the importance of being earnest

by Oscar Wilde

Some of the materials may contain sensitive subject matter and/or language. Please preview the resources beforehand and make any alterations as needed.

Black Gradient Transparent

lesson 1

At the Gym

by Mark Doty

  • Start by showing your students the following video. Discuss how or why a video like this exists. Why is this person being mocked for his "gym etiquette"?
  • Then discuss what behavior like this (ego lifting) implies about society on a broader level. Why would somebody want to "ego lift," even when its not an efficient means of exercise?
  • Read "At the Gym" by Mark Doty. As you are reading, ask your students to pay particular attention to the parallels between the "ego lifting" video and the poem.
  • When you are done reading, discuss how the poem reflects the concept behind ego lifting.
  • Then discuss how this behavior is exemplified in The Importance of Being Earnest. If they were to choose a character who would be most likely to "ego lift," who would it be. Why?
  • Have your students open the following document and go over the instructions with them. In this assignment, your students are going to create a short story - using one of the characters from the play - and recount a typical day in the life at the gym. Once you've gone over the directions, give your students time to work.
  • When your students are done, have them share their short stories with one another or to the rest of the class.
Gradient that fades to transparency

lesson 2

Ode to the Maggot

by Yusef Komunyakaa

  • Ask your students to come up with a list of ways a maggot may be deemed honorable or noble. Give your students a few minutes to brainstorm amongst themselves and then have them share their responses with the rest of the class.
  • Read "Ode to the Maggot" by Yusef Komunyakaa. As you are reading, ask your students to pay close attention to the speaker's feelings and attitude toward a maggot.
  • When you're done, briefly discuss the poem. Why construct an "ode" to a maggot? What does the speaker find admirable?
  • Ask your students if they think that the characters from The Importance of Being Earnest would share the same sense of admiration toward a maggot. Why or why not?
  • Have your students open the following document and go over the instructions with them. In this assignment, your students are going to analyze the poem and discuss how "the maggot" is worthy of more praise than the characters within the play. Once you've gone over the assignment, give your students time to work.
  • When your students are done, have them share their thoughts with the rest of the class. In what ways is the maggot more admirable than the characters from the play?
Gradient that fades to transparency

lesson 3

Fat Southern Men in Summer Suits

by Liam Rector

  • Start class by asking your students about the distinct style of the time period in which The Importance of Being Earnest is set. What did they wear? How did their clothing reflect themselves? Discuss.
  • Show your students the following video about "dandies" to give them a bit of historical context behind the popular style of the time.
  • Now read "Fat Southern Men in Summer Suits" by Liam Rector. As you are reading, ask your students to pay particular attention to the attire discussed in the poem and what it means to the speaker.
  • Briefly discuss the piece. What significance did the speaker hold toward "summer suits"? Why?
  • Have your students open the following document and go over the instructions with them. In this assignment, your students are going to choose a piece of attire worn by a character(s) from The Importance of Being Earnest and compose a poem - similar in sentiment/style to "Fat Southern Men in Summer Suits" - about the clothing's larger significance, symbolic value, or meaning to the novel and its themes. Once you've gone over the instructions, give your students time to work.
  • When your students have finished, ask them about the article of clothing they chose. Why did they choose that particular piece? How does it symbolize something larger than just a piece of clothing in context of the novel?