Monologue

Lord Goring Monologue from An Ideal Husband

From An Ideal Husband by Oscar Wilde

male · philosophical · 2:11 min

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(Looking up.) In public charities? Dear me! what a lot of harm you must have done, Robert! (SIR ROBERT CHILTERN: Oh, don’t say that, Arthur; don’t talk like that!) Never mind what I say, Robert! I am always saying what I shouldn’t say. In fact, I usually say what I really think. A great mistake nowadays. It makes one so liable to be misunderstood. As regards this dreadful business, I will help you in whatever way I can. Of course you know that. (SIR ROBERT CHILTERN: Thank you, Arthur, thank you. But what is to be done? What can be done?) (Leaning back with his hands in his pockets.) Well, the English can’t stand a man who is always saying he is in the right, but they are very fond of a man who admits that he has been in the wrong. It is one of the best things in them. However, in your case, Robert, a confession would not do. The money, if you will allow me to say so, is ... awkward. Besides, if you did make a clean breast of the whole affair, you would never be able to talk morality again. And in England a man who can’t talk morality twice a week to a large, popular, immoral audience is quite over as a serious politician. There would be nothing left for him as a profession except Botany or the Church. A confession would be of no use. It would ruin you.

About this piece

Lord Goring is addressing Robert about the implications of confessing to a moral failing, highlighting the societal expectations and consequences of such an admission in the political landscape of England.

30s · fear · power · identity · morality · betrayal

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