An Ideal Husband Lesson Plan

How does the initial conversation between Mrs Marchmont and Lady Basildon set the world of the play?

Students should recognize the dry, comedic tone of the conversation between the ladies. As readers, we are thrown directly into the middle of Mrs Marchmont and Lady Basildon's conversation and it is our job to keep up with them. Students should be able to locate the class and setting of the play from the opening stage descriptions and dialogue. We open on Sir Robert Chiltern's house in the middle of a party. Lady Basildon and Mrs Marchmont discuss the next party on their list, the Hartlocks', as though discussing a household task that must be ticked off. The tone of the...