For an English assignment i need to write 5 epigrams from The Importance of Being Earnest i also need explanations of what they mean as well as the page and line can anybody help me with this?

Answer 1

Epigrams in Act 1: "I don't play accurately - anyone can play accurately - but I play with wonderful expression." - Algernon

"I have always been of opinion that a man who desires to get married should know either everything or nothing." - Lady Bracknell

"It is awfully hard work doing nothing. However, I don't mind hard work where there is no definite object of any kind." - Algernon

"The truth is rarely pure and never simple. Modern life would be very tedious if it were either, and modern literature a complete impassibility!"

"It is perfectly phrased! and quite as true as any observation in civilized life should be."

Answer 2

1. Epigram: "All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That's his." (Act 1, Page 1, Line 231) - This epigram satirizes the social expectation for women to mirror their mothers while highlighting the liberty men have to carve their path independent of family influence. Wilde uses this to comment on societal gender norms and the constraints placed specifically on women.
2. Epigram: "I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train." (Act 2, Page 2, Line 520) - This epigram is a humorous take on the Victorian fascination with scandal and gossip. Wilde suggests the importance of a well-crafted persona and the need to entertain oneself with intrigue.
3. Epigram: "We live, as I hope you know, Mister Worthing, in an age of ideals. The fact is constantly mentioned in the more expensive monthly magazines, and has reached the provincial pulpits, I am told; and my ideal has always been to love someone of the name of Ernest." (Act 1, Page 1, Line 600) - This epigram lampoons the superficiality of Victorian society, where the pursuit of ideals often takes precedence over authentic emotions and connections. Lady Bracknell’s focus on the “name” of Ernest underscores the obsession with trivial details over substance.
4. Epigram: "The truth is rarely pure and never simple." (Act 1, Page 1, Line 225) - This epigram underscores Wilde's skepticism towards absolute truths and simple explanations. Through this witty assertion, he challenges the Victorian notion of moral purity and advocates for a more nuanced understanding of human nature and society.
5. Epigram: "I am sick to death of cleverness. Everybody is clever nowadays." (Act 1, Page 1, Line 483) - This epigram critiques the superficiality and overemphasis on wit in Victorian society, highlighting Wilde's belief that true intelligence goes beyond mere cleverness. It emphasizes the importance of authenticity and depth over mere surface-level intelligence.