the importance of being earnest

[verybaddmom]

okay folks
here is another opportunity to show off your intellectual prowess....
I am looking for some kind of original insight into Oliver Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest".
I am writing an essay for a first year Lit. class, but what is being discussed in class is terribly unoriginal, and I seem to be sort of at a dead end, myself. However, I absolutely refuse to turn in a boring, tedious essay, so i implore you....help me!
:confused:

[hal9000]

Why not utilize your own originality on this essay? I mean after all, that’s the idea of the class. You’ve indicated what’s being discussed in class is “terribly unoriginal.” How did you come to that conclusion? What are you comparing your classmates’ ideas to?

I could understand if you threw your ideas out first, and then asked for additional input, but you're just asking for a smorgasbord of selections to choose from.

[Lara]

I recently read the play. I think Oscar Wilde is passionate and brilliant. The Picture of Dorian Gray stands out more in my mind though. I didn't have an opportunity to go to college or university so I'm not experienced in essay writing, however, if you ask some specific questions, maybe I can at least offer you some opinions.

[hal9000]

Originally posted by Lara
"...maybe I can at least offer you some opinions.

That's very generous of you Lara, but it's her opinions I think the instructor is interested in. :-)

[verybaddmom]

thank you both for your opinions and replies.

i am looking to develop an essay about a less than obvious theme.
the discussion in class seems to be based around the theme of style versus substance which seems to be one of the most obvious of themes in the play.

Of course, the satirical comment on the Victorian values of breeding and seriousness is clear, combined with the idea of the necessity of being hypocritical and misrepresented in order to survive and enjoy oneself within the contemporary social rules.
i was sort of just wondering if anyone else recognized anything outside of these.

like i said, i am sort of at a loss, perhaps suffering from burnout...normally my essays are terribly original and thought provoking, if i do say so myself. :rolleyes:

I do not want someone to write my essay for me, I was just hoping to get a little help on the brainstorming. I am certain that is not outside of the requirements that my instructor expects me to follow...

[Lara]

Hal, a person of wisdom and knowledge. I hadn't read your post until I posted mine. After I did read your post I reconsidered what I said and I believe you are correct.

[verybaddmom]

oh, and i came to hold the opinion that we were discussing in class is unoriginal simply because what the themes are so obvious. That and if one is to read reviews of the play, those above mentioned concepts are widely discussed.

I strive for originality and i seem to be failing right now...the only thing i can come up with is perhaps a discussion on mendacity (not original) or perhaps an exploration on the subplot of the misplaced child (difficult to develop)... arghhhhhhh

[hal9000]

Originally posted by verybaddmom

I strive for originality and i seem to be failing right now...the only thing i can come up with is perhaps a discussion on mendacity...."

LOL! Indeed.

[IWilKikU]

What about taking two key speaches from different characters and juxtaposing them to point out either similarities or differences? Not a terribly original idea when it comes to play analysis, but if everyone else is bothering themselves with the themes why not give that a go?

[IWilKikU]

Or find a good quote ABOUT the play from a secondary source and react to it. Tell why you agree or disagree with it, giving textual support.

[IWilKikU]

Or talk about how Wilde is a terrible playwrite (even if you don't agree with this) because he doesn't have honest developed characters. His characters (in Dorian Grey as well) are nothing but vehicles for his witty use of the English languege. He doesn't develope any depth to them.

Try writing in support of an idea that you don't actually subscribe to. It will give you a nice rounded view of the work you are studying rather than just enforcing what you have already decided.

[IWilKikU]

Or give a reader-response analysis and tell why this play effected you personally (some teachers don't like that at all), still giving support from secondary sources. Tell how a particular theme (even an unoriginal one) applies to your life.

[IWilKikU]

If you have time, read another one of his plays and compare and contrast main themes, characters, plot, languege, ect... you'll find that most author's works have striking similarities when juxtaposed (I like that word waaaaaayyyy too much :) ).

Do you want me to go on, cause if you do, I'm going to have to think for a minute and get back to you. ;)

Hal, when people ask for help without asking you to write thier essay for them, this is the kind of info their looking for. I hoped I help you somewhat BadMom.

[verybaddmom]

Thank you KiKU, that is exacltly what i was looking for. i especially like the idea about writing "in support of an idea that you don't actually subscribe to." thank you so much for your suggestions.

:D

[verybaddmom]

I would like to add, here, to further explain my motives regarding this thread:
If nothing else, a discussion regarding the play itself would have been appreciated, as i find it immensly helpful to hear other peoples opinions and ideas.
i think what i was hoping for was a discussion similar to that in a classroom situation, people presenting insight and debating ideas....
unfortunately, in the class i am taking, the students do very little to contribute to discussion or debate and if there is a discussion of any kind it is usually centralized between my instructor and myself. i find the other students mostly apathetic; perhaps many of them are taking it only for credit, not a love of the subject, as i am.
i have noticed on this forum a group of people with an intense interest in, and love for, literature of all forms. i admire that. and frankly, it excites me to see people who have the same interests that i do.

[hal9000]

Originally posted by IWilKikU


Hal, when people ask for help without asking you to write thier essay for them, this is the kind of info their looking for. I hoped I help you somewhat BadMom.

You're obviously young because you've just been had. What she asked for is clearly stated in her original post. She asked for another's intellectual prowess and original insight which you have just...ah..humm provided. The various approaches to writing and completing this essay was clearly an intrinsic part of the assignment; thanks to you, she is no longer burdened with that responsibility -- an exercise the rest of the class was asked to perform for a reason. One learns by doing. Not only are you naive, but impudent.

[verybaddmom]

Hal, I am not quite sure exactly what i did to offend you so..but im left to wonder what, exactly is your problem? if anyone is being insolent, i am thinking it is you. i did not sign into this forum to argue with anyone but i am deeply offended by your attitude and finding myself losing patience..
my intention was never to fool anyone, nor to take anyone in. i was given a list of topics that i could choose from, as was the rest of the class. and chances are very good that the other students, in choosing from list, (which i am certain that they will do) will have less responsibilty than i have decided to try for. i do not like the topics given to me as options, hence the search for something different.
so at this point i say, if you do not like this thread or my search for others opinions..stay off of it. i get your point, i disagree. im done.

[hal9000]

My post is directed to IWilKikU. You're posting on a community board, and can expect to read many varying opinions, some of which may be mine which I express freely.

[verybaddmom]

I understand the concept of community board. I also understand the concept of accepting other people's opinions even when I don't agree.
My problem here is that your comments to IWilKikU felt like a direct attack on my character by suggesting that I was trying to fool someone into doing my work for me. Your comment to IWilKikU that he had just "been had" offended me deeply. that is my problem with this "community board"

[IWilKikU]

BadMom, Alot of people get on this forum and ask very direct, specific questions and hope that we'll write their essay for them. Your request was much more intellegent than average joe slacker's. I felt that you were looking for GUIDANCE rather than ANSWERS. That's fine. I'm not sure where Hal's militant attitude is coming from, but rest assured that most people here, especially those that have been here longer than a week are pretty open to discussion. Indeed, often we act as an online study group, just as you said.

Hal, Why are trying to chase off new member's when all they need is a jump-start, have you ever written an essay? Ever listened to you're lecturer for pointers? Read a secondary source? Been to a study group? Jesus dude, are you superstudent? What about learning from other people? What about paying attention to someone with idea's that you respect? Most of the people who keep this site interesting came here in search of study help. People are here to discuss thier views and ideas in literature. That's why it's called a DISCUSSION forum, not a keep-all-my-superstudent-ideas-to-myself forum. We're all here to learn, students and nonstudents alike, so lighten up a bit.

BadMom, I havn't read the play, but I know that alot of people here have so if their's something specific you wanted to discuss, fire away.

[verybaddmom]

he he he,
"superstudent"
"keep-all-my-superstudent-ideas-to-myself forum"
I like that
he he he

[hal9000]

Originally posted by IWilKikU


Most of the people who keep this site interesting came here in search of study help. People are here to discuss thier views and ideas in literature. That's why it's called a DISCUSSION forum, not a keep-all-my-superstudent-ideas-to-myself forum. We're all here to learn, students and nonstudents alike, so lighten up a bit.



You just don't get it, do you. Verybaddmom is not looking for study help. She is looking for "original insight into Oliver Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest because "she is writing an essay and seems to be sort of at a dead end herself." She "absolutely refuses to turn in a boring, tedious essay," but doesn't want to do the thinking for herself, she wants others to do it for her.

That's right, this is a discussion forum, not a "I'll-think-of-original- insights-for-you-since-you-are-writng-an-eassay-and-don't-want to-think-of-them-yourself- forum, until you came along. Her assignment was to provide her own original insight for the essay, not yours.

"okay folks
here is another opportunity to show off your intellectual prowess....
I am looking for some kind of original insight into Oliver Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest".
I am writing an essay for a first year Lit. class, but what is being discussed in class is terribly unoriginal, and I seem to be sort of at a dead end, myself. However, I absolutely refuse to turn in a boring, tedious essay, so i implore you....help me!

[IWilKikU]

The ideas I presented are universal. They can be applied to ANY work of literature. They are useful essay ideas that every student can benefit from knowing. Anyone can take any of those ideas and write thier own very original essay from them. I didn't do her essay for her. I gave her a pick me up from writer's block. I would do the same for you Hal, if you wern't perfect. ;)

[verybaddmom]

I am not quite certain why you keep quoting only the original part of this thread, and completely disregarding any attempt that i am making to clarify myself. If you would please go back and re-read what I have responded with, then perhaps you would understand what I was looking for. As it is, please don't presume to know what I am looking for until you impartially and completely read what i have written. In the meantime I would appreciate if you would stop insulting my intelligence as though i am not here reading what you post.
Also, i have not at any time indicated what the assignment was, so please stop talking about my failure to meet requirements. I would be perfectly comfortable taking a printout of this entire thread to my instructor and i know that she would approve of my approach.
Anyhow, I would be perfectly happy to discuss this issue further with you in private, but can we stop with the bickering on this thread?

[hal9000]

Originally posted by IWilKikU
The ideas I presented are universal. They can be applied to ANY work of literature. They are useful essay ideas that every student can benefit from knowing. Anyone can take any of those ideas and write thier own very original essay from them. I didn't do her essay for her. I gave her a pick me up from writer's block. I would do the same for you Hal, if you wern't perfect. ;)

You are absent even the most fundamental psychological insights. She would never have mentioned that she refuses “to turn in a boring, tedious essay,” unless that was precisely what she was afraid of doing because she doubted her own talents. You have allowed yourself to be manipulated, and have taught this woman how NOT to rely on herself and overcome doubts about her own abilities.

[IWilKikU]

Your right Hal. I feel so small and stupid. This girl who can't even write an interesting essay has manipulated me into sharing my valuable secret stash of essay writing brainstorming techniques. Now they are published on the internet and anyone can use them to write good essays, just like me. Damn, I wish I had copywriten those posts before I put them up.

[IWilKikU]

Someone asked for help.

I gave some help.

That doesn't make either of us bad people, so get over it. I'm sorry if my helping someone in need offended you.

[hal9000]

Originally posted by IWilKikU
Your right Hal. I feel so small and stupid. This girl who can't even write an interesting essay has manipulated me into sharing my valuable secret stash of essay writing brainstorming techniques. Now they are published on the internet and anyone can use them to write good essays, just like me. Damn, I wish I had copywriten those posts before I put them up.

Your published suggestions aren't the issue - what is an issue, is your being defensive and unwilling to consider my comments. And I'll bet Verybaddmom could write a great essay with her own original insights, if she had more faith in her own abilities. What you've just taught her is why bother, when someone as special as yourself is around.

[verybaddmom]

oh for goodness sakes!
I am sorry that i came onto a literature forum hoping to discuss literature.
i am sorry that i mentioned that i have an essay to write.
i am sorry that i said that i was out of ideas...
ooohhhh wait, i have an idea. why dont you just stop. okay? forget it. no more.

i will write about the same boring tedious thing that all the other studens are writing about and risk sending my instructor into a dull-induced coma.

Thats fine. im happy with that, because this whole thread has been about you and your issue with my request.
i see no discussion regarding victorian social values, misrepresentation, earnestness or anything else actually relating to the work of Oscar Wilde.
So i want to thank you for you kindness Kik, and i want to specifically NOT thank you for your warm and polite welcome to this site Hal.

[verybaddmom]

oh for goodness sakes!
I am sorry that i came onto a literature forum hoping to discuss literature.
i am sorry that i mentioned that i have an essay to write.
i am sorry that i said that i was out of ideas...
ooohhhh wait, i have an idea. why dont you just stop. okay? forget it. no more.

i will write about the same boring tedious thing that all the other studens are writing about and risk sending my instructor into a dull-induced coma.

Thats fine. im happy with that, because this whole thread has been about you and your issue with my request.
i see no discussion regarding victorian social values, misrepresentation, earnestness or anything else actually relating to the work of Oscar Wilde.
So i want to thank you for you kindness Kik, and i want to specifically NOT thank you for your warm and polite welcome to this site Hal.

[verybaddmom]

ooooops, see what happens when i get all worked up!

[Logos]

hal9000, I'm going to ask you once, to please stop harrassing verybaddmom.

I direct you to the following topic regarding Forum Rules.

http://www.online-literature.com/forums/announcement.php?s=&forumid=4

[hal9000]

It was never my intention to harass anyone, and I regret that my motive has been interpreted in that light. I will withdraw from the thread.

[Cassandra]

Lay off her Hal. She's only using the site the same way one would use a secondary source. The essay will still have her interprtations and be her work. If you think it's wrong to help, don't read this thread. We want people to stay and join in discussions.