Monologue

Lord Caversham Monologue from An Ideal Husband

From An Ideal Husband by Oscar Wilde

male · defiant · 1:34 min

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Do you mean to say you have not read The Times leading article on Robert Chiltern’s career? (LORD GORING: Good heavens! No. What does it say?) What should it say, sir? Everything complimentary, of course. Chiltern’s speech last night on this Argentine Canal scheme was one of the finest pieces of oratory ever delivered in the House since Canning. (LORD GORING: Ah! Never heard of Canning. Never wanted to. And did... did Chiltern uphold the scheme?) Uphold it, sir? How little you know him! Why, he denounced it roundly, and the whole system of modern political finance. This speech is the turning-point in his career, as The Times points out. You should read this article, sir. (Opens The Times.) ‘Sir Robert Chiltern... most rising of our young statesmen... Brilliant Orator... Unblemished career... Well-known integrity of character ... Represents what is best in English public life... Noble contrast to the lax morality so common among foreign politicians.’ They will never say that of you, sir.

About this piece

Lord Caversham expresses his frustration and disappointment regarding the political landscape and the integrity of his peers, particularly in contrast to Sir Robert Chiltern's rising reputation.

50s · anger · power · integrity · politics · betrayal

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