The Importance of Being Earnest Chapter Summary & Analysis | Act 3

Act 3 Summary

Gwendolen and Cecily have agreed to maintain a stony silence with the two men but can't resist asking them pivotal questions. Why did Algernon pose as Ernest? Why did Jack lie about having a brother? Algernon tells Cecily that he had to pose to meet her, and Jack tells Gwendolen that he had to fake a brother to escape into town to see her. Both women are charmed by the answers and forgive the men.

Aunt Augusta arrives without notice, to the couples' surprise. Gwendolen tells her again that she is engaged to Jack, but her mother says that she will not allow it. When Algernon tells her that he is engaged to Cecily, she wants to know more about Cecily's credentials. Once she is satisfied with Cecily, she gives her approval for Algernon to marry. Jack, denies his approval as Cecily's guardian. He feels that Algernon is a deceitful...
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