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The Importance of Being Earnest Audiobook
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(4.41) - 82 listener ratings
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Known as one of the greatest comedies written in English, Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest attacks Victorian manners and morals in what can only be described as the most maliciously delicious way. A witty satire of Victorian social hypocrisy, Wilde pulls the strings on his cast of late-Victorian characters making them appear, first and foremost, exactly as they are—superficial, upper class Englishmen bound and cinched by an artificial code of manners. Jack Worthington has invented a rakish brother, Ernest, who calls Jack away from family duties and gives him an excuse to travel to London. Similarly, Algernon Moncrieff has created the persona of Bunbury, an invalid friend, who periodically requires his services in the country. Both young men cleverly use their invented alter egos to disguise their misdemeanors until Jack discovers that Algernon has been impersonating Ernest, to woo Jack's young ward, Cicely. To make things just a bit more complicated, Algernon's cousin Gwendolyn loves Jack, but thinks Jack's name is Ernest. This enduring comedy of manners rises on a farcical crescendo until true identities are revealed and both couples end up happily united. This full-cast reading coaxes every nuance of pretension, self-importance, and double entendre from Wilde's lines.
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"I am not a huge fan of reading plays, watching them I enjoy, but this was a fun read. I still don't know how two different guys can outright lie to two different women about who they really are and still get the women. But hey at least this gives me an idea about the dating scene. Lol."
— Darth (5 out of 5 stars)
The Importance of Being Earnest Listener Reviews
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" One of the funniest, best books I've read in school!!! I LOVED all of the character's witty personalities and quick comebacks! I would love to play Gwendolyn in the play<3 "
— Suzie, 2/20/2014 -
" Just 're read this book. 're discovered the importance of being Earnest:-). If you never read anything by Wilde read this. "
— Melanie, 2/18/2014 -
" Having a kindle has forced met to reread the classics, because they are free downloads and I'm loving it. This play, currently at the Stanley Theatre in Vancouver, is a good, quick and entertaining read full of satire and quotable quotes. "
— Julie, 2/18/2014 -
" Read it and saw the play in its 50's version, I think. If you can be funny 100 years after you died, you deserve to declare your genius at customs. "
— Ana, 2/14/2014 -
" I love this play! I could read (or watch) this over and over again. One of my favorites parts, I think, is the scene with the muffins. That always makes me giggle :) "
— Cassi, 2/5/2014 -
" Honestly 4.5 stars because I spent at least 25% of the play being really confused, but it was still wonderful. "
— Arianna, 2/4/2014 -
" one of th nicest comedy playsi ever read.traditional of Oscar Wilde "
— Nesma, 1/30/2014 -
" This is not an audiobook but the audio from the stage play. I am glad I got to hear it. The story is very cute and reminds me of As You Like It by William Shakespeare. A book I Love! I am going to make it a point to go see this one. The cover needs work. "
— Alysia, 1/15/2014 -
" just reread this for the third time. it never ceases to make me laugh! if you love all things Victorian you will love this! "
— Renee, 1/15/2014 -
" What agreat play. So tongue in cheek. "
— Ace, 1/12/2014 -
" Loved it. So quick with the witty comebacks & comments. Really fun to read ... I kept reading lady braknall as Judy dench :) "
— Cobie, 1/11/2014 -
" It is full of clever one liners. I love this story and have for years! It was nice to actually read it this time. "
— Kristen, 12/24/2013 -
" what's to say that hasn't been said? 'Not even for ready money' is a family saying in our house, and everyone has a take on 'a handbag!' beautifully crafted, wonderfully cynical and a joy to read. "
— Lizzie, 12/19/2013 -
" Oh Mr. Wilde I adore you! Loved it!!! "
— Amy, 12/10/2013 -
" This is such a great play. My favorite character is of course the divorced woman who looks so much younger and happier as a result. "
— Keri, 8/10/2013 -
" Personally, I found it hilarious. Probably the funniest play I have every read...caught me off guard and then converted me into an Oscar Wilde fan while I wasn't looking. "
— Carolyn, 7/11/2013 -
" Witty, funny, and a delightful read! "
— Beloo, 10/16/2012 -
" Confession: watched the older movie version instead of reading. Fell asleep multiple times, and yet I didn't miss any of the major plot points... "
— Christina, 10/4/2012 -
" this made for a very delightful and funny read "
— Solomon, 8/7/2012 -
" Reading this out loud with others was just fantastic. Oscar Wilde's addictive wit and cheek draw you into the persona of all these characters, hyperbolic though the portrayals may be. The convoluted plot, charming era and satire all make this well worth anyone's time. "
— Alleytia, 7/26/2012 -
" Sarcastically high brow and absurdly hilarious. Loved it completely. "
— Todd, 5/9/2012 -
" This is the first play I've read and once used to the format, it read like a novel. Really funny. I bet this is where Fraser got inspiration for a few of their shows. "
— Janalee, 4/8/2012 -
" Whilst a big fan of Wilde, the high society setting can sometimes grate (whereas in the Picture of Dorian Gray it is more of a critique, yet in this story it is almost the central theme). Read it for the rapid wit which is enough. "
— Drew, 2/14/2012 -
" Not bad for a classic. Funny. "
— Amy, 1/25/2012 -
" A fun and intelligent read--and a comical satire at that. It's best when experienced on stage, but still a 'good read' "
— Luke, 12/19/2011 -
" If you have never read you should...hysterical and full of wit. "
— Caitlin, 8/30/2011 -
" Weirdly funny. And finished it in one sitting :D "
— Rana, 5/22/2011 -
" One of the most hilarious plays I've ever read. Oscar Wilde is amazing. "
— Lauren, 5/22/2011 -
" Funniest thing I've ever read. And the 2002 film adaptation is great! "
— Ruth, 5/18/2011 -
" Simple and witty. Oscar Wilde has the unique ability to tell a cynical truth in both an understated and funny manner! The play is filled with quotable lines : D "
— Samaa, 5/11/2011 -
" I bloody love this play. I laugh so hard every time I read it! Simply never gets old. "
— Caroline, 5/11/2011 -
" I want to name my child Earnest now. Oscar Wilde has produced a stunningly clever, charmingly witty, and wonderfully funny story. Well worth the read! "
— Lynley, 5/7/2011 -
" This book was quite hilarious. The dry British humor added the right amount of subtlety to the very things Oscar Wilde was poking at such as the upper classes of society, marriage, and the church. "
— Allison, 5/6/2011 -
" This play was a quick and easy read. I like the light-hearted tone, and the easy way it poked fun at stereotypes. It was quite enjoyable, but not something particularly amazing. It was fun and hilarious while it lasted. "
— Kayla, 5/6/2011 -
" Hilarity. Loved it. It is astounding when you read something this old that is still so relevant. "
— Timmy, 5/1/2011 -
" Very funny. You can see the origins of shows like " Three's Company" and the likes, although Ernest is far superior. This pay could be put on at any time, in any setting and still be timely. After all, identity thieves are everywhere. "
— Skaditch, 5/1/2011 -
" Read this for a college drama class and enjoyed the comical aspects. At first I couldn't quite get a hold on the characters and who was who, but it got easier and more entertaining as I began to piece together the characters and situations. "
— Emily, 5/1/2011 -
" Oscar Wilde is hilarious. The wit of the characters and the absurdity of the situations is really funny. I enjoyed the duality theme and the substance of the characters. "
— Angela, 4/30/2011 -
" Read this for my AP brit. lit class and LOVED It. Clever and witty. "All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That’s his." <br/> <br/> "
— Alicia, 4/29/2011 -
" Probably the best play of all time. "
— Stephanie, 4/28/2011
About Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) was born in Dublin. He won scholarships to both Trinity College, Dublin, and Magdalen College, Oxford. In 1875, he began publishing poetry in literary magazines, and in 1878, he won the coveted Newdigate Prize for English poetry. He had a reputation as a flamboyant wit and man-about-town. After his marriage to Constance Lloyd in 1884, he tried to establish himself as a writer, but with little initial success. However, his three volumes of short fiction, The Happy Prince, Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime, and A House of Pomegranates, together with his only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, gradually won him a reputation as a modern writer with an original talent. That reputation was confirmed and enhanced by the phenomenal success of his society comedies: Lady Windermere’s Fan, A Woman of No Importance, An Ideal Husband, and The Importance of Being Earnest, all performed on London’s West End stage between 1892 and 1895. In 1895, he was convicted of engaging in homosexual acts, which were then illegal, and sentenced to two years imprisonment with hard labor. He soon declared bankruptcy, and his property was auctioned off. In 1896, he lost legal custody of his children. When his mother died that same year, his wife Constance visited him at the jail to bring him the news. It was the last time they saw each other. In the years after his release, his health deteriorated. In November 1900, he died in Paris at the age of forty-six.
About a full cast
Pedro Pablo Sacristán was born in Madrid and graduated with an MBA from a prestigious business school. His passion for education and writing led him to create Bedtime Stories, short stories that help teach kids values.