Power Flashcards
The power’s in the stage directions. Mrs. Cheveley knows she has the upper hand. She’s relaxed. She wants to enjoy the foreplay.
“[Leaning back on the sofa and looking at him.]” (MRS CHEVELEY)
The tables have turned. Normally Sir Robert uses the power of his good reputation to influence people. Now that reputation leaves him wide open. Mrs. Cheveley has no good reputation to protect and so she pulls out all the stops.
“I am much stronger than you are.” (MRS. CHEVELEY)
Lady Chiltern can’t understand Sir Robert’s obsession with power, and why the desire for political power would influence him to sacrifice his beliefs. Two very different temperaments meet in this marriage.
Wilde’s views again?
“It is power to do good that is fine – that, and that only” (LADY CHILTERN)
Sir Robert’s lust for power was great in his youth
This quote typifies the Aesthetic movement’s obsession with youth.
“Youth is the time for success. I couldn’t wait.” (SIR ROBERT CHILTERN)
Sir Robert describes a seduction that was both sensual and spiritual.
He was manipualted by Baron Arnheim
“gospel of gold”
Sir Robert tries to make Lord Goring understand the desperation that comes with being poor and ambitious. Lord Goring was born wealthy and was never in the position where he had to compromise any principles.
The immense temptation of power
“Power, power over other men, power over the world, was the one thing worth having” (SIR ROBERT CHILTERN)
Suddenly, it seems like the right and necessary thing to have done.
Because of the impact Sir Robert has made, the Baron actually facilitated a lot of good in the end.
“Wealth has given me enormous power. It gave me at the very outset of my life freedom, and freedom is everything.” (SIR ROBERT CHILTERN)
Mrs. Cheveley delights in having something on Lady Chiltern. Cheveley’s lust for power resembles Sir Robert’s.
Pure hatred directly towards Lady Chiltern
“I hold your husband in the hollow of my hand, and if you are wise you will make him do what I tell him.” (MRS. CHEVELEY)
Wilde’s mouthpiece about power (Raisonneur)
You can only be powerful if you truely believe in something
“Power is his passion.” (LORD GORING)
