slide with everything to know about one act play (A matter of husband) included in english book class 12(Nepal)

1. A MATTER OF HUSBAND
A MATTER OF HUSBAND
BY: SHUBHAM PANDEY

2. 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.

3. Characters:
Richard, a successful businessman
Laura, Richard's wife
George, Richard's friend and business partner
Diane, George's wife

4. 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.

5. 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:
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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Writing Techniques:
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.
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.