The Importance of Being Earnest

"This second Critical Edition of The Importance of Being Earnest features Oscar Wilde's satirical three-act play, as published by Leonard Smithers in 1899. The plot follows the comedic misadventures between two young upperclass Englishmen and their beloveds, as they navigate the social constrictions of Victorian society. In "Backgrounds," readers can find contextual essays which illustrate the Victorian social landscape through the topics of gender and identity, as well as works which explore Wilde's relationship to his contemporary culture. "Criticism" dissects the play from a critical lens, providing examples of early reviews and an essential collection of analyses from contemporary scholars. A chronology and selected bibliography are included"--