The Importance of Being Earnest Paragraph

In general, lies are bad but in certain situations they can be beneficial. Take avoidance for example, dishonesty can help you get out of just about any situation. That’s not always a good thing, but Algernon certainly takes advantage of the power of lying when he speaks to his manservant. Lane is aware of his master’s lies but intentionally goes along with them to keep him out of trouble. This exact circumstance arises when the play first begins; Algernon discovers how much wine was consumed the previous night and blames it on the servants. It seems that Algernon does this to retain his pride, to somehow prove his high standards by denying the fact that he gets drunk. Another incident that Algernon avoids something in is when Lady Bracknell arrives requesting cucumber sandwiches. His response to her is. “Good heavens! Lane! Why are there no cucumber sandwiches?” (Algernon Act 1) Of course, Algernon knows very well that he ate all the sandwiches, he is trying to stay on good terms with his aunt, by avoiding any possible arguments between them. This in a way proves that although he is a hoddy proud man, Algernon is also afraid of something, confrontation. Still, Algernon isn’t the only one who avoids certain situations; Jack is also guilty of being evasive. He prefers to avoid his responsibilities. Or more specifically his duty to be a role model for Cecily. Instead Jack prefers to run away to London, pretending to be his nonexistent brother Ernest. By doing so he is not confronting the fact that he is a man now and must grow up and face reality. Although lying to avoid problems can be beneficial now, it can come back to haunt you in the future, Ernest shows us this.