Can someone help me please
The conflict in the play, The Importance of Being Earnest, is strongly tied to the characters' pursuit of pleasure, which is, according to Henry Popkin in the introduction to the text, Wilde's favorite pattern.
In two well-developed paragraphs that begin with TAG (title, author, genre), discuss the pursuit of pleasure of at least two of the characters and how those pursuits relate to conflict in the play. Cite textual evidence to support your claims.
To begin answering this question, it's important to first understand the play, "The Importance of Being Earnest," written by Oscar Wilde, as well as the genre it belongs to, which is a comedy of manners. This genre focuses on satirizing the society's social conventions and the behavior of its characters. In this case, it's worth noting that Wilde's favorite pattern is the pursuit of pleasure, as mentioned in the introduction by Henry Popkin.
In "The Importance of Being Earnest," two characters actively pursue pleasure, leading to conflicts in the play. Algernon Moncrieff is one such character who seeks pleasure and amusement. He embodies the typical dandy figure of the Victorian era, constantly indulging in extravagant dining and satisfying his desires without considering the consequences. Algernon's pursuit of pleasure creates a conflict when he adopts the fictional identity of Ernest, sparking a series of misunderstandings and complications in the plot. In Act I, Algernon mentions, "I really don't see anything romantic in proposing. It is very romantic to be in love. But there is nothing romantic about a definite proposal." This quote exemplifies his pursuit of pleasure by dismissing the seriousness of commitment and emphasizing the thrill and excitement he derives from romantic pursuits.
Another character engaged in the pursuit of pleasure is Cecily Cardew, who seeks adventure and romance in her secluded country life. Cecily's pursuit of pleasure is evident when she imagines and invents romantic stories about her nonexistent relationship with Jack Worthing, Algernon's friend pretending to be Ernest. Cecily's pursuit of pleasure, driven by her imagination and desire for excitement, leads to further conflicts in the play. For instance, she writes in her diary, "I hope you have not been leading a double life, pretending to be wicked and being really good all the time. That would be hypocrisy." This quote reflects Cecily's desire for a romantic and adventurous life, as she is attracted to the idea of a man who embodies both the wild and virtuous aspects of life. Her pursuit of pleasure creates tension and conflict when Jack discovers the fictional relationship that Cecily has built in her mind.
In conclusion, in the comedy of manners, "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde, Algernon and Cecily pursue pleasure that leads to conflicts within the play. Algernon pursues pleasure through his dandy lifestyle and indifference towards commitment, while Cecily seeks adventure and romance through her vivid imagination. These pursuits cause misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and tensions, driving the comedic conflicts in the play. The pursuit of pleasure is intricately woven into the plot, showcasing Wilde's preferred pattern and providing a platform for social commentary and satire.