An Ideal Husband

"An Ideal Husband" by Oscar Wilde is a play that explores the tangled web of morality, political games, and social image within the upper class of British society. The story centers on Sir Robert Chiltern, a well-known politician whose carefully constructed life and marriage are put in danger by a secret from his past. The play begins at Sir Robert’s grand home, filled with guests and anticipation, where Lady Chiltern, known for her strong moral principles, prepares for an evening event. The arrival of Mrs. Cheveley, a captivating woman with a hidden purpose connected to Robert’s past, introduces a significant threat to his career. The contrasting views between Lady Chiltern’s idealism and the more practical, morally flexible approach of characters such as Mrs. Cheveley, point to the core conflict of the play. As secrets emerge and power struggles intensify, the play examines the true meaning of living an ideal life under the pressures of high society.