In act one Algernon's views on marriage are revealed to the reader. Algernon addresses marriage as a non serious subject that he sometimes mocks. Algernon often references Bunbury when speaking of marriage. "...in married life three is a company and two is none"(Wilde 124). It is this the tone in which he speaks that reveals his non-serious view on marriage.
Algernon's mocking of marriage conflicts that of the character Jack, who is in love with Gwendolen and plans to propose to her that evening. This confliction shows tone of a friendly quarrel. The conversation of these two is conflicting and argumentative because of these conflicting views on marriage, but this also presents a bit of humor. Although they share different views on much that they speak of the conversation remains light and friendly, although argumentative. "...Divorce court was specially invented for people whose memories are so curiously constituted"(118). Here Jack speaks of his view of divorce, but Algernon, being argumentative shows conflicting views which he speaks. "Oh! There is no use speculating on that subject. Divorces are made in Heaven"(118).
The conversation also draws tension from dual identities that each character has. Algernon questions the cigarette case that belongs to Jack which speaks of his ward, Cecily. "However, it makes no matter, for, now that I look at the inscription I find that the thing isn't yours after all... This cigarette case is a present from someone of the name of Cicily, and you say you don't anyone of that name"(119-120). This questioning of dual identity shows up with Jack as well as he questions the odd term that Algernon uses so often. His fried by the name of Bunbury. "I have always suspected you of being a confirmed Bunburyist; and I am quite sure of it now."(121). This odd reference adds a small amount of confusion into the tone of the overall conversation. This underlying tone of conflicting views, and odd questionings induced by dual identities is the driving factor behind the conversation between the two friends.
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