English- The Importance of Being Earnest Transcript

Scene 1

(Jack and Algernon take their place around the table, while the manservant- Lane serves the starters.)

Jack :( sitting down on a chair at the table) Ah, I haven’t dined for a while now, it seems a new to me to be sitting here with a best companion while eating great food,

Algernon: (Also sitting down opposite Jack.) Well, the time has come to relax and discuss the many issues we generally come up with. I’m sure that you have had a great time getting here and traveling that far. Ah, and what is Gwendolen up to? Your betrothed.

Jack: Algy, the time will come when you realize that Miss Fairfax will become a higher lady than she is.

Algernon: My dear friend you cannot say that it is true but such things cannot become so true. Well, if so, be on guard. I do not think fondly of such enquiries that you have made. Are you truly in love with Cecily or just a tumble of thoughts?

Jack :( laughs quietly) Algernon, I’m sure you’ve realised my feelings towards Gwendolen and I think it is quite beneficial if everyone gets to know the truth. Better to be married than to be widowed.

(Manservant Lane comes walking in with a silver platter and trolley detailed with various foods and starters.)

 Lane: Dinner is served. (He places a plate in front of Algernon then Jack and leaves.)

Jack: Have you realised how gorgeously these chefs have made dinner, it’s extravagantly delicious. Even if Lane serving it was a bit of a drag.

Algernon: (laughs casually) Jack, you do have a great sense of humour.  

Jack: Oh, well the life in the country has seriously changed me, Algy, time has changed. You may call me Ernest and I would not protest.

Algernon: Are you sure? Such phrases said and you turn the conversation around.

Jack: You see me in a different light that is why.

Algernon: Uh?

Jack: Anyway, I wanted to know if there was anything I could do according to past whispers I heard that…

Scene 2

(Both men are smoking heavily, Algernon is sitting on the chair and Jack is standing. Jack is ready to go and leave, but mistakenly forgets to take his cigarette case. This follows with Algernon simultaneously finding it on the chair.)

Jack: I’m sad to leave you my dear friend but I’ve got errands to make. I may come here in a month or so with my beloved Gwendolen.

Algernon: Ah business as usual I’m guessing.

Jack: As the saying goes ‘never fall victim to time’, I may have to rush my plans and settle everything now.

(Jack walks out of the room and goes to get his coat which Lane provides him with.)

Algernon: Save journey and farewell.

(He then sits back down on the chair but as he does, he hits something and exclaims a furious yell to find Jack’s cigarette case laying on the chair.)

Algernon: Ah how careless is this, to leave his cigarette case. Too late to give to him now. Maybe if I leave this here and he can take it when he comes by next. Although I do feel like it is a safe keeping reminder of him that I might get used to having instead. For I realise I seem very fond of him, which I know I should not be. How do I fight these thoughts which easily take over me I find.

(Algernon slumps down on the chair and holds the case in his hands, softly rubbing it.)