Discover Oscar Wilde’s glittering comedy of manners, ‘An Ideal Husband’, and read the complete play online for free.
First performed in 1895, at the height of Oscar Wilde’s fame, An Ideal Husband is a brilliant social comedy that conceals a surprisingly serious and sympathetic heart beneath its sparkling surface of epigrams and wit. The play revolves around Sir Robert Chiltern, a wealthy, influential, and seemingly impeccable politician, whose prosperous career and happy marriage to the morally rigid Lady Chiltern are founded on a long-buried sin: he sold a state secret in his youth. This past comes crashing into the present in the form of the cunning and fascinating Mrs. Cheveley, who possesses Sir Robert’s incriminating letter and threatens to expose him unless he supports a fraudulent financial scheme.
As Sir Robert faces ruin, the play explores the tension between public and private morality, the impossibility of perfection, and the power of forgiveness. Wilde’s genius is on full display: the dialogue crackles with some of his most famous and deliciously cynical quips, largely delivered by the charming, idle philosopher Lord Goring—Wilde’s apparent stand-in. Yet, the play also offers a moving defense of human frailty and a plea for love that is based on compassion, not on an impossible ideal. It is a sophisticated blend of farce, social satire, and genuine moral inquiry.
On this page, you can enjoy this masterpiece of the stage. We offer the complete 1895 play for online reading.
Book Info
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | An Ideal Husband |
| Author | Oscar Wilde |
| Year of Publication | 1895 (first performance) |
| Genre | Comedy of Manners, Social Satire, Drama |
| Language | English |
| Legal Status | Public Domain |
| Format | Online Reading |
Read An Ideal Husband Online
Step into the dazzling world of London society. Begin this witty and wise play by exploring the first act interactively below.
This preview introduces the perfect Chiltern household before Mrs. Cheveley’s arrival, but the full, intricate plot of blackmail, wit, and redemption is available in the complete text for our subscribers.
A subscription unlocks this classic comedy and our library of dramatic works from the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Delve into the scandal behind the respectable facade.
About An Ideal Husband
While renowned for its humor, the play’s enduring power lies in its surprisingly tender and nuanced treatment of its central ethical dilemma.
The Corruption of Idealism
Lady Chiltern’s worship of her husband as a “perfect” man is shown to be as dangerous as his crime. Her inflexible morality nearly destroys their marriage, and the play argues that love must accommodate human weakness and past mistakes to be truly strong.
The Philosophy of Lord Goring
The dandyish Goring, who claims to know “nothing” except everything about trivialities, emerges as the play’s moral and intellectual center. His wit disarms, but his actions—his loyalty, his clever scheming, his rejection of Mrs. Cheveley’s cynicism—reveal a deep understanding of human nature and a steadfast heart.
The Villainess: Mrs. Cheveley
One of Wilde’s greatest creations, she is not a mere villain but a formidable, intelligent, and witty adversary. She represents a cynical, self-interested worldview that the play ultimately rejects, but she does so with such style and conviction that she nearly steals the show.
Public vs. Private Life
The play is a sharp critique of Victorian hypocrisy. It questions whether a man’s public service can atone for a private sin, and whether society has the right to demand spotless histories from its leaders.
The Perfect Epigram
Wilde’s language is the star. The play is a treasure trove of inverted wisdom: “To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance,” “I always pass on good advice. It is the only thing to do with it. It is never of any use to oneself,” and many more.
Why Read An Ideal Husband Today?
Its themes of political scandal, media scrutiny, and the unrealistic expectations placed on public figures are utterly contemporary. Beyond that, it is a timeless celebration of wit, style, and the radical idea that forgiveness is a greater virtue than perfection.
FAQ
Is it just a comedy, or is it serious?
It is both. The first acts are pure comedy of manners, but the third act, particularly the scene between Lord Goring and his father, and the confrontation between the Chilterns, delves into deep emotional and ethical territory. The finale restores the comic tone with a happy ending.
Who is the “ideal husband”?
The title is deeply ironic. Sir Robert begins as the supposed ideal but is flawed. Lord Goring, the apparent frivolous bachelor, demonstrates the qualities of true loyalty and love. The play suggests the “ideal” husband is one who is loved and forgiven for his humanity.
How does it compare to The Importance of Being Earnest?
Earnest is a flawless farce. An Ideal Husband is a more complex, plot-driven “problem play” with the same level of wit but greater emotional stakes and character development.
Was it successful?
Yes, it was a major hit at its premiere. Its run was cut short only by the scandal of Wilde’s arrest and trial, which began just three months after the play opened.
Can I read it on my phone?
Absolutely. The witty dialogue and clear act/scene structure make it a delightful and engaging read on any device.