Changing+Identities

Quotations and interpretation**
 * Overview

Algernon uses Bunbury, an "invaluable permanent invalid" so that he would "be able to go down into the country whenever I choose." He is dependent on the freedom given to him :"Nothing will induce me to part with Bunbury."

Jack-Ernest is known as Ernest in town and Jack in the countryside, so that he could go in town whenever he wishes then blame whatever happens on his non-existing brother, Ernest. "A high moral tone can hardly be said to conduce to either one's health or happiness" --> Ernest is used for all the low-morals-behaviour Jack feels like doing. "If Gwendolen accepts me, I am going to kill my brother" --> Ironic, Gwendolen declares to be attracted to the name Ernest and not at all to the name Jack (shallow) : "The moment Algernon first mentioned to me that he had a friend named Ernest, I knew I was destined to love you" "I'll kill him [Ernest] in any case, Cecily is too much interested in him" --> keeping her from his own misdemeanours, prtotectiveness.

Algernon goes to the countryside and introduces himself as "Ernest" to Cecily who is quite interested in him, again for the name Ernest. Cecily and Gwendolen fight when they find out they are both engaged to Ernest. And then they find out neither of their fiances are Ernests. More irony because in the end, Jack's real name turns out to be his father's: Ernest.
 * SPOILER*