Jack Worthing attempts to propose to Gwendolen Fairfax, only to discover that she is obsessively devoted to the idea of marrying a man named Ernest. The scene highlights the absurdity of Victorian social conventions and romantic ideals.
GWENDOLEN: My ideal has always been to love some one of the name of Ernest. There is something in that name that inspires absolute confidence.
JACK: But you don't really mean to say that you couldn't love me if my name wasn't Ernest?
GWENDOLEN: But your name is Ernest.
JACK: Yes, I know it is. But s
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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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