One of the reasons I enjoy reading classics is to witness via the written word the construction of paradigms that have become tropes in the modern age. Here, in An Ideal Husband, Oscar Wilde, wrote a play about a married couple that is politically connected, affluent, on the verge of a major success in life, when a character from the past comes and places them in a compromised position. Stop me if you have heard this story before. Oh wait, you probably have because in 1895 this was not yet a trope. Here was the development of a paradigm of witty repartee, rapier-sharp dialogue, delivered with rapid pacing and double meaning galore. Together, the pair must examine where their moral standards lie, and how to resolve their current situation in a way that limits their disgrace, or avoids it altogether. I don't remember having read this in the past, but I thoroughly enjoyed Wilde's morality, and how the plot conveys it in a way that is neither pedantic nor preachy. There is humor in the situations, but the drawing-room setting of this play adds depth to the political discussions that transpire within the walls of an actual home.

THIS WAS AWESOME!!

Very entertaining, witty and fun to read! Oscar Wilde in his true element!

This play revolves around the themes of personal and public honor, forgiveness, society's perception of success, gender relations, blackmail, reputation and political corruption. In less than 80 pages, the reader gets a glimpse into late 19th century London high society.

Sir Robert Chiltern and his wife Lady Chiltern are hosting a dinner party when an unexpected guest arrives, Lady Cheveley. The ladies at the party immediately take a dislike to Lady Cheveley. Much to Sir Robert's chagrin, Lady Cheveley knows more about him and his past than his own wife Lady Chiltern. His relationship with his wife is put to the test, as well as his untarnished career. How will it all end up?

For a play this was a joy to read. Wilde's characters are funny and charismatic. I couldn't help but think that Oscar Wilde himself was hiding behind the character of Lord Goring. Prior to this play, I've only read The Picture of Dorian Gray. I think I should read more Oscar Wilde, because there are a lot of interesting observations of society hidden in the characters' conversations and behaviors.

One interesting idea presented in this play is how humans tend to put other humans, especially those most dear to them on a pedestal. Lady Chiltern idolized her husband's career and the reputation he held in society. Thus, he didn't want to shatter her lovey-dovey perception of him.

Highly recommend this book!

I LOVE READING OSCAR WILDE´S BOOKS.

This one is actually amazing <3 I quite enjoy reading his books. And this was beyond amazing.

``Mrs.Cheveley:Ah! the strength of women comes from the fact that psychology cannot explain us. Men can be analysed, women . . . merely adored.``

``Lord Goring: I love talking about nothing, father. It is the only thing I know anything about.``

``Lord Goring: Everything is dangerous, my dear fellow. If it wasn´t so, life wouldn´t be worth living.``

``Lady Chiltern: And how I worshipped you! You were to me something apart from common life, a thing pure, noble, honest, without stain. The world seemed to me finer because you were in it, and goodness more real because you lived. And now-- oh, when I think that I made of a man like you my ideal! the ideal of my life!``


``Lord Goring: To love oneself is the beginning of a life long romance.``

``Mrs.Cheveley: Oh, there is only one real tragedy in a woman´s life. The fact that her past is always her lover, and her future invariably her husband.``


And my favorite from them all :::


IT IS NOT THE PERFECT, BUT THE IMPERFECT, WHO HAVE NEED OF LOVE.

I saw this play in London in the 90s, and I seem to recall Judi Dench in it, but maybe that's because of the film version she was in. Maybe it was Peter Hall's version with Anna Cateret. (As I recall, it was Theatre Royal Haymarket.) Because my familiarity arises from seeing the pay, not reading it, I withheld star. Turns out, Ms Dench also avoids reading plays completely in order to push her rehearsal performance.
It struck me as better than Importance in the depth of character. I'm not sure why, since it's been a couple decades.

I really enjoyed this, it has humor, wit, and gives society a good poke in the eye.

All's well that ends well.

I laughed aloud. Intrigue and love well mixed.

Since I had been seeking a few laughs and had gotten them from Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, I listened to an LA Theater Works production of the play that I had once seen on the stage and enjoyed many ears ago here in Chicago. This was my first time reading it, and thought it had a surprisingly sober dimension to it I hadn't expected it.

This play, first performed in 1899, features Sir Robert Chiltern and his wife, Gertrude, who sees her husband as entirely honorable, noble, ideal. Mrs. Cheveley disrupts what is a happy, light domestic scene with a blackmail proposition, based on her knowing something about Sir Robert's past, a youthful indiscretion, something that will bring down his political career. There are some double switches that take place to reveal that there is no perfect person, no "ideal," only the real, the flawed, the human.

What I know now is that Wilde couldn't only make a silly comedy, he wanted to make a point that revealed something about his own situation and similar situations, public criticism regarding "past sins," and the ruining of lives. The hypocrisy of the public's expectation for perfection from those in public life, including himself, that was his target. A fun play, a fine and clever skewering.

How is it possible that it has taken me this long to read Oscar Wilde??? Shame Shame Shame!

This witty, succinct little drama is razor sharp in its observations of the inane frivolity, and indeed corrupt morals, of 19th century upper class British society. Wilde does not let his characters get away with anything - no one escapes the moral microscope he so meticulously uses to zoom in on the faults and foibles of the ladies and gents of the British aristocracy.

The dialogue is engaging, with brilliant one liners that make a mockery of societal snobbishness and moral ineptitude. And Mrs Chevaley, what a nasty, manipulative piece of work! At least she gets her just rewards in the end ... I must admit, her downfall is not without its enjoyment on the part of the reader! An absolute comedic delight!

Entertaining, funny, filled with good sense of humour and vivid characters. And this I say when I hate reading plays

Review to follow ~~ I loved the wit and charm of this work.

" الناس إما مشغولون بصيد الأزواج أو الهرب منهم "
هههههههههه
ربما هي محقة

لطيفة وخفيفة تتحدث عن صراع المثل العليا مع دناءة المال السياسي