The paper discusses the main characters in Oscar Wilde's play “An Ideal Husband” and their relation to art and what it means to be an artist.
Oscar Wilde was a writer who often protested against the Victorian ideology through his work and often wrote about how societal norms and rules were mere control tools imposed by the few who wanted to establish their power over others.
Table of Contents
- Oscar Wilde’s Main Characters in An Ideal Husband
- Sir Robert Chiltern
- Lady Chiltern
- Lord Goring
- Mabel Chiltern
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay analyzes the characters of Oscar Wilde's play "An Ideal Husband," exploring the dynamics of gender relations and societal norms within a changing Victorian society. The essay focuses on three couples and how their relationships challenge and reinforce the established power structures and expectations of the era.
- The complexities of the ideal husband and wife in a rapidly changing society
- The portrayal of female agency and the struggle against societal expectations
- The tension between Victorian morals and modernity in relationships
- The role of power, wealth, and social reputation in the play
- The exploration of honesty, deceit, and the consequences of past actions
Chapter Summaries
- Sir Robert Chiltern is presented as a seemingly ideal husband and public figure, but his past actions and his wife's expectations create a complex dynamic. His desire for power and wealth has led him to commit unethical acts, which he desperately tries to conceal from his wife, Lady Chiltern, fearing the loss of her love and his social standing.
- Lady Chiltern is portrayed as a strong-willed woman who embodies the ideals of Victorian womanhood: honesty, devotion, and a strong sense of morality. However, her rigid adherence to these ideals causes conflict with her husband's past and challenges the definition of an "ideal husband." As she learns of his deception, she struggles to reconcile her principles with her love for him.
- Lord Goring embodies a more modern outlook on life, emphasizing pleasure and a less restrictive view of societal norms. He serves as a commentator on the Victorian society, challenging its rigid structures and promoting a more relaxed approach to relationships. He plays a key role in resolving the conflict between Sir Robert and Lady Chiltern, advocating for forgiveness and understanding.
Keywords
The primary focus of this essay is the character analysis of Oscar Wilde's play "An Ideal Husband," examining the themes of Victorian society, gender relations, and the complexities of power dynamics within relationships. The key concepts explored are the ideals of marriage, the clash between tradition and modernity, the struggle for female agency, and the consequences of dishonesty and deception within the Victorian era.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the "Ideal Husband" in Oscar Wilde's play?
Sir Robert Chiltern is initially presented as the "ideal husband," but the play reveals his past corruption, challenging the Victorian notion of perfection.
How does Lady Chiltern view morality?
Lady Chiltern holds a rigid, almost uncompromising Victorian moral view, which creates a crisis when she discovers her husband's past dishonesty.
What role does Lord Goring play in the story?
Lord Goring is a dandy and a philosopher of sorts who represents a more modern, forgiving, and less hypocritical approach to life and relationships.
What is Wilde's critique of Victorian society in this play?
Wilde critiques the hypocrisy of social norms and the destructive nature of placing public figures on impossible moral pedestals.
How is female agency portrayed in "An Ideal Husband"?
Characters like Mabel Chiltern and even Mrs. Cheveley show different facets of female agency, from seeking independence to using social power for their own ends.
- Quote paper
- Elena Agathokleous (Author), 2021, Oscar Wilde’s main characters in "An Ideal Husband", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1007698
