An Ideal Husband

An Ideal Husband Summary

An Ideal Husband is a comedic play by Oscar Wilde that delves into themes of political corruption, blackmail, and the nature of true love. Set in London, the narrative revolves around Sir Robert Chiltern, a respected politician whose hidden past is threatened by the cunning Mrs. Cheveley, leading to a series of moral dilemmas and societal revelations.

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An Ideal Husband Excerpt

Short Summary: Sir Robert Chiltern's flawless reputation is jeopardized when Mrs. Cheveley arrives with evidence of a past misdeed. As secrets unravel, the play examines the complexities of morality, forgiveness, and the facade of an 'ideal' husband.

The scene is set in the opulent Octagon Room of Sir Robert Chiltern's residence in Grosvenor Square. Amidst the glittering company of London's elite, Sir Robert and his wife, Lady Gertrude Chiltern, exude an air of perfection and mutual admiration. Their harmonious world, however, is disrupted by the arrival of Mrs. Cheveley, a woman of striking beauty and questionable intentions.

Mrs. Cheveley, with her sharp wit and manipulative charm, confronts Sir Robert privately. She reveals her possession of a letter that implicates him in a past act of corruption: selling a Cabinet secret for personal gain. Exploiting this knowledge, she attempts to coerce him into supporting a fraudulent Argentine canal scheme, threatening to expose his secret if he refuses.

Distressed, Sir Robert confides in his close friend, Lord Goring, a dandified bachelor known for his idle demeanor yet possessing keen insight. Lord Goring advises him to confess the truth to Lady Chiltern, emphasizing the strength of honesty in marriage. However, Sir Robert fears the loss of his wife's idealized perception of him and hesitates.

Meanwhile, Lady Chiltern, unaware of her husband's predicament, learns of his apparent support for the dubious canal project. Confused and disheartened, she confronts Sir Robert, urging him to withdraw his backing. Torn between his wife's moral expectations and Mrs. Cheveley's blackmail, Sir Robert faces an agonizing dilemma.

As tensions escalate, Lord Goring encounters Mrs. Cheveley, uncovering their shared past and her true nature. Through a series of clever maneuvers, he manages to retrieve the incriminating letter, thereby neutralizing her threat. In the process, he also reveals to Lady Chiltern the importance of accepting human flaws, leading her to reconcile with Sir Robert.

The play concludes with Lord Goring proposing to Sir Robert's sister, Mabel Chiltern, symbolizing the union of genuine affection over superficial ideals. Wilde's narrative masterfully critiques societal norms, highlighting the fallibility of individuals and the necessity of compassion and forgiveness in human relationships.