An Ideal Husband

Set in Victorian England, this play explores themes of political corruption, morality, and the complexities of marriage. The plot revolves around Sir Robert Chiltern, a successful politician whose secret past threatens his ideal life when a blackmailer emerges. His wife, Gertrude, embodies the notion of the perfect spouse, while the witty and manipulative Mrs. Cheveley challenges societal norms. Wilde's sharp dialogue and satirical commentary on the upper class highlight the contrast between public virtue and private vice, making it a timeless examination of human relationships.