Monologue

Lord Illingworth Monologue from A Woman of No Importance

From A Woman of No Importance by Oscar Wilde

male · philosophical · 1:20 min

Rehearse this freeFind more monologues
My dear Gerald, examinations are of no value whatsoever. If a man is a gentleman, he knows quite enough, and if he is not a gentleman, whatever he knows is bad for him. (GERALD: But I am so ignorant of the world, Lord Illingworth.) Don’t be afraid, Gerald. Remember that you’ve got on your side the most wonderful thing in the world—youth! There is nothing like youth. The middle-aged are mortgaged to Life. The old are in life’s lumber-room. But youth is the Lord of Life. Youth has a kingdom waiting for it. Every one is born a king, and most people die in exile, like most kings. To win back my youth, Gerald, there is nothing I wouldn’t do—except take exercise, get up early, or be a useful member of the community. (GERALD: But you don’t call yourself old, Lord Illingworth?) I am old enough to be your father, Gerald.

About this piece

Lord Illingworth speaks to Gerald, reflecting on the nature of youth and the burdens of age, expressing a deep yearning for the vitality and freedom that youth represents.

40s · longing · youth · identity · power · freedom

Rehearse Lord Illingworth's monologue

Run it out loud with a spotlight that follows your voice, line by line, until it's off the page. Free to start, no credit card.

Rehearse freeStart rehearsing

More from A Woman of No Importance