Oscar Wilde’s main characters in "An Ideal Husband"

Their relation to art and what it means to be an artist

Essai , 2021 , 9 Pages , Note: A

Philologie Anglaise - Littérature

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.

• Note: A
• Auteur: Elena Agathokleous (Auteur)
• Année de publication: 2021
• Pages: 9
• N° de catalogue: V1007698
• ISBN (ebook): 9783346393449
• Langue: anglais
• mots-clé: oscar, wilde’s, ideal, husband, their