An Ideal Husband

An Ideal Husband Essay Questions

  1. 1

    How does An Ideal Husband analyze the issue of marriage? For a marriage to be "ideal," is moral purity required?

  2. 2

    Who is a more sympathetic character, Sir Robert Chiltern, or Lord Goring? Explain.

  3. 3

    Discuss the use of irony in An Ideal Husband.

  4. 4

    Would you classify the ending of An Ideal Husband as morally just? Who suffers and who wins?

  5. 5

    What contradictions does Lord Goring embody? How are these contradictions expressed? Provide specific examples.

  6. 6

    Discuss the role of women and gender in the play. Are any universally female characteristics expressed?

  7. 7

    What is the role of love in An Ideal Husband?

  8. 8

    Compare and contrast the qualities and personalities of Lady Chiltern and Mrs. Cheveley.

  9. 9

    What is the importance of the minor characters, such as Lady Basildon, Lady Markby, and Mrs. Marchmont? Explain how these characters are integral to the play.

  10. 10

    Discuss Wilde's examination of the theme of politics. How are politics, marriage, and love intertwined?