An Ideal Husband
Act I
Analysis
Wilde creates his characters as artistic objects within society, and through their conversations and seemingly carefree
banter, explores the themes of love, loyalty and honour. Wilde's writing, which relies on these sorts of conversation,
is often referred to as epigrammatic. An epigram is defined as a concise and witty statement that expresses insight
and is often ironic in tone. The opening act contains many epigrammatic statements, including Mrs. Marchmont's
claim of abhorring education, and Lord Goring's claim that the only thing he knows anything about is nothing. Clearly,
neither truly believes these statements, but there is truth to them. Wilde's reliance on epigrammatic conversation
forces the reader to determine when there is seriousness in such statements, and when they are simply witty and
somewhat false tools used to extend somewhat meaningless conversation. As such, Wilde successfully weaves the
most serious themes of the play in with the most frivolous of its banter and conversation.
Throughout the party that takes up the majority of the first act, the guests and hosts are highly concerned with their
appearance and the nature of their social interactions. All the guests are members of London "society" and spend
much of their lives in similarly superficial scenarios. Thus, they are all present themselves very specifically, through
well defined performances. The selves they present in these social interactions are specific to such events, and not
necessarily true representations. The most notable character that presents a false veneer in this social event is Mrs.
Cheveley. She sees this party as a chance to perform, and brings with her a powerfully false sense of saccharine
kindness in her interactions with Lady Chiltern. Even during her interactions with Sir Robert, she maintains a veneer
of civility when threatening his very reputation. Wilde's use of the party to introduce each character is fascinating, as
the reader learns how the characters wish to be seen in such social gatherings rather than whom they truly are. Here,
we begin to see the disconnect between the "ideal" and the "real".
Act I also deals extensively with the role of women in society, and the dialogue between Sir Robert and Mrs. Cheveley
touches briefly on this topic. Sir Robert implies that the issue of the nature of women is a modern topic - he asks her
if she thinks science can grapple with the problem of women. His question suggests that he sees women as very
complex, but also acknowledges the increasing role women play within society, and the complex issues that arise
from this. Mrs. Cheveley's words suggest a more traditional view of women; that women cannot be understood and
should be viewed as aesthetic pieces of art. In fact, Wilde describes many of the female characters in this opening act
as works of art, and even notes that Watteau would have loved to paint some of them.
The tapestry of the "Triumph of Love" plays a prominent thematic role in this opening act and the remainder of the
play. Love and what defines it in its purest and strongest form is clearly of great importance to the main theme of the
play, marriage. Lady Markby arrives at the party and notes that people now marry as many times as possible because
it is in fashion. When introducing Mrs. Cheveley to Sir Robert she comments that families are very mixed nowadays,
and Lord Goring revels in his status as a bachelor. Lady Basildon and Mrs. Marchmont ironically sympathize with each
other over their overly perfect husbands, which mocks the idea of a perfect marriage. Mrs. Cheveley states that in the
London season, people are "either hunting from husbands, or hiding from them." Much of this act discusses the
confusion and conflict inherent in marriage, while Lady Chiltern and Sir Robert represent an ideal marriage.
The conversation between Lady Chiltern and her husband in the conclusion of the first act provides a strong contrast
to the frivolous banter that dominated the party scene. They address each other with earnestness, intimacy, and
powerful emotion. Lady Chiltern states that her love for Sir Robert rests on his ideal morality, purity and honesty.
When presented with his request for a moral compromise, Lady Chiltern refuses. She can only love him in his ideal
and pure state. Later on, she will be confronted with her idealistic perspective, but in this act, it dominates and
defines their marriage.
Interestingly, the theme of politics is powerfully interwoven with that of love and marriage. In the play, choices
regarding ethical political behaviour relate directly to the triumph or failure of love. Lady Chiltern clearly represents a
strong adherence to the ideal, while Mrs. Cheveley represents the opposite. These two forces of good and evil pull on
Sir Robert Chiltern, forcing him to define himself and his life as either an ideal or morally imperfect husband.
, Act II
Analysis
Lord Goring and Robert Chiltern agree that men do corrupt things everyday, but Lord Goring points out that is the
reason why they are all so eager to expose one another, because it takes attention away from their own dishonesty.
Sir Robert explains how his access to private information was nothing new, and that all modern fortunes are built on
such information. Wilde understood the power of information from contemporary events, and throughout the plot,
information (the letters), rather than money, is the source of power.
Once again Sir Robert references the idea of modernity, and how in this new age information leads to wealth and
power. He tells Lord Goring about Baron Arnheim's formula for success in the modern day: wealth, which leads to
domination. Ironically, Lord Goring who is the picture of a Victorian dandy and revels in the superficial aspects of life,
disagrees with this theory. Wilde criticizes this philosophy throughout the play by effectively making wealth useless.
Sir Robert cannot buy his way out of his predicament and Mrs. Cheveley laughs at the fact that he would even try. In
the realm of the play, money has little power.
Sir Robert's primary concern is detection. He fears his wife will hate him and his career will be ruined. With frustration
he asks Lord Goring whether a foolish mistake made in his youth should cost him so much. His corruption does not
cause him any real sense of guilt or regret, and he justifies it by pointing out others who have done the same. He
thanks Lord Goring for enabling him to tell the truth, but in reality he only tells it because he knows Lord Goring will
not judge him for it. Thus, he is willing to face the truth only when there are no consequences attached. Sir Robert's
words connect with Wilde's disdain for the lack of morality in contemporary society, especially the loose moral
principles of politicians. One of the main themes of the play is society's moral corruption. Wilde criticizes the way
characters gravitate towards material possessions, such as wealth, rather than cherishing the importance of kindness
and love. Even Lady Chiltern, for all her moral sermons, is hypocritical, for she values Sir Robert's social status.
When Lady Chiltern enters the scene, and tells the two men she has been at a meeting for the Women's Liberal
Association, Lord Goring mocks her and asks if they discussed bonnets. The question of a woman's role in society and
marriage constantly arises, and Lord Goring clearly sees women's work as rather trivial. This scene engages with the
topic of what a woman's proper role is within society and marriage, as does the discussion between Lady Markby,
Lady Chiltern, and Mrs. Cheveley, when Lady Markby argues that the House of Commons is the worst thing to happen
to marriage since the higher education of women. As a member of the more conservative part of London society,
Lady Markby does not believe in the advancement of women, while Lady Chiltern, as a member of the Women's
Liberal Association, clearly does. The differences between these two women, and Lady Chiltern's constant defence of
women's rights and liberal values demonstrates that this new, modern perspective of a more independent woman
was just beginning to gain strength in the Victorian era.
Lord Goring becomes quite serious in his conversation with Lady Chiltern, which is a contrast from his light-hearted
behaviour at the party the night before. After acting as a confidant and advisor to her husband, he acts as a teacher to
Lady Chiltern, telling her that her views on life are rather harsh and she must understand that all people are flawed.
Lady Chiltern says that she loves her husband, but really she adores the version of him that she has created - the Sir
Robert who exemplifies the best of English life. If he must be perfect, how sincere can her love be? Lord Goring tells
Lady Chiltern that it is love, and not German philosophy, that truly explains the world, and that one must live life with
charity towards others. His speech ties together several themes that continually arise throughout the play, specifically
that love and forgiveness must guide one through life. With this statement, the readers begin to see that the truth
will come out and forgiveness will be necessary for the Chiltern marriage to survive.
Mabel's complaints about Tommy Trafford, who insistently and secretly proposes to her, provide a comic interlude,
but also again discuss the notion of marriage. Mabel complains that she wouldn't find the whole process so
frustrating if his statements had any kind of effect on the public. Apparently, it is not his proposals that bother her so
much, but the way in which he proposes. She wishes his feelings were in the public domain, and believes only then
they would be worth responding to. Mabel wants public intrusion in her life, while such public intrusion threatens to
ruin Sir Robert's public career and his marriage.
The definition of love and marriage is at the heart of the action here. The light-hearted conversation of the first act is
replaced by a more serious tone that analyzes and discusses the morality of human beings and why and how people
should love each other. Lord Goring, who often carries the voice and opinions of the author, mocks Lady Chiltern's
Act I
Analysis
Wilde creates his characters as artistic objects within society, and through their conversations and seemingly carefree
banter, explores the themes of love, loyalty and honour. Wilde's writing, which relies on these sorts of conversation,
is often referred to as epigrammatic. An epigram is defined as a concise and witty statement that expresses insight
and is often ironic in tone. The opening act contains many epigrammatic statements, including Mrs. Marchmont's
claim of abhorring education, and Lord Goring's claim that the only thing he knows anything about is nothing. Clearly,
neither truly believes these statements, but there is truth to them. Wilde's reliance on epigrammatic conversation
forces the reader to determine when there is seriousness in such statements, and when they are simply witty and
somewhat false tools used to extend somewhat meaningless conversation. As such, Wilde successfully weaves the
most serious themes of the play in with the most frivolous of its banter and conversation.
Throughout the party that takes up the majority of the first act, the guests and hosts are highly concerned with their
appearance and the nature of their social interactions. All the guests are members of London "society" and spend
much of their lives in similarly superficial scenarios. Thus, they are all present themselves very specifically, through
well defined performances. The selves they present in these social interactions are specific to such events, and not
necessarily true representations. The most notable character that presents a false veneer in this social event is Mrs.
Cheveley. She sees this party as a chance to perform, and brings with her a powerfully false sense of saccharine
kindness in her interactions with Lady Chiltern. Even during her interactions with Sir Robert, she maintains a veneer
of civility when threatening his very reputation. Wilde's use of the party to introduce each character is fascinating, as
the reader learns how the characters wish to be seen in such social gatherings rather than whom they truly are. Here,
we begin to see the disconnect between the "ideal" and the "real".
Act I also deals extensively with the role of women in society, and the dialogue between Sir Robert and Mrs. Cheveley
touches briefly on this topic. Sir Robert implies that the issue of the nature of women is a modern topic - he asks her
if she thinks science can grapple with the problem of women. His question suggests that he sees women as very
complex, but also acknowledges the increasing role women play within society, and the complex issues that arise
from this. Mrs. Cheveley's words suggest a more traditional view of women; that women cannot be understood and
should be viewed as aesthetic pieces of art. In fact, Wilde describes many of the female characters in this opening act
as works of art, and even notes that Watteau would have loved to paint some of them.
The tapestry of the "Triumph of Love" plays a prominent thematic role in this opening act and the remainder of the
play. Love and what defines it in its purest and strongest form is clearly of great importance to the main theme of the
play, marriage. Lady Markby arrives at the party and notes that people now marry as many times as possible because
it is in fashion. When introducing Mrs. Cheveley to Sir Robert she comments that families are very mixed nowadays,
and Lord Goring revels in his status as a bachelor. Lady Basildon and Mrs. Marchmont ironically sympathize with each
other over their overly perfect husbands, which mocks the idea of a perfect marriage. Mrs. Cheveley states that in the
London season, people are "either hunting from husbands, or hiding from them." Much of this act discusses the
confusion and conflict inherent in marriage, while Lady Chiltern and Sir Robert represent an ideal marriage.
The conversation between Lady Chiltern and her husband in the conclusion of the first act provides a strong contrast
to the frivolous banter that dominated the party scene. They address each other with earnestness, intimacy, and
powerful emotion. Lady Chiltern states that her love for Sir Robert rests on his ideal morality, purity and honesty.
When presented with his request for a moral compromise, Lady Chiltern refuses. She can only love him in his ideal
and pure state. Later on, she will be confronted with her idealistic perspective, but in this act, it dominates and
defines their marriage.
Interestingly, the theme of politics is powerfully interwoven with that of love and marriage. In the play, choices
regarding ethical political behaviour relate directly to the triumph or failure of love. Lady Chiltern clearly represents a
strong adherence to the ideal, while Mrs. Cheveley represents the opposite. These two forces of good and evil pull on
Sir Robert Chiltern, forcing him to define himself and his life as either an ideal or morally imperfect husband.
, Act II
Analysis
Lord Goring and Robert Chiltern agree that men do corrupt things everyday, but Lord Goring points out that is the
reason why they are all so eager to expose one another, because it takes attention away from their own dishonesty.
Sir Robert explains how his access to private information was nothing new, and that all modern fortunes are built on
such information. Wilde understood the power of information from contemporary events, and throughout the plot,
information (the letters), rather than money, is the source of power.
Once again Sir Robert references the idea of modernity, and how in this new age information leads to wealth and
power. He tells Lord Goring about Baron Arnheim's formula for success in the modern day: wealth, which leads to
domination. Ironically, Lord Goring who is the picture of a Victorian dandy and revels in the superficial aspects of life,
disagrees with this theory. Wilde criticizes this philosophy throughout the play by effectively making wealth useless.
Sir Robert cannot buy his way out of his predicament and Mrs. Cheveley laughs at the fact that he would even try. In
the realm of the play, money has little power.
Sir Robert's primary concern is detection. He fears his wife will hate him and his career will be ruined. With frustration
he asks Lord Goring whether a foolish mistake made in his youth should cost him so much. His corruption does not
cause him any real sense of guilt or regret, and he justifies it by pointing out others who have done the same. He
thanks Lord Goring for enabling him to tell the truth, but in reality he only tells it because he knows Lord Goring will
not judge him for it. Thus, he is willing to face the truth only when there are no consequences attached. Sir Robert's
words connect with Wilde's disdain for the lack of morality in contemporary society, especially the loose moral
principles of politicians. One of the main themes of the play is society's moral corruption. Wilde criticizes the way
characters gravitate towards material possessions, such as wealth, rather than cherishing the importance of kindness
and love. Even Lady Chiltern, for all her moral sermons, is hypocritical, for she values Sir Robert's social status.
When Lady Chiltern enters the scene, and tells the two men she has been at a meeting for the Women's Liberal
Association, Lord Goring mocks her and asks if they discussed bonnets. The question of a woman's role in society and
marriage constantly arises, and Lord Goring clearly sees women's work as rather trivial. This scene engages with the
topic of what a woman's proper role is within society and marriage, as does the discussion between Lady Markby,
Lady Chiltern, and Mrs. Cheveley, when Lady Markby argues that the House of Commons is the worst thing to happen
to marriage since the higher education of women. As a member of the more conservative part of London society,
Lady Markby does not believe in the advancement of women, while Lady Chiltern, as a member of the Women's
Liberal Association, clearly does. The differences between these two women, and Lady Chiltern's constant defence of
women's rights and liberal values demonstrates that this new, modern perspective of a more independent woman
was just beginning to gain strength in the Victorian era.
Lord Goring becomes quite serious in his conversation with Lady Chiltern, which is a contrast from his light-hearted
behaviour at the party the night before. After acting as a confidant and advisor to her husband, he acts as a teacher to
Lady Chiltern, telling her that her views on life are rather harsh and she must understand that all people are flawed.
Lady Chiltern says that she loves her husband, but really she adores the version of him that she has created - the Sir
Robert who exemplifies the best of English life. If he must be perfect, how sincere can her love be? Lord Goring tells
Lady Chiltern that it is love, and not German philosophy, that truly explains the world, and that one must live life with
charity towards others. His speech ties together several themes that continually arise throughout the play, specifically
that love and forgiveness must guide one through life. With this statement, the readers begin to see that the truth
will come out and forgiveness will be necessary for the Chiltern marriage to survive.
Mabel's complaints about Tommy Trafford, who insistently and secretly proposes to her, provide a comic interlude,
but also again discuss the notion of marriage. Mabel complains that she wouldn't find the whole process so
frustrating if his statements had any kind of effect on the public. Apparently, it is not his proposals that bother her so
much, but the way in which he proposes. She wishes his feelings were in the public domain, and believes only then
they would be worth responding to. Mabel wants public intrusion in her life, while such public intrusion threatens to
ruin Sir Robert's public career and his marriage.
The definition of love and marriage is at the heart of the action here. The light-hearted conversation of the first act is
replaced by a more serious tone that analyzes and discusses the morality of human beings and why and how people
should love each other. Lord Goring, who often carries the voice and opinions of the author, mocks Lady Chiltern's
