Drama - Essay ExampleIn Jack’s case, his friendship with Gwendolyn commenced in London when he was moving under the guise of Earnest, It was as Earnest that Jack had first captured Gwendolyn’s attention and affection, while Algernon deliberately assumes the identity in order to approach Cecily, Jack’s niece and ward. Hence, the name Earnest is significant in imparting acceptability to the respective suitors. In Jack’s case, as Algernon states: “You answer to the name of Earnest. You look as if your name was Earnest. You are the most earnest looking person I ever saw in my life.†(Act I, Part II). Gwendolyn’s affection is directed specifically at a man she sees as Earnest in her own mind and is reflected in her delight when she discovers that Jack is actually Earnest after all: “Ernest! My own Earnest! I felt from the first that you could have no other name!†(Act II, part 2). Hence, capturing the attention and affection of their lady loves is one solid reason for the importance of the name Earnest.
