Dr. Reverend Chasuble in The Importance of Being Earnest

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Reverend Chasuble

      Reverend Canon Chasuble, D.D is the rector of Jack's estate. Both Jack and Algernon approach Dr. Chasuble to request that they be christened "Ernest." Dr. Chasuble entertains secret romantic feelings for Miss Prism. The initial after his name stand for "Doctor of Divinity."

      Both Miss Prism and Rev. Chasuble are two comic and slightly grotesque caricatures who are less developed than the principal players, and Wilde uses them to comment on religion and morality.

      The minister is an intellectual character who speaks in metaphors. He is a "typical" country vicar who refers often to canon law and gives fatherly advice. Absent-mindedly in charge of his parishioners' souls, he performs christenings and interchangeable sermons, depending on the situation. Occasionally, however, his mask slips, and an interior world of lusty desire for Miss Prism appears. Often absent-minded, but always spouting moral platitudes, he symbolizes Wilde's view of Victorian religion and respectability.

Lane

      Lane is Algernon's manservant. When the play opens, Lane is the only person who knows about Algernon's practice of "Bunburying." Lane appears only in Act I.

Merriman

      Merriman is the butler at the Manor House, Jack's estate in the country. Merriman appears only in Acts II and III.

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