"The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde is confusing. First published in 1895 with the subtitle "A Trivial Comedy about Serious People", the work is described in just six words.

Who is this Earnest? And why is it important to be earnest?
This is the question that first came up when I startet the story. Being an admirer of Wilde after reading Dorian Grey, I was aware, that this is one of the most famous works of Mr. Quotes.

I have to admit, only in the end did I understand all the connections and the real identities of the characters.
The story is indeed trivial. Cecily and Gwendolen both want to marry rich, don't bother much with love and in Gwendolen's case haven't even met the man who is supposed to be the mysterious Ernest.
When two man claim the name Earnest for themselves it get like hey-go-mad.
The Serious people don't even know the comedical status of the situation they are in.

One more has Wilde shown his talent to write an ironically parody that not only amuses it's readers, but is sociocritical at the same time. It reveals the society's true nature.

I rated this bewildering story with 4 stars. You can do nothing wrong with Wilde.