Lady Windermere's Fan

“The very essence of romance is uncertainty.””

— Oscar Wilde

“I have always been of opinion that a man who desires to get married should know either everything or nothing.””

— Oscar Wilde

“It is awfully hard work doing nothing. However, I don't mind hard work where there is no definite object of any kind. -Algernon””

— Oscar Wilde

“Ignorance is like a delicate exotic fruit; touch it and the bloom is gone.””

— Oscar Wilde

“Miss Prism: Do not speak slightingly of the three-volume novel, Cecily. I wrote one myself in earlier days. Cecily: Did you really, Miss Prism? How wonderfully clever you are! I hope it did not end happily? I don't like novels that end happily. They depress me so much. Miss Prism: The good ended happily, and the bad unhappily. That is what fiction means.””

— Oscar Wilde

“there are moments when one has to choose between living one's own life, fully, entirely, completely - or dragging out some false, shallow, degrading existence that the world in its hypocrisy demands.””

— Oscar Wilde

“Well, I don't like your clothes. You look perfectly ridiculous in them. Why on earth don't you go up and change? It's perfectly childish to be in mourning for a man who is actually staying a whole week with you in your house as a guest. I call it grotesque.””

— Oscar Wilde

“Do you really keep a diary? I'd give anything to look at it. May I?Oh, no. You see, it is simply a very young girl's record of her own thoughts and impressions, and consequently meant for publication. When it appears in volume form I hope you will order a copy.””

— Oscar Wilde

“Good heavens! Lane! Why are there no cucumber sandwiches? I ordered them specially. Lane. [Gravely.] There were no cucumbers in the market this morning, sir. I went down twice. Algernon. No cucumbers! Lane. No, sir. Not even for ready money.””

— Oscar Wilde