Monologue

Mrs Erlynne Monologue from Lady Windermere's Fan

From Lady Windermere's Fan by Oscar Wilde

female · comedic · 1:47 min

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Yes. (LORD WINDERMERE: I will not talk of it here.) (Laughing.) Then we will talk of it on the terrace. Even business should have a picturesque background. Should it not, Windermere? With a proper background women can do anything. (LORD WINDERMERE: Won’t to-morrow do as well?) No; you see, to-morrow I am going to accept him. And I think it would be a good thing if I was able to tell him that I had—well, what shall I say?—£2000 a year left to me by a third cousin—or a second husband—or some distant relative of that kind. It would be an additional attraction, wouldn’t it? You have a delightful opportunity now of paying me a compliment, Windermere. But you are not very clever at paying compliments. I am afraid Margaret doesn’t encourage you in that excellent habit. It’s a great mistake on her part. When men give up saying what is charming, they give up thinking what is charming. But seriously, what do you say to £2000? £2500, I think. In modern life margin is everything. Windermere, don’t you think the world an intensely amusing place? I do! (Exit on terrace with LORD WINDERMERE. Music strikes up in ball-room.)

About this piece

Mrs. Erlynne is contemplating her future and the potential advantages of a marriage proposal, while playfully critiquing Windermere's lack of charm and complimenting skills.

40s · joy · identity · power · ambition · humor

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