The Importance of Being Earnest Act 2 Summary
Oscar Wilde is the author of The Importance of Being Earnest. The Importance of Being Earnest (a play written by Oscar Wilde) Act 2 summary consists of the following elements:
Learn English Language and Literature with me on Preply
Algernon's arrival at Jack's residence:
At Jack's home, Algernon arrives and introduces himself as Jack's younger brother or Mr Ernest Worthing. Cecily receives Algernon and tells him that her Uncle Jack will not come till Monday afternoon. Algernon tells her that he has not remained as bad as she thinks him to be. Although, he has spent objectionable life up to some extent. Algernon compliments Cecily that she is the most beautiful girl in this world.
Jack's declaration about the death of his brother:
While Algernon is busy in a meeting with Cecily, Jack returns Woolton. He meets Miss Prism and Dr Chasuble (a rector) in the garden. Jack is in mourning clothes and announces the death of Ernest. He wanted to get rid of his fictitious brother because he found no other reason for continuing this lie. Gwendolen had already accepted his proposal despite her mother's rejection at the end. So, he decided to finish his brother's story. Then, he tells the rector for a christening ceremony for his getting christened as Ernest now. It happens because of Gwendolen's decision to love the person with Ernest name only. She is too much fascinated with this name which compels Jack to replace his name.
Jack's anger for seeing Algernon at The Manor House:
Cecily comes out of the house and expresses pleasure on seeing Jack before his expected time of arrival. She tells him that his brother is inside the house. Everyone gets surprised at listening to this news. Then, Cecily brings Algernon in front of Jack. Jack gets very angry at Algernon's deception. However, Algernon behaves as if he is very sorry for his past misdeeds. Cecily appeals to Jack to forgive his brother. Jack finds no other alternative other than to shake hands with his fake brother. When Jack and Algernon get alone, Jack shows his severe anger for Algernon's behaviour and asks him to quit his house immediately. As usual, Algernon uses his witty remarks to get rid of Jack and manages to get some minutes to spend with Cecily.
Algernon's marriage proposal for Cecily:
Algernon proposes Cecily for marriage, and she accepts this offer with a surprising fastness. She tells him that she fell in love with him several months before knowing his existence and, even, got engaged to him in her imagination. She says that she loves him for his so attractive name, "Ernest" and admits like Gwendolen that she can never love a man with any other name. So, Algernon also decides to get christened for Cecily's love and gets an appointment with Dr Chasuble for the christening function.
Gwendolen's arrival at Jack's home:
Now, Gwendolen comes into Jack's residence after running from her home. Cecily receives her. Gwendolen also thinks that she is engaged to his lover, Ernest. The two women get engaged in a conversation. During their talk, they feel that the same man has proposed to both of them. So, a fight starts between them for Ernest which gets to a stop by the return of their lovers. Jack kisses Gwendolen, and Algernon kisses Cecily. Then, the truth reveals about the fakeness of Jack's younger brother, and the names of the two men get disclosed as well. Both women think that these men have deceived them and move into the house. Then, Algernon and Jack get involved in a wordy duel and express their intention for getting christened as Ernest for the satisfaction of their ladies.
That's all about The Importance of Being Earnest Act 2 summary. Thanks for being here. Subscribe my blog for more such updates.