Act I, Scene 1 — The Proposal Scene
from The Importance of Being Earnest
Written by Oscar Wilde
Jack Worthing proposes to Gwendolen Fairfax, who accepts primarily because she believes his name is Ernest. Their moment is interrupted by the formidable Lady Bracknell, who dismisses the engagement and asserts her parental authority.
JACK: Gwendolen, will you marry me?
GWENDOLEN: Of course I will, darling. How long you have been about it! I am afraid you have had very little experience in how to propose.
LADY BRACKNELL: Mr. Worthing! Rise, sir, from this semi-recumbent posture. It is most indecorous.
GWENDOLEN: I am engaged to M
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Act II, Scene 1 — Gwendolen's Candour
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Gwendolen discovers that her fiancé, Ernest (Jack), has a young and beautiful ward named Cecily. She attempts to maintain Victorian politeness while expressing her deep insecurity and jealousy regarding Cecily's 'alluring' appearance.
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Gwendolen expresses her sudden insecurity and polite jealousy upon discovering that her fiancé, Ernest, has a young and beautiful ward. She attempts to maintain a mask of high-society decorum while suggesting that Cecily's physical charms might be a threat to Ernest's moral fortitude.
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