An Ideal Husband by Oscar Wilde

Description

An Ideal Husband is a play by Oscar Wilde, first published in 1895. This witty and elegant comedy of manners is set in London’s upper-class society and revolves around political scandal, blackmail, and questions of integrity. At its heart is Sir Robert Chiltern, a respected politician whose career and marriage are threatened when a dark secret from his past resurfaces. With Wilde’s signature blend of sharp dialogue and moral irony, the play explores themes of public virtue versus private vice, the role of forgiveness, and the fallibility of ideals. Written during the height of Wilde’s success, An Ideal Husband reflects the social hypocrisies and gender expectations of Victorian England. It was staged the same year as The Importance of Being Earnest, and both works showcase Wilde’s talent for exposing the absurdities of polite society while delivering biting social commentary. The play remains relevant today for its exploration of personal integrity, redemption, and the sometimes fraught line between appearance and reality.

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