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7 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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THE SERVANTS IN "THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST" |
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"LANE: (gravely) There were no cucumbers in the market this morning, sir." p13 |
Wilde seems to show the servants as loyal domestics who help their masters and ask for nothing in return. Here, Lane gets Algernon out of trouble by lying for him after Algy has eaten the sandwiches himself.
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"ALG: I hope tomorrow will be a fine day, Lane. LANE: It never is, sir. ALG: Lane, you're a perfect pessimist. LANE: I do my best to give satisfaction, sir." p22/3 |
Wilde makes Lane lugubrious and pessimistic. Comic effect is provided from Lane who seems long-suffering and world-weary, contrasting with the bright easy jollity of Algernon.
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"MERRIMAN: I have put Mr.Ernest's things in the room next to yours." p32
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Merriman is used to add more comedy to Algernon's arrival in the country, as he reveals that Algy has a lot of luggage so is planning to stay a good while. Here again, Wilde is using the servants to build the plot rather than developing them as full characters in their own right.
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MERRIMAN: Mr Worthing went over in the direction of the Rectory some time ago." p37
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Again, Merriman ise used by Wilde to move the plot forward. he tells us that Gwendolen has arrived, adding to the comic confusion, and that Jack has gone to rapidly get baptised as Ernest.
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"Merriman does so.." p41
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Merriman always follows orders, like here when Cecily tells him to give Gwendolen cake even though she asked for bread and butter. Wilde again shows servants loyally obeying their masters, even though this is comically rude. Note also Merriman does not take orders from Algy, but only from Cecily on p34.
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