Gwendolen wants to marry Ernest because she is infatuated with the name "Ernest," believing it embodies qualities of sincerity and integrity. She is drawn to the idea of marrying someone who represents these traits, which she finds appealing and romantic. Additionally, her desire to assert her independence and make her own choices in love drives her commitment to this relationship, despite the complexities surrounding the true identity of "Ernest."
In "The Importance of Being Earnest," Gwendolen does not know that Jack's real name is not Ernest, but rather Jack. This revelation becomes a pivotal plot point in the play, as Gwendolen's insistence on only loving a man named Ernest becomes a source of conflict.
I think one important thing to remember when answering this question is that Ernest was never alive either--Ernest was simply an imaginary brother created by Jack so he could acquire a higher moral tone when conversing with Cecily. Jack pretends that his "brother Ernest" is dead to Cecily/Miss Prism/Dr. Chausuble in order to clear things up before he gets married to Gwendolen, since he is to be married as Ernest Worthing, as that is the name Gwendolen knows him by. Since his real name is Jack Worthing, he must be christened as Ernest Worthing for Gwendolen's sake. However, if there is already a "brother" named Ernest Worthing, the name is occupied. Thus, Jack must say that Ernest is dead in order that he can become Ernest.
Cecily and Gwendolen are both fixated on marrying someone named Earnest because they believe the name embodies the qualities they desire in a husband—honesty, virtue, and reliability. However, their fixation on the name leads to comical misunderstandings and reveals their superficial criteria for choosing a partner.
Lady Bracknell disapproves of Jack courting Gwendolen primarily because of his unknown origins and lack of a proper family background. She values social status and lineage, believing that Gwendolen deserves to marry someone of high reputation and suitable connections. Jack's status as an orphan and his ambiguous heritage make him an unsuitable match in her eyes, reflecting the societal norms and class prejudices of the time.
Gwendolen Raverat has written: 'Gwendolen Raverat' 'Period piece'
Gwendolen M. Carter was born in 1906.
Gwendolen M. Carter died in 1991.
F. Gwendolen Rees was born in 1906.
F. Gwendolen Rees died in 1994.
Jack and Gwendolen.
Gwendolen Terasaki died in 1990, in Casper, Wyoming, USA.
Gwendolen Margaret Grant has written: 'Frederick Philip Grove'