Oscar Wilde was one of the most renowned English authors in the late 19th century. His prolific writings that ranged from plays, poems, novels, and stories, were often praised for their unique wit and humor. A collection of Classic Short Stories by Oscar Wilde is a true compilation of his genius, with 17 stories that have stood the test of time and still captivate readers of all ages. Reading these stories is indeed a reminder of Wilde’s immense talent, and of the importance of his legacy.
The collection contains 17 stories written by Wilde, from as early as 1887, up until 1890. Each story is different in its own way, with a unique theme, plot and characters that tantalize the reader’s imagination. Some of the most popular ones include “The Canterville Ghost,” a witty story about an American family that moves into a haunted house, and every family member reacting differently to their ghostly tenant; “The Young King,” a tale about a naive royal family and their journey to enlightenment; and “The Remarkable Rocket,” a story about the highly opinionated Rocket who dreams of greatness but whose own pride limits his opportunities.
Reading Wilde’s writing style is truly engaging and full of wit. His mastery of language and chock-full of clever phrases serve as maddening reminders of Wilde’s writing talent. Many of the stories do end on happy endings despite the irony wielded throughout the stories. And, though it can be argued that Wilde’s characters can be a little too one-dimensional and shallow, they still serve as a stark reminder of Wilde’s ingenuity.
A collection of Classic Short Stories by Oscar Wilde is an invaluable masterpiece to read and re-read. The stories bring to life the struggles and triumphs of these characters, as well as the creative genius of Wilde himself. All in all, they are essential reading to better understand why Wilde remains one of the most prominent English authors of all time.
Oscar Wilde’s Notable Short Stories
Oscar Wilde created a wealth of short stories that defined his legacy. Some of the most notable stories from the collection include “The Model Millionaire,” tells the story of a down-on-his-luck artist who is taken in by a millionaire. His sudden fortune causes him to become conceited and arrogant, leading to tragedy. “The Happy Prince” tells the story of an angelic statue of a prince who watches over a town from atop a tall column. Once the statue is finally taken down, the townspeople realize the true heart of the prince and his goodness. Lastly, “The Devoted Friend” tells the story of a poor water-rat and a wealthy but selfish gardener. The determination of the water-rat to help the gardener despite his mistreatment serves as a reminder of the power of kindness and forgiving nature, despite adversity.
Oscar Wilde’s Unexpected Role in Literary Canon
Oscar Wilde’s short stories, in particular, solidified his place amongst the greatest authors in literary history. While his works have been praised for their wit and charm, the stories often have a darker undertone that have stuck with readers for generations. While many authors during the late 19th century focused on themes of morality and Christian instruction, Wilde strayed far from these, resulting in stories that explored transformation, transgression, and a wide range of other topics that were then, and even now, considered revolutionary.
Oscar Wilde’s Impact on Modern Literature
Though Wilde passed away in 1900 and his stories are more than a century old, they remain just as relevant today. They offer a unique glimpse into the values and beliefs of the 19th-century work and their messages of kindness and resilience remain inspiration works of literature for many authors today. The combination of Wilde’s timeless wit and his unexpected role as a champion for progressive thoughts has made his work some of the most renowned short stories of all time.
Oscar Wilde’s Transformative Writing Style
Oscar Wilde’s writing style was much different from writers before him, often finding humor in unexpected places. His detailed descriptions, clever symbols, and comic dialogue draw readers in and make them part of the story. Wilde’s genius writing style often felt like reading a play rather than a short story. His words could transform a scene with pertinent details and use of well-placed characters, resulting in an immersive experience that can still be felt today.
Oscar Wilde’s Metaphors and Characters
Metaphors were often used in Wilde’s work as a tool to create meaning and understanding. Even the most insignificant character or creatures could be highlighted and provide an interesting detail to the story. Wilde also used physical objects, like a bouquet of flowers, to represent feelings and feelings between characters. His creative use of symbolism combined with his witty dialogue is the reason his stories remain classics today.
The Author’s Legacy Created by Oscar Wilde
Though his words live on and provide us with humour, insight and entertainment, Oscar Wilde’s legacy as an author is much more profound than just his stories. His commitment to breaking social boundaries and speaking up for progressive thoughts have been taken up by many authors since and continue to be celebrated by readers of all ages. The fact that Oscar Wilde’s stories have stood the test of time, speaks to the power and complexity of his writing. He created a style of writing that is still used today, and continues to be influential in the world of literature.
