Monologue

Lord Illingworth Monologue from A Woman of No Importance

From A Woman of No Importance by Oscar Wilde

male · contemplative · 1:55 min

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We won’t discuss that at present. What is of importance to-day, as yesterday, is still our son. I am extremely fond of him, as you know, and odd though it may seem to you, I admired his conduct last night immensely. He took up the cudgels for that pretty prude with wonderful promptitude. He is just what I should have liked a son of mine to be. Except that no son of mine should ever take the side of the Puritans: that is always an error. Now, what I propose is this. (MRS. ARBUTHNOT: Lord Illingworth, no proposition of yours interests me.) According to our ridiculous English laws, I can’t legitimise Gerald. But I can leave him my property. Illingworth is entailed, of course, but it is a tedious barrack of a place. He can have Ashby, which is much prettier, Harborough, which has the best shooting in the north of England, and the house in St. James Square. What more can a gentleman require in this world? (MRS. ARBUTHNOT: Nothing more, I am quite sure.) As for a title, a title is really rather a nuisance in these democratic days. As George Harford I had everything I wanted. Now I have merely everything that other people want, which isn’t nearly so pleasant. Well, my proposal is this.

About this piece

Lord Illingworth reflects on his son's actions and expresses a mix of admiration and disapproval regarding his alignment with societal values, hinting at deeper family dynamics and personal beliefs.

40s · anticipation · family · identity · power · honor

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