Monologue

Lady Hunstanton Monologue from A Woman of No Importance

From A Woman of No Importance by Oscar Wilde

female · contemplative · 1:40 min

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My dear, you really mustn’t talk like that in this house. Mrs. Arbuthnot doesn’t know anything about the wicked society in which we all live. She won’t go into it. She is far too good. I consider it was a great honour her coming to me last night. It gave quite an atmosphere of respectability to the party. (MRS. ALLONBY: Ah, that must have been what you thought was thunder in the air.) My dear, how can you say that? There is no resemblance between the two things at all. But really, Gerald, what do you mean by not being suitable? (GERALD: Lord Illingworth’s views of life and mine are too different.) But, my dear Gerald, at your age you shouldn’t have any views of life. They are quite out of place. You must be guided by others in this matter. Lord Illingworth has made you the most flattering offer, and travelling with him you would see the world—as much of it, at least, as one should look at—under the best auspices possible, and stay with all the right people, which is so important at this solemn moment in your career.

About this piece

Lady Hunstanton advises Gerald on the importance of accepting Lord Illingworth's offer to travel, emphasizing the significance of social connections at a pivotal moment in his life.

40s · anticipation · ambition · power · identity · freedom

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