Write 4 page essay on the topic An Analysis and Interpretation of The Importance of Being Earnest and Dr. Faustus.This paper shows us that in order to achieve freedom in a highly structured and constr

Write 4 page essay on the topic An Analysis and Interpretation of The Importance of Being Earnest and Dr. Faustus.

This paper shows us that in order to achieve freedom in a highly structured and constricted world of Victorian England, both Jack Worthing and Algy Moncrieff develop alter egos named ‘Earnest’ and ‘Bunbury’ respectively. I have invented an invaluable permanent invalid called Bunbury, in order that I may be able to go down into the country whenever I choose” (Wilde, Act 1, Scene 1) Algy tells Jack in the opening scene of the play, making it obvious that each are playing a similar game of deception. As the Pope crosses himself following an invisible Faustus grabbing his dishes out of the air, Faustus tells him “Well, there’s the second time. You never returned. … (Wilde, Act III, Scene II), Lady Bracknell demands of Ms. Prism, upon which Prism confesses she has no idea and the entire truth of Jack is revealed. Although Mephastophilis, the devil’s servant, tells Faustus nothing but the truth, including the horrors he suffers wherever he goes, Faustus chooses to focus on those who would deceive him such as Cornelius and the evil devil. Perhaps the greatest deception in both tales, however, is the deception the main characters of Faustus and Jack Worthing pull on themselves. (Marlowe, Act III, Scene III). I knew I had a brother! (Wilde, Act III, Scene II).

With deception playing such a large role in both plays, it is notable to see the different forms of deception inherent in the stories as well as the widely different results this deception produces. While both Dr. Faustus and Jack Worthing practice deception on others and feel they are too clever to fall to the deception by others, they each are deceived in their own self-evaluation.