This is a story of money and family ties. The title of the play comes from a letter lying on a desk that is written by Mrs. Arbuthnot, and when asked what the letter was regarding and who it was from, Lord Illingworth replies with, “A woman of no importance”.
Mrs. Arbuthnot and Lord Illingworth had a child out of wedlock and instead of getting married, as Lord Illingworth’s father insisted, he leaves Mrs. Arbuthnot and the baby. About 20 years later, they are reunited at an upper class party. The reason for the meeting was because Lord Illingworth had offered Gerald, his illegitimate son, a position as a secretary. This was considered a wonderful opportunity that would continue into a great career. At this point, Lord Illingworth isn’t aware that Gerald is his son, and Gerald isn’t aware of his father because Mrs. Arbuthnot had told him he died many years ago.
Gerald meets Hester Worsley, who is a puritan American, and falls in love with her. Lord Illingworth makes a joke about Gerald trying to kiss Hester by the end of the night, and when he does, Hester runs away in anger. When Gerald learns about his bet, he becomes enraged and wants to kill Lord Illingworth. His mother, Mrs. Arbuthnot, prevents Gerald from killing him and tells him the truth about his father.
Throughout all the drama, Lord Illingworth suggests marrying Mrs. Arbuthnot, but she refuses. The play ends with Gerald, Hester, and Mrs. Arbuthnot escaping to the United States to celebrate the wedding of Gerald and Hester. Lord Illingworth is left alone and changes into a “man of no importance”, which is the last line of the play.
Mrs. Arbuthnot and Lord Illingworth had a child out of wedlock and instead of getting married, as Lord Illingworth’s father insisted, he leaves Mrs. Arbuthnot and the baby. About 20 years later, they are reunited at an upper class party. The reason for the meeting was because Lord Illingworth had offered Gerald, his illegitimate son, a position as a secretary. This was considered a wonderful opportunity that would continue into a great career. At this point, Lord Illingworth isn’t aware that Gerald is his son, and Gerald isn’t aware of his father because Mrs. Arbuthnot had told him he died many years ago.
Gerald meets Hester Worsley, who is a puritan American, and falls in love with her. Lord Illingworth makes a joke about Gerald trying to kiss Hester by the end of the night, and when he does, Hester runs away in anger. When Gerald learns about his bet, he becomes enraged and wants to kill Lord Illingworth. His mother, Mrs. Arbuthnot, prevents Gerald from killing him and tells him the truth about his father.
Throughout all the drama, Lord Illingworth suggests marrying Mrs. Arbuthnot, but she refuses. The play ends with Gerald, Hester, and Mrs. Arbuthnot escaping to the United States to celebrate the wedding of Gerald and Hester. Lord Illingworth is left alone and changes into a “man of no importance”, which is the last line of the play.
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Audio Source: "A Woman of No Importance - FULL Audio Book "
Summary Source: Wilde, Oscar - "A Woman of No Importance"
Audio Source: "A Woman of No Importance - FULL Audio Book "
Summary Source: Wilde, Oscar - "A Woman of No Importance"