The life of a bachelor is one idolized by young men across the world, with its lack of commitment, few responsibilities, and emphasis on enjoying everything life has to offer. Yet even the biggest proponents of this lifestyle can find themselves succumb to that which is their self-proclaimed enemy: marriage. Two examples of these turncoats come from pieces of literature written over a century ago. The first is Algernon from Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. The second, Benedick, comes from Shakespeare’s comedy Much Ado about Nothing. The two have their fair share of differences as well as similarities, but analyzing them side by side reveals both to be complicate people whose characterization goes far beyond their exteriors as
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Chief among these differences is the levels of responsibility they are given. Benedick is a soldier and member of Don Pedro’s court, his respective duties being fighting and entertaining, both of which he does exceptionally well. In contrast, Algernon acts as little more than an ornament, doing nothing but pleasing his own fancies. These differences extend to their attitudes toward morality. Benedick wishes to be seen as a good person. When Claudio and Don Pedro speak of him being prideful and smug, he is hurt and desires to prove them wrong. He also strives to do what is right when Beatrice is enraged over the slander of her cousin, wanting to help the woman he loves receive justice. The same cannot be said of Algernon. His existence can best be described as careless, as he does not care who he helps or harms with his actions so long as they satisfy his need to live life as artistically as possible. He is amoral in every sense of the world, putting him in an entirely different philosophical mindset from Benedick. With all things considered, Benedick and Algernon feel like two different sides of the same coin. Built upon the foundation of their status as former bachelors, their common wit, rash behavior, and social status ensure audiences will laugh at their antics until curtain call. However, their contrasting sets of responsibilities and moralities prevent them from feeling like
Chief among these differences is the levels of responsibility they are given. Benedick is a soldier and member of Don Pedro’s court, his respective duties being fighting and entertaining, both of which he does exceptionally well. In contrast, Algernon acts as little more than an ornament, doing nothing but pleasing his own fancies. These differences extend to their attitudes toward morality. Benedick wishes to be seen as a good person. When Claudio and Don Pedro speak of him being prideful and smug, he is hurt and desires to prove them wrong. He also strives to do what is right when Beatrice is enraged over the slander of her cousin, wanting to help the woman he loves receive justice. The same cannot be said of Algernon. His existence can best be described as careless, as he does not care who he helps or harms with his actions so long as they satisfy his need to live life as artistically as possible. He is amoral in every sense of the world, putting him in an entirely different philosophical mindset from Benedick. With all things considered, Benedick and Algernon feel like two different sides of the same coin. Built upon the foundation of their status as former bachelors, their common wit, rash behavior, and social status ensure audiences will laugh at their antics until curtain call. However, their contrasting sets of responsibilities and moralities prevent them from feeling like