Plays and drama · Classics · Comic novels
The Importance of Being Earnest
Two Victorian gentlemen invent alter egos to escape their obligations, then end up courting women who each insist on marrying a man named Ernest. The play is a farce of mistaken identity.
Facts last checked 2026-10-17
- First published
- 1893
- Pace
- Fast
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 84
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you want a short comedy full of epigrams that mocks Victorian manners.
Skip this if you want emotional realism rather than an artificial farce.
The feel
Content warnings
None noted yet.
Quick answers about The Importance of Being Earnest
- What is The Importance of Being Earnest about?
- Two Victorian gentlemen invent alter egos to escape their obligations, then end up courting women who each insist on marrying a man named Ernest. The play is a farce of mistaken identity.
- Who should read The Importance of Being Earnest?
- Read it if you want a short comedy full of epigrams that mocks Victorian manners. Skip it if you want emotional realism rather than an artificial farce.
- How long and how fast is The Importance of Being Earnest?
- It is a fast-paced, short read of about 84 pages, first published in 1893.
- Does The Importance of Being Earnest have content warnings?
- We have not noted any content warnings for this book yet.
- Can I borrow The Importance of Being Earnest for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Importance of Being Earnest; the borrow button above searches it for you.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
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| Ebook | ||
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| Audiobook | ||
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