An Ideal Husband by Oscar Wilde
In a society marked by political intrigue and personal ambition, a prominent politician, Sir Robert Chiltern, faces a moral crisis when an old acquaintance, Mrs. Cheveley, threatens to expose a dark secret from his past. Years ago, he sold a Cabinet secret for personal gain, which has allowed him to build a successful career. Mrs. Cheveley, now seeking to manipulate him for her own financial interests in a fraudulent canal scheme, uses this secret as leverage. As the story unfolds over a single day in London, Sir Robert's wife, Lady Chiltern, embodies the ideals of virtue and integrity. She is unaware of her husband's past misdeeds and holds him in high esteem. When Mrs. Cheveley confronts Sir Robert, he is torn between protecting his reputation and maintaining his wife's trust. The tension escalates as Lady Chiltern discovers the truth about her husband's past through Mrs. Cheveley's machinations. Lord Goring, Sir Robert's friend, becomes an unexpected ally. He is a dandy with a keen understanding of human nature and a hidden depth of character. He attempts to navigate the complexities of love and loyalty, ultimately advocating for the truth and the preservation of Sir Robert's marriage. Goring's own feelings for Lady Chiltern complicate matters further, as he grapples with his affection for her while trying to protect her from the fallout of her husband's actions. The climax occurs when Lady Chiltern learns of her husband's betrayal, leading to a confrontation that tests their relationship. In a moment of emotional turmoil, she must decide whether to forgive him or let the past dictate their future. Goring's intervention and the revelation of Mrs. Cheveley's true intentions ultimately lead to a resolution where love triumphs over scandal. In the end, Sir Robert chooses to reject the corrupting influence of politics, opting for a life of honesty and integrity alongside his wife. Lady Chiltern, having learned the complexities of human nature, embraces her husband's flaws, reaffirming their love. The play concludes with a sense of hope and renewal, as the characters navigate the challenges of their intertwined lives, emphasizing the themes of love, redemption, and the moral dilemmas faced in society.
By Oscar Wilde · First published 1895 · Genre: Comedy of Manners, Drama, Romantic Comedy · 4 chapters · 51,097 words
First lines
Dramatis Personae: The Earl of Caversham, K. G. Viscount Goring, his Son Sir Robert Chiltern, Bart., Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs Vicomte De Nanjac, Attaché at the French Embassy in London Mr. Montford Mason, Butler to Sir Robert Chiltern Phipps, Lord Goring's Servant James Footmen Harold Lady Chiltern Lady Markby the Countess of Basildon Mrs. Marchmont Miss Mabel Chiltern, Sir Robert Chiltern's Sister Mrs. Cheveley
Time: The Present
What this Textopian page supports
An Ideal Husband is listed on Textopian as a play by Oscar Wilde, dated 1895 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Play
- Author: Oscar Wilde
- Date: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Comedy of Manners, Drama, Romantic Comedy, Social Critique, Tragedy
- Length: 51,097 words
- Structure: 4 chapters, 1,286 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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- Where does Comedy of Manners first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Comedy of Manners — The play satirizes social conventions and the behaviors of the upper class.
- Drama — It explores serious themes such as morality, integrity, and the complexities of relationships.
- Romantic Comedy — The plot involves romantic entanglements and humorous situations surrounding marriage.
- Social Critique — The work critiques societal norms and the hypocrisy of Victorian society.
Tags
Social Satire · Comedy of Manners · Marriage · Morality · Deception · Hypocrisy · Class System · Upper Class · London Society · Love Triangle · Infidelity · Secrets