An Ideal Husband Compassion and Forgiveness Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Act.Line). Every time a character talks counts as one line, even if what they say turns into a long monologue.

Quote #4

LORD CAVERSHAM. Oh, damn sympathy. There is a great deal too much of that sort of thing going on nowadays. (3.66)

Lord Caversham stands by an old world, pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps ethic that doesn't expect to give or receive help.

Quote #5

SIR ROBERT CHILTERN. She stands apart as good women do - pitiless in her perfection – cold and stern and without mercy. (3.153)

At this moment in the play, Sir Robert feels so alienated that his wife's "good" nature and "perfection" are enemies almost as formidable as Mrs. Cheveley's wickedness.

Quote #6

LORD GORING. She loves you, Robert. Why should she not forgive? (3.154)

For Lord Goring, forgiveness and love belong together. He's a good friend of Lady Chiltern's, but doesn't understand her notion of idealistic love. With his knowledge of his own flaws, maybe he can't imagine anyone loving him if he or she couldn't forgive him.