Respect and Reputation Flashcards
Mrs. Cheveley seems to think that any attention is good attention.
“They actually succeed in spelling his name right in the newspapers. That in itself is fame” (MRS. CHEVELEY)
Like Lord Goring, Mrs. Cheveley believes that human beings are fundamentally flawed. Unlike him, she uses this knowledge for personal profit.
Didactic message from Mrs. Cheveley
“Nowadays, with our modern mania for morality, every one has to pose as a paragon of purity, incorruptibility, and all the other seven deadly virtues – and what is the result? You all go over like ninepins - one after the other.” (Mrs. Cheveley)
Even in Oscar Wilde’s time, digging up dirt was an important part of journalism.
CONTEXT LINK: Newspaper’s leaking Wilde’s sexuality
“Suppose that when I leave this house and I drive down to some newspaper office, and give them this scandal and the proofs of it!” (Mrs. Cheveley)
This quote reveals that Sir Robert is pragmatic – pretty much a necessity for political success.
CONTEXT: link to spheres
“Public and private life are different things. They have different laws, and move on different lines.” (Sir Robert Chiltern)
Mrs. Cheveley’s description of what men do
“some shameful thing” (LADY CHILTERN)
Sir Robert fears public humiliation almost as much as he fears losing his wife’s love.
“And now what is there before me but public disgrace”
Sir Robert’s public reputation being published in the newspaper
“[Opens THE TIMES.] Sir Robert Chiltern . . . most rising of our young statesmen” (LORD CAVERSHAM)
Lady Chiltern is perfect in the eyes of Sir Robert. But is he perfect to her?
“Gertrude, Gertrude, you are to me the white image of all good things, and sin can never touch you.”
- Spheres
- In response to LC: “one’s past is what one is”
- Excuse for his (SR’s) actions
- Wilde’s opinion
“Public and private life are different things” (Sir Robert Chiltern)
