An Ideal Husband Lesson Plan

What is the issue surrounding Lord Goring's buttonhole? Is it surprising to see a man so particular about his style?

Lord Goring's first point on the importance of his buttonhole is that he is "the only person of the smallest importance in London at present who wears a buttonhole." Lord Goring muses on the importance of standing out from one's peers and offers various philosophies on fashion and society. He is not quite satisfied with the buttonhole he has, as his narcissism makes him fret over whether it makes him look older. Students may remember Lord Goring's insecurity over his age of thirty-four from earlier in the play.

In considering whether it's surprising for a...