“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 supposing it was something else? Do you mean to say you couldn’t love me then?GWENDOLEN (glibly): Ah! that is clearly a metaphysical speculation, and like most metaphysical speculations has very little reference at all to the actual facts of real life, as we know them.”
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Modern Relevance of Oscar Wilde's Quote
In this exchange between Gwendolen and Jack from Oscar Wilde's play "The Importance of Being Earnest," the characters are discussing the significance of a name in matters of love. The notion that a name could impact one's ability to love or be loved may seem trivial or illogical to some, but it raises interesting questions about how society perceives names and identity. Today, in a world where names are often tied to cultural, social, and even professional perceptions, Wilde's words still resonate in conversations about love, identity, and the expectations placed on individuals based on their names.
Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest"
In this famous dialogue from Oscar Wilde's play "The Importance of Being Earnest," Gwendolen and Jack engage in a humorous exchange about the importance of a name in matters of love. This conversation exemplifies Wilde's wit and satire on societal norms and conventions.
Quote Analysis
In this exchange between Gwendolen and Jack in Oscar Wilde's play "The Importance of Being Earnest," the conversation revolves around the importance of a name in love and relationships. Jack questions Gwendolen about her love for him, suggesting that it is tied to his name being Ernest. Gwendolen, however, dismisses this idea as a "metaphysical speculation" that does not hold weight in the real world. This witty dialogue highlights Wilde's satirical take on superficiality and societal expectations in relationships, suggesting that love should be based on deeper, more meaningful connections rather than trivial matters like names.
Similar quotes
“You have always told me it was Ernest. I have introduced you to every one as Ernest. You answer to the name of Ernest. You look as if your name was Ernest. You are the most earnest-looking person I ever saw in my life. It is perfectly absurd your saying that your name isn't Ernest.”
“Jack: “Gwendolen, wait here for me.”Gwendolen: “If you are not too long, I will wait here for you all my life.”
“Jack: “Gwendolen, it is a terrible thing for a man to find out suddenly that all his life he has been speaking nothing but the truth. Can you forgive me?”Gwendolen: “I can. For I feel that you are sure to change.”
“Gwendolen, it is a terrible thing for a man to find out suddenly that all his life he has been speaking nothing but the truth. Can you forgive me?”
“Jack: [Slowly and hesitatingly] “Gwendolen–Cecily–it is very painful for me to be forced to speak the truth. It is the first time in my life that I have ever been reduced to such a painful position, and I am really quite inexperienced in doing anything of the kind.”
“Yes,’ he cried, ‘you have killed my love! You used to stir my imagination. Now you don’t even stir my curiosity. You simply produce no effect. I loved you because you were marvelous, because you had genius and intellect, because you realized the dreams of great poets and gave shape and substance to the shadows of art. You have thrown it all away. You are shallow and stupid. My God! how mad I was to love you! What a fool I have been! You are nothing to me now. I will never see you again. I will never think of you. I will never mention your name. You can’t know what you were to me, once. Why, once… Oh, I can’t bear to think of it! I wish I had never laid eyes upon you! You have spoiled the romance of my life. How little you can know of love if you say it mars your art! Without your art you are nothing. I would have made you famous, splendid, magnificent. The world would have worshiped you, and you would have borne my name. What are you now? A third-rate actress with a pretty face.”