Monologue

Duchess Of Berwick Monologue from Lady Windermere's Fan

From Lady Windermere's Fan by Oscar Wilde

female · comedic · 2:08 min

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Pretty child! I was like that once. Now I know that all men are monsters. (LADY WINDERMERE rings bell.) The only thing to do is to feed the wretches well. A good cook does wonders, and that I know you have. My dear Margaret, you are not going to cry? (LADY WINDERMERE: You needn’t be afraid, Duchess, I never cry.) That’s quite right, dear. Crying is the refuge of plain women but the ruin of pretty ones. Agatha, darling! (LADY AGATHA: Yes, mamma.) Come and bid good-bye to Lady Windermere, and thank her for your charming visit. (Coming down again.) And by the way, I must thank you for sending a card to Mr. Hopper—he’s that rich young Australian people are taking such notice of just at present. His father made a great fortune by selling some kind of food in circular tins—most palatable, I believe—I fancy it is the thing the servants always refuse to eat. But the son is quite interesting. I think he’s attracted by dear Agatha’s clever talk. Of course, we should be very sorry to lose her, but I think that a mother who doesn’t part with a daughter every season has no real affection. We’re coming to-night, dear. (PARKER opens C. doors.) And remember my advice, take the poor fellow out of town at once, it is the only thing to do. Good-bye, once more; come, Agatha. (Exeunt DUCHESS and LADY AGATHA C.)

About this piece

The Duchess of Berwick is bidding farewell to Lady Windermere while discussing social dynamics and relationships, revealing her opinions on family and societal expectations.

40s · anticipation · family · social status · relationships · change

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