The Importance of Being Earnest
Act 1, First Half
What is Bunburying? How does it serve the pursuit of pleasure so valued by these characters and by Wilde himself?
Bunburying is a term coined by Algernon Moncrieff in "The Importance of Being Earnest" to describe the practice of creating a fictional character or persona in order to escape from one's responsibilities and obligations. In the play, both Algernon and Jack Worthing engage in this practice - Algernon creates the persona of Bunbury, a sick friend who requires his constant attention in the countryside, while Jack pretends to have a brother named Ernest who gets him into various scrapes.
Bunburying serves the pursuit of pleasure valued by these characters and by Wilde himself in several ways. Firstly, it allows the characters to lead double lives, presenting one persona to society while indulging in their true desires and whims under the guise of their fictional personas. This allows them to escape from the constraints of social expectations and obligations, giving them the freedom to pursue pleasure and amusement without repercussions.
Secondly, Bunburying adds an element of excitement and adventure to the characters' lives, as they juggle their real identities with their fictional ones. It provides them with a sense of thrill and danger, making their lives more interesting and dynamic.
Wilde himself valued pleasure and aesthetics above all else, believing that the pursuit of beauty and pleasure was the highest goal in life. Bunburying reflects this belief, as it allows the characters to prioritize their own enjoyment and amusement above all other considerations. It is a means of seeking out pleasure and excitement in a world that can often be dull and restrictive.
Overall, Bunburying serves the pursuit of pleasure by giving the characters a way to escape from their mundane lives and obligations, allowing them to indulge in their desires and whims without consequences. It reflects Wilde's own belief in the importance of pleasure and enjoyment in life, highlighting the characters' quest for pleasure and excitement above all else.