon marrying someone who lacks a rich family background (46).
Voice Delivery/Tone
ACT 1
- Gwendolen speaks “Glibly” (10), and thus displays her superficial nature. She wants a man by the name of Ernest, and she wants all the other formalities, like a proper proposal.
- Jack responds to Lady Bracknell’s question regarding his origins “gravely” (14). The nature of his response displays his shame of not having a family name.
- Gwendolen responds to Cecily’s offering of sugar in her tea by saying no “superciliously” (38). Her response is demeaning and emphasizes the differences between the country folk and the town folk.
- Miss Prism concedes that “people who live entirely for pleasure usually are” (27) single in a bitter tone. Her contempt for single people displays her hypocrisy as she too is single, and
- Gwendolen and Cecily begin "speaking together" (44) when they explain they want husbands named Ernest. This situation adds a comedic element as they speak in unison, and it displays the superficiality of the girls' affections towards Algernon and Jack. They want to marry a man with the name of Ernest because that is all that really matters.
- Algernon stammers as he tries to explain to Lady Bracknell about the state of Bunbury (45). Although Algernon is quite skillful in sneaking around and lying, he finds himself this time getting caught in the lie, and he does not know how to act.