The Anti Wisemon's Art Gallery

[Wisemon]

In the Importance of Being Earnest, do you think the Algernon talks to the audience, or not? It seems that all the little nuggets of wisedom his imparts to Jack in Act I could be said to the audience as well. Things like "All women become like their mothers. That is their tragady. No man does. That is his." And that line, "Lane's veiws on marrage seem somewhat lax," where there is no-one around. I think that could be very much to the audience. What do you think?

For one thing, I think Algernon is in the closet if he's marrying Cecily. His character in the beginning of Act I is far too playful and attached to his aunt to be straight. He's talking to Jack in the play, but that doesn't mean that what he's saying isn't intended as a message to the audience. Lines that can't be taken out of context aren't very memorable.