Published in 1899, The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde is a satirical interpretation of Victorian society

In Act 2, we see that although she is intelligent, she is also foolish at times. When she first meets Cecily she says, “Something tells me that we are going to be great friends. I already like you more than I can say. My first impressions on people are never wrong”. Moments later, when she discovers that they are both engaged to ‘Ernest’ she says – “From the moment I met you, I distrusted you. I knew you were wrong and deceitful. My first impressions on people are invariably right”. Luckily for Jack, she is a woman who forgives easily. After the small conflict with Cecily and when Jack told the truth about him, she forgives them immediately. Overall, Gwendolen, been raised in the city is polished and sophisticated.

Cecily Cardew, Jack’s ward and grand daughter of Thomas Cardew who adapted Jack as a baby. She wishes to marry Algernon, whom she believes is “Ernest”. Cecily can be regarded as the direct opposite of Gwendolen when it comes to social issues but nevertheless both Cecily and Gwendolen have a lot in common.

Cecily, been brought up in the country is ingenious and unspoiled. She is a dreamy young lady as she had invented a romance between Jack’s imaginary brother and herself even before she met him and has elaborated it with much imagination – “I accepted you under this dear old tree...I bought this little ring in your name and this I the little bangle with the true lover’s knot...”. These are all from Cecily’s imagination even the “engagement” from 3 months and the letters. It is her fascination with wickedness that drives her to be obsessed with Algernon/Ernest. She is the only character who does not speak in epigrams.

Cecily is first introduced to us in Act 2, where she is watering the flower garden even though she is supposed to be studying German grammar which she hates. This shows her love for nature and her disregard for studies.

Gwendolen and Cecily have a lot in common. They both are fixated upon the name “Ernest” which they both say “inspires absolute confidence”. They both keep a diary which they carry around everywhere they go and would show as proof of whatever they say. They even speak in union which emphasizes their similarity – “Your Christian names are still an insuperable barrier. That is all.”

The fighting scene in Act 2 shows how both of them would do their utmost to achieve what they want. Cecily although younger, less fashionable and less sophisticated than Gwendolen takes advantage of Gwendolen’s obsession with fashion and uses it as a weapon to insult her during the small clash between them. For example, Gwendolen says – “I had no idea there were any flowers in the country” and Cecily says – “Oh! Flowers are common here, Miss Fairfax, as people are in London”. Cecily is quick-witted and determined.

Cecily is described as “a sweet, simple, innocent girl.” Gwendolen is depicted as “a brilliant, clever, thoroughly experienced lady” from Jack and Algernon respectively. Despite these contrasts the girls seem to possess more similarities. Each appear shallow, and each loves Ernest because of their name. Gwendolen and Cecily are hopelessly in love with their counterparts and therefore provide the main source of conflict in this romantic comedy.