An Ideal Husband Act 1 Theme and Style Notes
The setting notes comment on femininity/women through the description of “Lady Chiltern, a woman of grave
Greek beauty” this links to classical, Victorian ideals. Lady Chiltern is at the top of the stairs so it shows her
importance.
Set notes introduce play as a ‘drawing room comedy’ alludes to the types of characters who will appear in the act.
Setting represents high society – chandeliers, tapestry etc.
‘The Triumph of Love’ tapestry relates to classical art and sets up the overarching themes and conflicts in the play
between the Chilterns.
Line 4, Mrs Marchmont: “Horribly tedious parties the Hartlocks give.” Themes of reputation and Victorian ideals
are shown as Mrs Marchmont does not want to be attending parties yet she does anyway because it is a social
expectation. Line 8, Lady Basildon: “Ah! I hate being educated!” – Roles of women in Victorian society, not
necessarily educated, focused on trivial matters. Conversation between the two women is light in accordance with
this and the tone of the party they are at – sets the tone for the rest of the party.
Line 29-30, Lord Caversham: “Has my good-for-nothing young son been here?” sets up men as opposites – conflict
of traditional, political ideal of Caversham and contemporary, aesthetic dandy Goring.
Line 52, Lord Goring has a reputation. Mabel: “I have been obliged to put Lord Goring into a class quite by
himself”.
‘Mrs’ Cheveley rather than ‘Lady’ etc. shows lower-class status. Description of Cheveley: “Venetian red
hair...rouge” Red = colour of scandal – foreshadowing.
Each character’s description relates to a piece of Classical art, alluding to their traditional character “Mabel is
really like a Tanagra Statuette.” In contrast Mrs Cheveley is described as “A work of art on the whole, but showing
the influence of too many schools” this not only refers to Mrs Cheveley’s tumultuous past but also could refer to
art schools. This implies she is a mix of many things (i.e. art styles) unlike the other characters who are only one
traditional, classical style.
Line 64, Lady Chiltern “I did not know she had married a second time” implies Mrs Cheveley’s scandalous leanings
and a reputation. In response Mrs Cheveley is very light “Nowadays people marry as often as they can don’t they?
It is most fashionable” the first clash of ideals between the two women. Mrs Cheveley is very light towards what
Lady Chiltern sees as a serious topic – marriage.
Women’s view of politics is shown in line 102 when Mrs Markby says “now that the House of Commons is trying
to become useful, it does a great deal of harm.” This contradicts the actual purpose of the House.
Line 135-136 Mrs Cheveley “My prizes came a little later on in life. I don’t think any of them were for good
conduct. I forget!” this has a double meaning and lightens the tone.
Line 139, Mrs Cheveley: “I don’t know that women are always rewarded for being charming. I think they are
usually punished for it!” This contradicts the traditional ideals for women.
Line 160 “Men can be analysed...women merely adored” shows the traditional fragile/ weaker image of women.
The setting notes comment on femininity/women through the description of “Lady Chiltern, a woman of grave
Greek beauty” this links to classical, Victorian ideals. Lady Chiltern is at the top of the stairs so it shows her
importance.
Set notes introduce play as a ‘drawing room comedy’ alludes to the types of characters who will appear in the act.
Setting represents high society – chandeliers, tapestry etc.
‘The Triumph of Love’ tapestry relates to classical art and sets up the overarching themes and conflicts in the play
between the Chilterns.
Line 4, Mrs Marchmont: “Horribly tedious parties the Hartlocks give.” Themes of reputation and Victorian ideals
are shown as Mrs Marchmont does not want to be attending parties yet she does anyway because it is a social
expectation. Line 8, Lady Basildon: “Ah! I hate being educated!” – Roles of women in Victorian society, not
necessarily educated, focused on trivial matters. Conversation between the two women is light in accordance with
this and the tone of the party they are at – sets the tone for the rest of the party.
Line 29-30, Lord Caversham: “Has my good-for-nothing young son been here?” sets up men as opposites – conflict
of traditional, political ideal of Caversham and contemporary, aesthetic dandy Goring.
Line 52, Lord Goring has a reputation. Mabel: “I have been obliged to put Lord Goring into a class quite by
himself”.
‘Mrs’ Cheveley rather than ‘Lady’ etc. shows lower-class status. Description of Cheveley: “Venetian red
hair...rouge” Red = colour of scandal – foreshadowing.
Each character’s description relates to a piece of Classical art, alluding to their traditional character “Mabel is
really like a Tanagra Statuette.” In contrast Mrs Cheveley is described as “A work of art on the whole, but showing
the influence of too many schools” this not only refers to Mrs Cheveley’s tumultuous past but also could refer to
art schools. This implies she is a mix of many things (i.e. art styles) unlike the other characters who are only one
traditional, classical style.
Line 64, Lady Chiltern “I did not know she had married a second time” implies Mrs Cheveley’s scandalous leanings
and a reputation. In response Mrs Cheveley is very light “Nowadays people marry as often as they can don’t they?
It is most fashionable” the first clash of ideals between the two women. Mrs Cheveley is very light towards what
Lady Chiltern sees as a serious topic – marriage.
Women’s view of politics is shown in line 102 when Mrs Markby says “now that the House of Commons is trying
to become useful, it does a great deal of harm.” This contradicts the actual purpose of the House.
Line 135-136 Mrs Cheveley “My prizes came a little later on in life. I don’t think any of them were for good
conduct. I forget!” this has a double meaning and lightens the tone.
Line 139, Mrs Cheveley: “I don’t know that women are always rewarded for being charming. I think they are
usually punished for it!” This contradicts the traditional ideals for women.
Line 160 “Men can be analysed...women merely adored” shows the traditional fragile/ weaker image of women.
