Lady Windermere's Fan

About the book

Lady Windermere hears that her husband has been giving money to Mrs Erlynne, whose uncertain reputation seems to justify the worst interpretation. His insistence that she be invited to a birthday gathering deepens the apparent betrayal, while Lord Darlington offers sympathy with purposes of his own. Wilde uses the movement between private rooms and public company to make incomplete knowledge dangerous. A fan, a visit, or an overheard remark can seem to establish a truth while concealing the circumstances that would change its meaning. The comedy's polished conversation therefore carries a serious inquiry into judgment and generosity. Characters who speak confidently of goodness must confront situations in which protecting another person may require conduct that respectable observers are prepared to condemn.

• Reputation
• Moral judgment
• Appearance and knowledge

Why read it

For a witty social drama in which the difference between knowing a fact and understanding a person becomes urgently consequential.

Four-act play · English text