CliffsNotes on Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest (CliffsNotes on Literature) - Softcover

Van Kirk M.A., Susan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0764544616 ISBN 13: 9780764544613

Publisher: CliffsNotes, 2003

Synopsis

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer a look into critical elements and ideas within classic works of literature. The latest generation of titles in this series also feature glossaries and visual elements that complement the classic, familiar format.

CliffsNotes on The Importance of Being Earnest offers a concise look at this Victorian farce, which tweaks the complacency and aristocratic attitudes prevalent among the wealthy upper class of the time. Hidden identities, fierce repartee, underlying passions, and surprises punctuate this lively play.

This study guide shows, through its expert commentaries, just how three sets of lovers clear up mishap and misunderstandings and end up happily ever after. Other features that help you figure out this survey of Victorian social issues include

• A close look at the author's life, which itself was rife with scandal and ruin
• Summaries and commentaries, act by act
• Descriptive character analyses
• A character map that reveal key relationships
• Critical essays on Victorian views on compassion, religion, marriage, and more
• A review section that tests your knowledge, and suggested essay topics

Classic literature or modern-day treasure—you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

Get the most from great literature with CliffsNotes, the original study guides.

Written exclusively by experienced teachers and educators, CliffsNotes are the resource of choice for today’s students. These user-friendly guides make studying a snap–with visual icons flagging key themes, literary devices, and more. With hundreds of titles available in an easy-to-use format, CliffsNotes has the right guide for you.

Inside you’ll find valuable insights on Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, including:

Plot

• Brief overall synopsis
• Act summaries and commentaries
• Clear explanations and analysis

Characters

• Character map–who’s who at a glance
• Character analyses

Themes and Background

• Critical essays with expanded coverage of key themes
• Overview of Wilde’s life and work

Study Aids

• Review Q&As and quote IDs
• Essay questions and practice projects

About the Author:

SUSAN VAN KIRK holds a B.A. from Knox College and an M.Ed. from University of Illinois. She has taught English for 30 years in Monmouth, Illinois.

About this edition

• Publisher: CliffsNotes
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0764544616
• ISBN 13: 9780764544613
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 74