“The truth is rarely pure and never simple” (6). Well, in regards to my favorite book of AP English 12, I’d have to say the truth is both pure and simple- I really enjoyed the final book we read, The Importance of Being Earnest. I loved the ridiculous, over-the-top drama and laughing at the characters while they struggled through such unrealistic issues. However, the oddly wise assertions the characters made still hold true in today’s society- the characters spoke the truth most are too polite to acknowledge. When Jack is forced to come clean about his lies, he whines, “It is very painful for me to be forced to speak the truth” (40). Where it is socially acceptable to appear honest, Jack’s comment points out the dishonesty of not only the Victorian upper-class, but society as a whole, giving this play both humor and applicable insight on life. And, of course, reading as a class was one of the more entertaining AP English experiences I can recall. It also reinforces the need Ms. Serensky always reminds us of- “Be smart, people.” This play gives us some serious support on the problems of stupidity- not only could we fail the AP test, but we may approach the level of dumbness exhibited by Miss Prism: “In a moment of mental abstraction, for which I can never forgive myself, I deposited the manuscript in the bassinette, and placed the baby in the hand-bag” (51). Be smart, people.
Brooke, I too used that quote from Ms. Serensky. I believe it directly contradicts the quote from The Importance of Being Earnest, "the truth is rarely pure and never simple" because I think Ms. Serensky has mastered the art of simple yet true. I also really enjoyed the ridiculous drama and silly characters. Nice post!
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