Explore the similarities and differences between Algernon and Cecily with particular reference to their language, imagination and use of inversions.
Oscar Wilde wrote the play ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ in the Victorian era. The life of each character differ but somehow throughout the play comes together in a surprising plot twist. In the play the characters Algernon and Cecily are very similar but also have their differences. Oscar Wilde shows this through their language, imagination and use of inversions.
Cecily is like Algernon when it comes to making up stories. ‘You silly boy! Of course. Why, we have been engaged for the last three months’ she invented a romance between herself and Ernest, which lasted for three months within her mind and diary. She made up the relationship in so much detail it is like Algernon’s invention Bunbury. However unlike Algernon Cecily invented a relationship whereas he invented a alter ego or a person, which he uses to get out of boring activities. This could be are reason why Algernon comes to like Cecily so much. The situation Algernon finds himself in is very amusing because he has gone Bunburying as Earnest while Cecily has created an engagement between herself and ‘Ernest’ although early in the play he states that marriage isn’t for him.
Cecily falls in love with Ernest based on his wicked nature; she had never met him before but has a fascination with Ernest just like Gwendolyn. This is similar to when Algernon hears from jack about his young beautiful ward Cecily after hearing the little information about her immediately sets out to meet her. This shows that they are very similar in that they don’t have to have met a person to fall in love with him
Both these characters are out spoken and intelligent people, ‘ I am not little in fact believe I am more than usually tall for my age’ Algernon is taken aback when she says this. He believes that she would shy away or not respond, however where Algernon is selfish and witty Cecily is childish and very innocent.
In conclusion Algernon and Cecily have many similar attributes and difference, which shows us why later in the story they seem perfect for each other
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