The 1895 publication of Oscar Wilde’s De Profundis is a momentous milestone in literature. Not only was it the key to understanding the complexities of Wilde’s life, but it also marked the height of his career as an author. This text details the psychological journey of Wilde’s spiritual growth as he confronts his own failings and reflects on the events that led to his imprisonment for two years.
De Profundis is a complex and lengthy treatise partially written by Wilde in prison, which has been divided into sections by scholars to make it easier to read. It covers a vast array of topics such as his physical, mental, and spiritual suffering, the understanding of life, and his spiritual enlightenment. Furthermore, there are passages where he offers comments on his artistic philosophy and his relationship with his lover.
Wilde acknowledges that he was punished too harshly for his crime and strives to understand why with a skeptical eye. The epistle is also, at times, letters to his lover, which are filled with vulnerability and tenderness. Moreover, he acknowledges and expresses his deepest regrets, and concerns over the pain inflicted upon his family and spiritual ones.
The contemplative memoir is written in a passionate, poignant, and beautiful way, at times reflecting the despair of his circumstances, and at other times looking back on how it all began. He talks about his self-indulgent behavior and how it was a source of misery for him in the end. Wilde’s reflections in this text are deep, honest, and thought-provoking. Consequently, one can see how this text ended up being so influential across literature, while also offering insight into Wilde’s own state of mind.
Wilde’s De Profundis has been referred to in numerous works of literature over the years, as a testament to its importance in the literary canon. Not only has the text served as source material for biographers of Wilde, but it has also featured in other works such as Steven Berkoff’s controversial play, Portrait of Oscar Wilde in 1995. De Profundis offers the readers a unique insight into Wilde’s thoughts and the torment he experienced, both leading up to, and during his imprisonment.
Impact on Society
De Profundis had a huge social and cultural impact at the time of its publication in 1895. It was particularly seen as an exploration on Wilde’s fall from grace and in many ways, it offered a break from his most famous works such as The Picture of Dorian Gray.
The work has been credited with putting Wilde back in the limelight, while also serving as an impassioned plea in support of gay rights. It has been described as a rare visual of Wilde during his darker days, where he claims to have found redemption in his suffering. De Profundis has been lauded as a precursor to 20th century writing on atheism and religion, while being seen as a key text critical of ‘Victorian morality’.
The symbolism of De Profundis revolves around Wilde’s imprisonment and struggle to understand life and love. The depth of his understanding of morality is astounding and it stands as a beacon of hope for those who have faced similar issues. In many senses, it can be seen as a window into Wilde’s mind and the way he perceived the world at that moment in time.
Wilde’s emotions were intense and his sorrow palpable. The material he composed in prison resonates deeply with his audience and is reflective of the pain and suffering he experienced. His honesty in this text is both untamed and inspiring. The readers are able to find solace in his flawed yet never-ending search for the truth and his urging of others to reach the same level of deep introspection.
Themes of Intimacy
An overarching theme of De Profundis is the destructive effects of intimacy. Wilde reflects on his relationships, first with his wife and then with his lover, Percy Wilde. Here, Wilde learns the hard way not to allow love and desire to consume oneself and to honour core values. He also muses on his own double standards and how his behaviour hurt many in the end.
Wilde examines the way in which a man craving love can be led into a cult of solipsistic relativism. This self-destructive tendency is deeply explored within this text, making way for an emotional response from the reader. He must also reconcile his prior decadence and accepts the fact that it served as an immature form of escape.
The readers are left with a sense of hope throughout the text, as Wilde recovers from his depression brought on by lack of love, by recognizing his own flaws and trying to rectify them. He seems to understand that while he cannot normalize his passions, he can seek to contain them with the help of spiritual education and moral improvements.
Having gone through trials and tribulations, Wilde comes to reconcile his errors and can now offer potential solutions. He suggests joining religious organizations, activities to keep the mind busy, and he ponders the importance of meditation. When Wilde reflects on his behaviour and the lack of personal accountability, the readers are reminded of their own susceptibilities.
Impact of De Profundis Within Queer Theory
Over the years, De Profundis has come to be seen as a seminal text within the study of queer theory. Here Wilde comes to terms with his sexuality, the social prejudice he faced, and the implications of a queer identity. In many ways, it can be seen that through the suffering Wilde experienced, he found a way to identify with a larger community.
The epistle is seen as a declaration of Wilde’s rejection of the public rhetoric around homosexuality and how he was able to move past guilt and shame. Wilde offers a compelling narrative to his readers of queer identity, which allows them to more deeply understand the feelings associated with it.
That being said, queerness still remains an elusive concept in De Profundis, as Wilde veers away from explicitly talking about the queer positionality. He seems to suggest the depravity associated with his sexuality, predominantly by his thoughts and reflections regarding his platonic relationships.
It is, however, hard to deny the way in which Wilde gives voice to the struggles of those at the intersection of class and gender, and the tacit acceptance of his queer identity. He has provided a way of understanding queer desires which allows them to be accepted as an intrinsic part of being human.
Reading De Profundis as a Reflection on Wilde’s Life
De Profundis offers a complex look at Wilde’s life, showing his spiritual struggles and self-reflection. It allows us to take a closer look at the psychological journey he went through during his years of suffering, connecting the dots between the events of his life and the self-afflicting emotions that overwhelmed him.
The ‘profound’ work allows the reader to tap into Wilde’s world, to be taken on his journey, to share in his suffering, his remorse and his eventual healing. It invites us to contemplate his life, his mistakes, and his ongoing examination and exploration of himself, so that we can see beneath his own flawed facade.
Wilde’s De Profundis is a powerful and moving text that brings an immense feeling of sorrow and regret but also hope, as Wilde finds strength despite the obstacles he faces. He invites the readers to share in his brief moments of enlightenment and to embrace the comfort of spirituality. It is a testament to Wilde’s greatness and his ability to express himself in a complex and stirring way.
The Impact of De Profundis on Subsequent Generations
The legacy of De Profundis lives on today, as it has become a touchstone for many generations after Wilde. It offers the audience of today a way of understanding the complexities of human suffering, while also exploring a range of topics such as morality, religion and philosophy. It is a reminder of the strength of human nature and our capacity for resilience and healing.
Wilde’s experience speaks to us on a personal level, as we can relate to his failures and his search for solace. His description of his despair, and his thoughts on how to make sense of it, are a testament to his wisdom and his understanding of himself and of life in general. The legacy of De Profundis stands as a testament to Wilde’s unique genius, and his undying commitment to self-growth and personal authenticity.
Wilde writes the epistle with one goal in mind: to understand himself and accept his imperfections. As such, De Profundis serves as a source of inspiration for many and a reminder of the ways in which we can overcome adversity with faith and wisdom. In an age where mental health, self-care, and personal exploration are more greatly valued, Wilde’s epistle still stands and unfolds its secrets with grace.
De Profundis and Its Influence on Other Works
The influence of De Profundis lives on in many works of literature, such as plays and novels, which have used Wilde’s text as a source of material for their own works. Wilde wrote this text when he was struggling with a profound sadness, yet his work still resonates with people today. In this way, it can be seen as a document which offers hope and inspiration in difficult times.
De Profundis has been used as a source for several works in various mediums, such as the opera El Peléle by Spanish composer Carlos Surinach; the 2004 French film Oleanna by Raul Tovar; and the 2012 novel Oscar Wilde’s Last Stand: Decadence, Conspiracy, and the Most Outrageous Trial of the Century by Gyles Brandreth.
The influence of De Profundis goes well beyond the literary sphere, having been referenced in multiple forms of art across time. A song by band Tool, entitled ‘Right in Two’ in 2006, is a testament to the legacy of this text. The renowned rock band uses Wilde’s work as the main source in their song, highlighting the critical importance of their lyrics. In this way, De Profundis serves not only as a critical literary text, but also as an inspirational source of material.
