Study Guide for Oscar Wilde's An Ideal Husband

Characters

• Lord Goring: A wealthy, charming, and witty young man who is engaged to Mabel Chiltern.
• Lady Chiltern: A beautiful and intelligent woman who is married to Sir Robert Chiltern.
• Sir Robert Chiltern: A successful politician who has a secret past that threatens to ruin his career.
• Mrs. Cheveley: A wealthy and manipulative woman who is blackmailing Sir Robert Chiltern.
• Lord Caversham: Sir Robert Chiltern's father-in-law, who is a wealthy and influential man.
• Mabel Chiltern: Lord Goring's fiancée, who is a kind and innocent young woman.
• The Countess of Basildon: Lady Chiltern's aunt, who is a wealthy and eccentric woman.
• Mr. Montford: A young man who is in love with Mabel Chiltern.

Plot

The play begins with Lord Goring and Mabel Chiltern discussing their upcoming wedding. However, their happiness is short-lived when Mrs. Cheveley arrives and blackmails Sir Robert Chiltern with a letter that reveals his secret past. Sir Robert is forced to choose between his career and his marriage.

Study Guide for Oscar Wilde's An Ideal Husband (Course Hero Study Guides)

by Course Hero

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	920 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	35 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Hardcover	:	32 pages
Reading age	:	9 - 11 years
Grade level	:	4 - 6
Item Weight	:	11.2 ounces
Dimensions	:	10.5 x 0.4 x 7.4 inches

FREE

Meanwhile, Lord Goring is trying to help Sir Robert and Lady Chiltern solve their problems. He eventually discovers Mrs. Cheveley's true nature and exposes her blackmail scheme. Sir Robert is cleared of all charges and the two couples are able to get married.

Themes

The play explores a number of themes, including:

* The importance of honesty: Sir Robert Chiltern's secret past threatens to ruin his career and his marriage. The play shows the importance of being honest with oneself and others. * The power of love: Lord Goring's love for Mabel Chiltern helps her to overcome her doubts and fears. The play shows the power of love to conquer all. * The dangers of blackmail: Mrs. Cheveley's blackmail scheme nearly ruins Sir Robert Chiltern's life. The play shows the dangers of blackmail and the importance of standing up to bullies.

Historical Context

The play was written in 1895, during a time of great social and political change in England. The play reflects the changing values of the time, as well as the growing power of the middle class.

The play is also a product of its time in terms of its style. The play is written in a witty and epigrammatic style that is characteristic of the Victorian era.

An Ideal Husband is a well-written and entertaining play that explores a number of important themes. The play is also a valuable historical document that provides insight into the social and political values of the Victorian era.

Study Guide for Oscar Wilde's An Ideal Husband (Course Hero Study Guides)

by Course Hero

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	920 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	35 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Hardcover	:	32 pages
Reading age	:	9 - 11 years
Grade level	:	4 - 6
Item Weight	:	11.2 ounces
Dimensions	:	10.5 x 0.4 x 7.4 inches

FREE