one act play included in class 12 english book (Nepal).

1. Setting:
"A Matter of Husbands" takes place in Paris in the early 1900s. The setting is a wealthy couple's
apartment, which is decorated in the style of the era with luxurious furnishings, artwork, and a
grand piano. The action of the play takes place entirely within this apartment, which creates a
sense of intimacy and confinement. The apartment is also significant because it represents the
privileged lifestyle of the characters and their social status, which is a crucial theme in the play.
Characters:
Richard, a successful businessman
Laura, Richard's wife
George, Richard's friend and business partner
Diane, George's wife
Summary:
"A Matter of Husbands" is a one-act play that tells the story of two married couples, the Palmers
and the Mortimers, who meet accidentally at a restaurant. As they converse, the Palmers realize
that Mr. Mortimer is actually Mrs. Palmer's former lover. Tensions rise as the group grapples with
this revelation, leading to a series of misunderstandings and confrontations. Ultimately, the
couples reconcile, and Mr. Palmer and Mr. Mortimer agree to a gentlemen's agreement that they
will never again flirt with each other's wives. The play explores themes of jealousy, trust, and
communication, while employing witty dialogue and clever plot twists to keep the audience
engaged.
Plot:
Exposition:
The play opens with a conversation between Mrs. Wellington and her friend Mrs. Cole about the
recent disappearance of Mrs. Wellington's husband. They speculate on where he could have
gone and why he left.
Rising action:
As the play progresses, more information is revealed about the relationships between the
characters. We learn that Mrs. Wellington had an affair with Mr. Cole, and that Mr. Wellington
was planning to leave her. Mr. Wellington's business partner, Mr. Barnes, arrives and reveals that
he had been working with Mr. Wellington on a plan to fake his own death and start a new life in
South America.
Climax:

2. The climax of the play comes when Mr. Wellington returns unexpectedly. He confronts his wife
and her lover, and they are forced to come clean about their affair and Mr. Wellington's plan to
disappear.
Falling action:
After the confrontation, the characters begin to sort out the aftermath. Mrs. Wellington is
devastated by the revelation and Mr. Wellington decides to move forward with his plan to leave
her and start a new life.
Theme:
The theme of "A Matter of Husbands" revolves around the complex dynamics of relationships and
the consequences of infidelity. It explores the themes of trust, communication, honesty, revenge, and
forgiveness, highlighting the challenges and complexities of maintaining a healthy and honest
relationship. The play delves into the various reactions of the characters to their spouses' infidelity
and highlights the importance of honesty and communication within relationships. It also delves into
the consequences of deception and the desire for revenge and justice. Ultimately, the play highlights
the difficulties of moving past infidelity and rebuilding trust in a relationship.
Writing Techniques:
Irony:
Irony is a literary device that involves using language that typically signifies the opposite of what
is actually meant.
In the play, there are several instances of irony, such as when Mrs. Cheveley, who is the epitome
of immorality and deceit, claims to be a moral and upstanding citizen.
Foreshadowing:
Foreshadowing is a literary technique where an author hints at what is to come later in the story.
In the play, there are several instances of foreshadowing, such as when Lady Chiltern warns her
husband not to be too idealistic, as it may come back to haunt him.
Symbolism:
Symbolism is a technique used in literature where an object or action represents something else.
In the play, the brooch that Lady Chiltern wears symbolizes her moral purity and serves as a reminder of
her idealism.
Satire:
Satire is a technique used in literature to expose and criticize human folly and vice.
In the play, Oscar Wilde uses satire to poke fun at the hypocrisy and corruption of the Victorian
upper class.
Allusion:
Allusion is a literary device where an author references a well-known person, event, or work of
literature.

3. In the play, Oscar Wilde makes several allusions to classical mythology, such as when Lord Goring
compares himself to Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection.
Subtext:
The characters' true feelings and motivations are often implied rather than stated outright,
adding complexity and depth to the play.
Dialogue:
The play's dialogue is naturalistic and often reflects the characters' emotional states, helping to
build tension and drama.