An Ideal Husband
by Oscar Wilde
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An Ideal Husband: Tone 1 key example

Definition of Tone

The tone of a piece of writing is its general character or attitude, which might be cheerful or depressive, sarcastic or sincere, comical or mournful, praising or critical, and so on. For instance... read full definition
The tone of a piece of writing is its general character or attitude, which might be cheerful or depressive, sarcastic or sincere, comical or mournful, praising or critical... read full definition
The tone of a piece of writing is its general character or attitude, which might be cheerful or depressive, sarcastic or sincere, comical... read full definition

Key Examples in An Ideal Husband

Act 1, Part 1
Explanation and Analysis:

As with many of Wilde's plays, An Ideal Husband has a biting, satirical, and whimsical tone. Wilde wastes no time setting about his critique of London society and its idiosyncrasies. In Act 1, Part 1, at the very beginning of the play, Mabel Chiltern pronounces:

Oh, I love London Society! I think it has immensely improved. It is entirely composed now of beautiful idiots and brilliant lunatics. Just as Society should be.

Act 1, Part 3
Explanation and Analysis:

As with many of Wilde's plays, An Ideal Husband has a biting, satirical, and whimsical tone. Wilde wastes no time setting about his critique of London society and its idiosyncrasies. In Act 1, Part 1, at the very beginning of the play, Mabel Chiltern pronounces:

Oh, I love London Society! I think it has immensely improved. It is entirely composed now of beautiful idiots and brilliant lunatics. Just as Society should be.

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Act 4, Part 2
Explanation and Analysis:

As with many of Wilde's plays, An Ideal Husband has a biting, satirical, and whimsical tone. Wilde wastes no time setting about his critique of London society and its idiosyncrasies. In Act 1, Part 1, at the very beginning of the play, Mabel Chiltern pronounces:

Oh, I love London Society! I think it has immensely improved. It is entirely composed now of beautiful idiots and brilliant lunatics. Just as Society should be.

Unlock with LitCharts A+