The play starts off in Algernon’s luxurious and artistically furnished flat. Algernon is playing the piano in the room while Lane is arranging afternoon tea for Algernon and cucumber sandwiches for the Algernon’s aunt (Lady Bracknell) and her daughter. John Worthing arrives and being received by his friend Algernon Moncrieff. Then Jack tells Algernon that his going to propose to Gwendolen but Algernon does not give permission to his marriage until Jack explains why he is know as Ernest and why he had the cigarette case. Then Jack tells his friend Algernon that he just made up that name because it gives him a reason to visit the city. But his known as Jack in the country and guardian of Cecily who lives in the country estate with Miss Prism