Code Values Algernon
Introduction
Oscar Wilde is the author of” The Importance of Being Earnest” play. Algernon is the secondary hero in the play. He is closer to the character of the dandy than other characters in the play. According to Wilde, Algernon is a decorative bachelor, idle, charming, amoral, selfish, funny, brilliant, and frequently makes lovely epigrammatic and ironic pronouncements which are meaningless (35).
Code Values Algernon Live By
Algernon developed a fictional figure called a Bunbury to be a reprieve like Jack from his real life. Algernon is continuously being asked for deathbed of Bunbury, that pulls Algernon off from unpleasant and tedious social obligations. He is portrayed pampering himself excessively while signifying the sense of duty and great seriousness by Bunbury (Wilde 42). Moreover, there is the existence of an outstanding difference between Algernon and Jack. Algernon not only recognizes his wrongdoing but also discloses it. On the other hand, Jack does not acknowledge being a Bunbury.
Algernon’s happiness in his inventiveness and intelligence has little to do with disrespect for others. Preferably, his philosophy gives a greater value on genius and artistry, and he considers living as a work and form of art, which he creates for himself. Algernon is an advocate of stand-in and aestheticism for Wilde. Besides, he is amoral. Unlike other characters, he does not acknowledge duties; instead, he recognizes the obligation to have a beautiful life.
Algernon is full of mischief. He loves money and champagne, and his delight in looking for the address of Jack’s country is uncontrollable. Algernon falls in love with a girl and proposes to her within ten minutes (Wilde 64). When other characters get messy, Algernon is unable to stop eating muffins. He even fights with Jack over muffins after being stood up by girls. This makes “The Importance of Being Earnest” more fun to read.
Algernon is defensive. He defends his music when Lane is against his playing. Algernon also protects his cousin, Gwendolen, against Jack. He asks him to clear up the questions about Cecily. Moreover, he confronts Jack for eating the sandwiches he ordered for his aunt, Bracknell, and cousin, Gwendolen (Schmidt 89).
Besides, Algernon is caring. When Jack asks him to leave because he insulted Jack, Algernon instead decides to stay to comfort Jack as he mourned the death of Ernest. He asks Lane to make tea and orders cucumber sandwiches for his aunt, Lady Bracknell, and Gwendolen.
Algernon is a hypocrite. He pretended to be Jack’s brother, so that he may get a chance to meet with Cecily and win her love (Schmidt 98). Besides, Algernon lies to Bracknell that Bunbury is dead.
Lastly, Algernon is polite. He politely explains the reason he pretended to be the brother of Jack. In his conversation with Bracknell about his engagement with Cecily, he is much well-mannered.
Works Cited
Schmidt, Arnold. “The Importance of Being Earnest,” p. 89-103
Wilde, Oscar. “The Importance of Being Earnest”: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People. L. Smithers, 1894, p. 35-83