Oscar Wilde

An Ideal Husband Oscar Wilde

"It takes great courage to see the world in all its tainted glory, and still to love it. And even more courage to see it in the one you love" An Ideal Husband is an 1895 comedic stage play by Oscar Wilde which revolves around blackmail and political corruption, and touches on the themes of public and private honour. Although Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) created a wide range of poetry, essays, and fairy tales (and one novel) in his brief, tragic life, he is perhaps best known as a dramatist. His witty, clever drama, populated by brilliant talkers skilled in the art of riposte and paradox, are still staples of the theatrical repertoire. The action is set in London, in "the present," and takes place over the course of twenty-four hours. An Ideal Husband revolves around a blackmail scheme that forces a married couple to reexamine their moral standards - providing, along the way, a wry commentary on the rarity of politicians who can claim to be ethically pure. A supporting cast of young lovers, society matrons, an overbearing father, and a formidable femme fatale continually exchange sparkling repartee, keeping the play moving at a lively pace.