DARLINGTON
"No, we are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars."

This famous line, spoken by Lord Darlington, encapsulates Oscar Wilde's exploration of human duality and aspiration amidst imperfection. The metaphor suggests that everyone, regardless of status or virtue, is mired in the same earthly struggles and moral failings—the "gutter." Yet, the capacity to "look at the stars" signifies hope, ambition, and the pursuit of something greater than oneself. Wilde deftly contrasts the sordid aspects of human behavior with an inherent, often unacknowledged, longing for beauty and transcendence.

In the context of "Lady Windermere's Fan," the line highlights the play's themes of hypocrisy and redemption. The characters are embroiled in social scandals and moral dilemmas, yet some, like Mrs. Erlynne, strive to rise above their circumstances, seeking redemption in their relationships. Darlington's words remind the audience that while none are free from flaws, the potential for goodness and aspiration remains a universal human trait.