An Ideal Husband

“An Ideal Husband” (1895) by Oscar Wilde delves into political corruption, blackmail, and the delicate balance between public and private honor. Debuting in 1895, the play chronicles the challenges faced by Sir Robert Chiltern, a government minister, and his wife Lady Chiltern, entangled in a deceitful canal project in Argentina. The arrival of Mrs. Cheveley, an adversary from Lady Chiltern’s past, initiates a blackmail attempt, exposing a secret jeopardizing Sir Robert’s career and marriage. The narrative weaves through intrigue, moral quandaries, and romantic complexities, culminating in themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the reaffirmation of love and honor.