There's no doubt that you might meet some resistance upon first introducing The Importance of Being Earnest to your class. It's about highfalutin Victorians with way too much free time on their hands, and some students will be immediately turned off by the old-school style of the play. Of course, we have a feeling that resistance won't last long. This is for one reason and one reason only—the play is hilarious.

Yes, after all these years, The Importance of Being Earnest is just as laugh-out-loud funny as it ever was. Wilde's cutting wit and masterful wordplay has never stopped bringing the house down. The play is a great way to introduce any student of literature to the work of a comic genius at the height of his power. However, if your students remain skeptical, we recommend showing them a juicy clip from the movie. Just a clip though; make them read the play to find out what happens.