Act II, Part-I Detailed Summary of The Importance of Being Ernest: "The Importance of Being Ernest" by oscar Wilde
The scene opens in country inside the mansion of Jack where Cecily is watering the plants while Miss Prism is asking her to attend her German lessons. Prims is praising Jack for being so responsible while Cecily considers him so serious. While Miss Prism is away, a servant informs Cecily that somebody named Ernest Worthing has arrived and wishes to speak to her privately. She not only allows rather asks the servant to arrange a living room for him. She further informs him that Jack has been arranging to send him to Australia.
We see Jack entering in a deep mourning dress. He is welcomed by Dr. Chasuble and Miss Prism. Jack tells them that his brother Ernest has died. Dr. Chasuble condoles with him. But humorously enough, Jack asks Dr. Chasuble if he can christen him. This surprises him. However, Jack says that he wishes to be christened again because he does not remember. He fixes the time of 5 o clock for this ceremony. But Cecily appears to give him the shocking news about the arrival of his brother Ernest. Jack is set back by the news and he is upset to see Algernon. Jack does his level best but Cecily, considering Jack is angry with his brother, does reconcile them apparently. Then she leaves them alone to brotherly affection.
A servant enters and informs Jack of Algernon's luggage being unpacked and placed next to his room. Jack is not happy about this. He asks the servant to pack the luggage again because his brother is not staying; he has been called back in town. Jack goes inside the house and Algernon says to himself:
"I think it has been a great success. I'm in love with Cecily, and that is everything. "
Since Jack is bent upon sending him back, he decides to meet Cecily once and propose her. So, he does say it to her:
"Cecily, ever since I first looked upon your wonderful and incomparable beauty, I have dared to love you wildly, passionately, devotedly, hopelessly."
He also tells her that Jack does not want him to stay there. Algernon proposes her for marriage and Cecily gives an astonishingly positive response:
"You silly boy! Of course. Why, we have been engaged for the last three months. "
Algernon looks stupid. He inquires her how they are engaged while they are meeting today. She explains:
"On the 14th of February last. Worn out by your entire ignorance of my existence, I determined to end the matter one way or the other, and after a long struggle with myself I accepted you under this dear old tree here. The next day I bought this little ring in your name, and this is the little bangle with the true lover's knot I promised you always to wear. "
