Analyze the mythic structure of The Importance of Being Earnest. In what way is Jack’s journey similar to that of the Paleolithic shaman/hero? What is the elixir with which he returns?

Choose one of the following and write a short essay (1000-1200 words) in response.  Support all assertions, claims, inferences, theories, and arguments with examples from The Importance of Being Earnest.

1. Analyze the mythic structure of The Importance of Being Earnest.  In what way is Jack’s journey similar to that of the Paleolithic shaman/hero?  What is the elixir with which he returns?
2. Plato argues that all art is decadent because it fosters rebellious or unhealthy attitudes in an audience while Aristotle argues that aesthetic experiences are educational and therefore beneficial to a society because they help us understand truth.  Argue for one position over the other based on your reading of The Importance of Being Earnest.
3. Read Aaron Copland’s essay, “How We Listen.”  In his comparison of Tchaikovsky and Beethoven, Copland makes an observation that is applicable to all art: “…music whose meaning is slightly different with each hearing has a greater chance of remaining alive.”  Explain how The Importance of Being Earnest accomplishes a similar feat.
4. Reread the passage in Bluebeard (pp. 89-91) in which Rabo Karabekian reflects upon why Dan Gregory never became great and concludes that there is more to artistic greatness than simply achieving a certain level of technical proficiency.  Then apply these conclusions about greatness to an evaluation of The Importance of Being Earnest.