Lady Windermere’s Fan By Oscar Wilde

Lady Windermere’s Fan Monologue | Lady Windermere

– The monologue delivered by Lady Windermere is a perfect example of Wilde’s wit and wisdom. The character’s reflections on good and bad people are both humorous and thought-provoking, offering a deep exploration of the play’s themes of appearances and societal judgments.

LADY WINDERMERE. How horrible! I understand now what Lord Darlington meant by the imaginary instance of the couple not two years married. Oh! it can’t be true–she spoke of enormous sums of money paid to this woman. I know where Arthur keeps his bank book- -in one of the drawers of that desk. I might find out by that. I WILL find out. [Opens drawer.] No, it is some hideous mistake. [Rises and goes C.] Some silly scandal! He loves ME! He loves ME! But why should I not look? I am his wife, I have a right to look! [Returns to bureau, takes out book and examines it page by page, smiles and gives a sigh of relief.] I knew it! there is not a word of truth in this stupid story. [Puts book back in dranver. As the does so, starts and takes out another book.] A second book- -private–locked! [Tries to open it, but fails. Sees paper knife on bureau, and with it cuts cover from book. Begins to start at the first page.] ‘Mrs. Erlynne–600 pounds–Mrs. Erlynne–700 pounds–Mrs. Erlynne–400 pounds.’ Oh! it is true! It is true! How horrible! [Throws book on floor.] [Enter LORD WINDERMERE C.]