Oscar Wilde's mastery as a playwright reaches the zenith in The Importance of Being Earnest (1895). The play considered masterpiece among his other plays and written in the Sheridian character-sketch, is remarkable for its witty and pithy dialogues that enliven all the dramatis personae. The plot revolves around two bachelors ? John Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff and two young ladies Gwendolen Fairfax and Cecily Cardew. The action, though treated in comic light, has never lost its refinement and artistic grace. This latest edition of The Importance of Being Earnest has the following features: Background Information on Oscar Wilde and his Art Original Text of the Play with Paraphrase, Annotations and Explanation of Important Passages Detailed Summary of the Play Detailed Critical Appraisal of the Characters Critical and Comprehensive Discussion on All Important Textual Aspects Important University Questions with Answers Selected Literary Criticism