Assess the role of Jack Worthing in the play “The Importance of Being Earnest.”

Answer

Assess the role of Jack Worthing in the play “The Importance of Being Earnest.” [NU: 2017, 21]  

“The Importance of Being Earnest” (1895) by Oscar Wilde (1854–1900)is a witty comedy about upper-class society. Jack Worthing is the protagonist of the play. His story drives the whole action. He lives a double life and struggles with identity. His love for Gwendolen and his mysterious past make the story move. At the end, the revelation of his birth resolves the main conflict. 

Jack’s Dual Identity: Jack leads a double life in the play. His double identity is the central incident of the play. In the countryside, he is known as “Jack,” a serious guardian of Cecily Cardew. In the city of London, he pretends to be “Ernest,” a carefree man. This trick allows him to escape duty. He himself explains to Algernon in Act I:

“I have always pretended to have a younger brother of the name of Ernest.”    

This shows Jack’s clever way of avoiding responsibility. It also highlights Wilde’s theme of hypocrisy and double life in Victorian society. Jack’s two selves create comedy but also confusion.

Jack’s Love for Gwendolen: Jack’s role becomes more serious when he falls in love. He loves Gwendolen Fairfax deeply. But a problem arises. Gwendolen insists she can only marry a man named “Ernest.” She says in Act I: 

“The only really safe name is Ernest.” 

This creates conflict because Jack’s real name is not Ernest. Even, Jack decides to “kill off” his imaginary brother. He says to Algernon, “I am going to kill my brother. Indeed, I think it is high time that I did.” But Jack also faces Lady Bracknell, Gwendolen’s mother. She asks about his background and rejects him.  In Act I, Lady Bracknell says:

“To lose one parent, Mr. Worthing, may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness.” 

This shows how society values family background over real love. Here, Jack’s role is to expose the