How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Act.Line). Every time a character talks counts as one line, even if what they say turns into a long monologue.
Quote #4
SIR ROBERT CHILTERN. Youth is the time for success. I couldn't wait. (2.25)
Sir Robert's lust for power was so great that he effectively said "carpe diem" (i.e., "seize the day") when Baron Arnheim made his original offer. This quote typifies the Aesthetic movement's obsession with youth.
Quote #5
SIR ROBERT CHILTERN. With that wonderfully fascinating quiet voice of his he expounded to us the most terrible of all philosophies, the philosophy of power, preached to us the most marvelous of all gospels, the gospel of gold. (2.35)
Sir Robert describes a seduction that was both sensual and spiritual. Poor guy didn't have a chance.
Quote #6
SIR ROBERT CHILTERN. […] power, power over other men, power over the world, was the one thing worth having, […] and in our century only the rich possessed it. (2.35)
Sir Robert tries to make Lord Goring understand the desperation that comes with being poor and ambitious. Lord Goring was born wealthy and was never in the position where he had to compromise any principles.