Monologue

Sir Robert Chiltern Monologue from An Ideal Husband

From An Ideal Husband by Oscar Wilde

male · anguished · 1:23 min

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Mrs. Cheveley herself. And the woman I love knows that I began my career with an act of low dishonesty, that I built up my life upon sands of shame—that I sold, like a common huckster, the secret that had been intrusted to me as a man of honour. I thank heaven poor Lord Radley died without knowing that I betrayed him. I would to God I had died before I had been so horribly tempted, or had fallen so low. (Burying his face in his hands.) (LORD GORING: You have heard nothing from Vienna yet, in answer to your wire?) (Looking up.) Yes; I got a telegram from the first secretary at eight o’clock to-night. (LORD GORING: Well?) Nothing is absolutely known against her. On the contrary, she occupies a rather high position in society. It is a sort of open secret that Baron Arnheim left her the greater portion of his immense fortune. Beyond that I can learn nothing.

About this piece

Sir Robert Chiltern reflects on his past dishonesty and the burden of his betrayal, expressing deep remorse and a desire for redemption.

40s · despair · betrayal · honor · shame · redemption

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