We have changed our privacy policy. In addition, we use cookies on our website for various purposes. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. You can learn about our practices by reading our privacy policy.

An Ideal Husband Politics 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

MRS. CHEVELEY. Sometimes. And sometimes it is a clever game, Sir Robert. And sometimes it is a great nuisance. (1.86)

While Sir Robert understands politics as a narrative of progress, Mrs. Cheveley sees it almost like a fickle frenemy, sometimes for her, sometimes against her. She doesn't get this "common good" thing.

Quote #5

LORD GORING. I adore political parties. They are the only place left to us where people don't talk politics. (1.159)

Lord Goring is the original hipster, totally cooler-than-thou. He likes to pretend that political engagement – indeed, caring about anything – is too much for him. But he's also the character who ends up exerting the most influence on others throughout the play.

Quote #6

LADY BASILDON. I delight in talking politics. I talk them all day long. But I can't bear listening to them. (1.160)

For Lady Basildon, politics are useful in social settings. She can show off her learning but she doesn't really have to engage with contrary opinions.