Oscar Wilde, the Irish poet and dramatist of the late nineteenth century, is one of the most famous literary figures ever. His works like The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Importance of Being Earnest and Lady Windermere’s Fan had a great influence on subsequent authors. But what about his name? How do you pronounce it?
Well, the good news is that his surname is actually pronounced quite simply! Wilde is pronounced with two syllables. The first is a soft ‘w’, as in ‘wise’, and the second is like the ‘ild’ in ‘wild’.
As for Oscar, the name comes to us from the Latin language, and so it is quite easy to pronounce too. The ‘os’ is like the ‘or’ in ‘for’, while the ‘car’ is like the ‘car’ in ‘scar’. So it’s ‘OS-car’.
Of course, some people may use different pronunciations of his name, which is perfectly fine. And if you’re ever unsure about how to say it, just ask around! That’s one of the great things about English, different dialects can produce different pronunciations even for the same word. As long as everyone can understand you, it doesn’t really matter!
So if you ever find yourself in the company of Oscar Wilde fans, you now know how to pronounce his name with confidence!
Oscar Wilde’s Influences
Oscar Wilde was greatly influenced by writers like John Ruskin, Walter Pater and Matthew Arnold, who all wrote in the late nineteenth century. Wilde was inspired by their works and was heavily influenced in his writing by their ideas. He was also influenced by French drama, particularly the works of Molière, Victor Hugo, and Alexandre Dumas.
Wilde’s work was also influenced by the literary circles he was part of, particularly the Aesthetic movement. This movement was about beauty for beauty’s sake, creativity, and was in opposition to the moral and practical conventions that dominated English culture.
Wilde was also strongly influenced by his contemporaries, such as Thomas Hardy and George Eliot. This can be seen in his essays and fictional works, where he often refers to the social and political issues of the day.
Wilde was heavily influenced by music and art, as well as literature. He often wrote about the importance of aesthetics, beauty and inspiration in his work. Wilde also drew inspiration from other cultures and various historical figures, such as Ancient Greek and Roman culture, Shakespeare, Dante and the Bible.
Oscar Wilde’s Style
Oscar Wilde’s writing style is often described as “epigrammatic” or “bitingly witty.” He was known for his use of humor and irony in his works, which gave them a distinctive flavor. His writing often contains a sense of paradox or unexpected turns of phrase.
Wilde’s works also frequently have a satiric edge and have been described as displaying “acerbic wit,” with Wilde himself often being labeled a “debunker of Victorian hypocrisy.” This cynicism and wit are also often seen in his essays and lectures, which are typically quite short and to the point.
Wilde’s style is also notable for its focus on aesthetics and beauty, often described as “delicately sensuous.” He often infused his works with a sense of fantasy and imagination, as seen in The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Canterville Ghost.
Wilde’s works often explore themes of love and friendship, as well as morality and what it means to be a true gentleman. He also had a strong interest in Plato’s philosophy, and many of his works often touch on similar themes.
Oscar Wilde’s Life
Oscar Wilde was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1854 and was educated in Dublin and Oxford. He worked for a time as a journalist and theatre critic before moving to London in 1879. He then quickly gained fame for his plays, novels and poetry.
Wilde became renowned for his wit, which he often used in social engagements and debates. He loved to talk, often giving long-winded speeches and lectures. As his fame grew, he became known as the “Apostle of Aestheticism” and enjoyed a life of luxury and hedonistic living.
Wilde’s life was not without its struggles, however. He was tried and convicted of “gross indecency” in 1895 and served two years in prison before moving to France in 1897. He spent the remainder of his life there, living in poverty and writing his final work The Ballad of Reading Gaol.
Wilde remains one of the most famous authors in history and his works are still widely read and performed today. His legacy lives on in the many works, both comedic and serious, that pay homage to his life and works.
Oscar Wilde’s Fame
Oscar Wilde was one of the most famous figures of the late 19th century, becoming a household name and an international celebrity. His work was widely read and performed, and his plays, particularly The Importance of Being Earnest, are still regularly staged and loved today.
Wilde’s fame was not limited to the literary world. He was also a popular figure in social circles, where he was often seen participating in witty conversations and debates. He was also popular with the public, often recognizable when out in public and often mobbed by fans.
Wilde’s fame is still felt today. His works are widely read and regularly staged and filmed. Not only that, but his life and works have continued to inspire other writers and artists in many different fields.
Wilde’s fame did not end with his death in 1900, and he is remembered today as one of the most famous and influential writers in history.
Oscar Wilde’s Legacy
Oscar Wilde left behind a powerful legacy in the world of literature and art. He is remembered for his witty and cutting-edge writing style, his exploration of moral and aesthetic issues and his willingness to challenge social conventions.
Wilde’s influence can be felt in the works of many authors, from the great classics to contemporary fiction. His works, particularly The Picture of Dorian Gray, have had a lasting impact on literature, inspiring other works and often being adapted in one form or another.
Wilde’s legacy has also been recognized in other art forms, such as cinema. His plays have been adapted into films, and his life has been the subject of several biopics. His influence has even extended to popular culture, with his ideas being used in advertising and marketing.
Wilde has left behind an indelible mark in literature and art, one that will be remembered and cherished for years to come.
