Middle School
Why is page one of the story the importance of being earnest important?Scene: Morning-room in ALGERNON'S flat in Half Moon StreetThe room is luxuriously and artistically furnished. Thesound of a piano is heard in the adjoining room. LANE isarranging afternoon tea on the table, and after the music hasceased, ALGERNON enters.ALGERNON. Did you hear what I was playing, Lane?LANE. I didn't think it polite to listen, sir.ALGERNON. I'm sorry for that, for your sake. I don'tplay accurately any one can play accurately but Iplay with a wonderful expression. As far as the piano isconcerned, sentiment is my forte. I keep science forLife.LANE. Yes, sir.ALGERNON. And, speaking of the science of Life, haveyou got the cucumber sandwiches cut for Lady Bracknell?LANE. Yes, sir. (Hands them on a salver.)ALGERNON. (Inspects them, takes two, and sits down on thesofa.) Oh! ... by the way, Lane, I see from your book thaton Thursday night when Lord Shoreman and Mr. Worthing were dining with me, eight bottles of champagne are entered as having been consumed.LANE.Yes, sir; eight bottles and a pint.ALGERNON.Why is it that at a bachelors establishment the servants invariably drink the champagne? I ask merely for information.
