An ideal husband.

by

Published Nov. 13, 1900 by Musson].

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4 stars (2 reviews)

An Ideal Husband is an 1895 comedic stage play by Oscar Wilde which revolves around blackmail and political corruption, and touches on the themes of public and private honour. The action is set in London, in "the present", and takes place over the course of twenty-four hours. "Sooner or later," Wilde notes, "we shall all have to pay for what we do." But he adds that, "No one should be entirely judged by their past."

36 editions

reviewed An Ideal Husband by Oscar Wilde

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4 stars

Lady Chiltern is married to Sir Robert and has very strict morals. In fact, she believes she could not love her husband if his behaviour was fraudulent, even if only once. Mrs. Cheveley, an old enemy of Lady Chiltern, attempts to blackmail Sir Robert into supporting a scheme to build a canal. Sir Robert does not know how to handle the problem since he has to choose between his career and the love of his life.

It seems everything Wilde has ever written is deliciously witty. I knew this story but I had never read the play and it is much funnier than I thought. The character of Lord Goring is perfect, and his relationship with his father results in the best dialogues. Interesting play that debates good character and past sins.

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4 stars