World-famous handbag

To carry on with the theme of handbags and romantic comedies, here is something from Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest:

ZZZZZZZZZZ

Gwendolen. This suspense is terrible. I hope it will last.
[Enter Jack with a handbag of black leather in his hand.]

Jack. [Rushing over to Miss Prism.] Is this the handbag, Miss Prism? Examine it carefully before you speak. The happiness of more than one life depends on your answer.
Miss Prism. [Calmly.] It seems to be mine...
...

Jack. [In a pathetic voice.] Miss Prism, more is restored to you than this handbag. I was the baby you placed in it.
Miss Prism. [Amazed.] You?
Jack. [Embracing her.] Yes... mother!
Miss Prism. [Recoiling in indignant astonishment.] Mr. Worthing! I am unmarried
Jack. Unmarried! I do not deny that is a serious blow. But after all, who has the right to cast a stone against one who has suffered? Cannot repentance wipe out an act of folly? Why should there be one law for men, and another for women? Mother, I forgive you. [Tries to embrace her again.]

Miss Prism. [Still more indignant.] Mr. Worthing, there is some error. [Pointing to Lady Bracknell.] There is the lady who can tell you who you really are.

ZZZZZZZZZZ

If you don't know what that is all about, read the play! It's a great romantic comedy that my siblings and I enjoyed so much in our younger days.

These days, you can also watch the Earnest movie, which stars Colin Firth as Jack. There is an excellent scene where he sings a duet with his co-star Rupert Everett (who plays Algernon). Reese Witherspoon does a delightful version of Cecily, Jack's young ward. Other pictures here.

Hurray for handbags!

[handbag shop along a Seoul street]

Comments

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