Coco
Q: How does the character of Jack help bringing out the comical aspect of the other characters (Algernon, Lady Bracknell and Gwendolen) in act 1?
Jack, as the central character of the play, plays an important role of comic-bringer. His characteristics, quotes, even his deceptions all entertain the readers, and helps the readers to explore the comical aspects of other characters as going through Act 1 deeper and further.
At the very beginning of Act 1, Jack starts to bring out the comical aspects of Algernon as he visits Algernon’s house and tells him that he’s going to propose to Gwendolen. As Jack said “I have come up to town expressly to propose to her.”, Algy denies his opinion with a scornful and playful tone “I thought you had come up for pleasure? I call that business.” “I really don’t see anything romantic in proposing… If I get married, I’ll certainly try to forget the fact.” Algernon’s opinion towards marriage is desperate and absurd. However, Jack’s viewing on the opposite, and revealingly complaining “How utterly unromantic you are!” These two young men’s different view on marriage creates strong sense of humor, their arguments towards marriage also bring their comical aspects to the audience. Another comical aspect of Alernon is when he’s eating the cucumber sandwiches, which were prepared for Lady bracknell, he stopped Jack from taking one of the sandwiches, and suggested him to take some bread and butter. When Jack was puzzled, and asked for the reason, Algernon said “That’s a quite different matter. She is my aunt.” Jack’s questions and queries towards Algernon’s ridiculous excuse amplifies his comical and somewhat childish aspect.
As Jack bringing out the comical aspects of Algernon, Oscar wilde uses this character to make fun of Gwendolen at the same time. They first met in Algernon’s house, as they fell in love with the first sight. As