Act III
Active Vocabulary
to stand by smb (97)
on smb’s account (100)
to give precise directions (103)
to alter smth (104)
to detest smb (105)
to be at stake (106)
to tempt smb (108)
to entrust smth to smb (108)
to do indiscretion (110)
from one’s standpoint (111)
to put smth down by law (120)
to stand up for smb (120)
to taunt (122)
to do smth out of malice (123)
to pin smth in (123)
to (un)clasp (125)
to prosecute (125)
to render smb a service (127)
a) Find the sentences with these words and reproduce the situations.
Paraphrase
I am the only person of the smallest importance in London at present who wears a buttonhole. (95)
Makes me look a little too old almost in the prim of time. (96)
The ten commandments in every stroke of the pen, and the moral law all over the page.
Of course I only speak from hearsay. (107)
…that I sold, like a common huckster, the secret that had been entrusted to me as a man of honour. (108)
What a mess I am in. I think I’ll get through it. I’ll give her a lecture through the door. (110)
Doesn’t that sound rather like temptating Providence. (115)
Don’t use big words. It is a commercial transaction. (121)
A woman whose size in gloves is seven and three-quarters never knows much about anything. (121)
…one of the most noble and gentle women in the world to degrade her husband in her eyes, …to put poison in her heart, to break her idol. (122)
Who said it and in what context. Explain the meaning of the sentence and comment on it.
Fashion is what one wears oneself. What is unfashionable is what other people wear. (95)
It is the growth of the moral sense in women that makes marriage such a hopeless, one-sided institution. (97)
If there was less sympathy in the world there would be less trouble in the world.
Romance should begin with science and end with a settlement. (105)
Spies are of no use nowadays. Their profession is over. The newspapers do their work instead. (109)
The English think that a check-book can solve every problem in life. (116)
I suppose that when a man has once loved a woman, he will do anything for her, except continue to love her. (118)
And self-sacrifice is a thing that should be put down by law. It is so demoralizing to the people for one sacrifices oneself. (120)
There is only one real tragedy in a woman’s life. The fact that her past is always her lover, and her future invariably her husband. (121)
Fill in the blanks with prepositions.
The letter was brought … hand just after you went … the club.
It is only ten o’clock. What is your objection … the hour?
You can’t be always living … pleasure. Every man … position is married nowadays.
… present I make your mother’s life miserable … your account.
I have called … a definite purpose, and I am going to see it through … all costs … my health or yours.
Who … earth writes to him … pink paper?
I began my career … an act of dishonesty, I built up my life … sands of shame.
I said to her things that were hideously true, … my side … my standpoint.
I swear … you … my honour that lady is stainless and guiltless … all offence towards you.
I have come here to offer Sir Chiltern’s letters to you … conditions.
I am … the impression that my lawyer settled that matter with you … certain terms.
When I last saw you … the Chilterns’, I knew you were the only person I had ever cared …, if I ever have cared … anybody.
You went this afternoon … the husband of one of the most noble women … the world to degrade her house … her eyes, to try and kill her love … him, to put poison … her heart.
You stole that ornament … my cousin, and suspicion fell … a wretched servant, who was sent … … disgrace.
I will do anything .. the world you want.
He takes the letter, examines it and burns it … the lamp.
Questions.
Where is the setting laid? Describe Lord Goring’s buttler. What can be said of Lord Goring’s concern for his appearance? How does his witty expressions characterize him?
Why does he decide to stay in? Why does he look at Lady Chiltern’s letter with a puzzled look? What line is he going to take when speaking to Lady Chiltern? What instructions does he give to Phipps?
Why is Lord Goring not delighted to see his father? What is the purpose of Lord Caversham’s visit? What are his views on marriage? Why is he so eager to have his son married?
Who calls on Lord Goring while he is speaking to his father? Who does the buttler take her for? How does Mrs. Cheveley behave when she is left alone? What does she mean by saying: “I’ll have to alter all this?” What does she find among Lord Goring’s correspondence? Why does a look of triumph come over her face when she reads Lady Chiltern’s letter?
What brings Sir Robert to Lord Goring’s house so late at night? Why is Lord Goring not surprised to see him? What has Sir Robert found out about Mrs. Cheveley from the message received from Vienna? How does he speak of his wife? Explain his words “I am a ship without a rudder on a night without a star”? Why did he place his wife apart from other people?
Why does Sir Robert suspect that there is someone in the next room? What are Lord Goring’s reasons for not allowing Sir Robert to enter that room? Why does Lord Goring say that the lady is “stainless and guiltless of all offence” towards Sir Robert? Why does Sir Robert leave Lord Goring’s house enraged?
How does Lord Goring receive Mrs. Cheveley? What is the true reason for her visit? Why is she so eager to talk Lord Goring into marrying her? What is she ready to sacrifice? What does she threaten to do if he turns down her proposal?
How does Lord Goring happen to know that it is Mrs. Cheveley who lost the brooch at the Chilterns’? How does Lord Goring manage to get hold of Sir Robert’s letter? Why is Mrs. Cheveley’s face “illumined with evil triumph” when she leaves Lord Goring’s house?
Act IV