Oscar Wilde was a renowned poet and playwright of the Victorian era. He wrote a large collection of poems throughout his lifetime and remains one of the most widely known and respected poets of his time. While some of Wilde’s works are considered timeless classics, there is still a great deal of debate regarding the exact number of poems he has written. In this article, we will explore the answers to the question “How many poems did Oscar Wilde write?”
Wilde wrote a plethora of poems during his lifetime. It is estimated that he composed around fifty works of poetry in total, including “The Ballad of Reading Gaol” and “The Harlot’s House”. Wilde also published a number of aphorisms, which many consider to be poems in their own right. Although Wilde did not always divide his work into distinct categories such as ballads or sonnets, there are several instances where he did use specific forms to craft his pieces.
Other works of Wilde’s which could be considered poems include his famous “Charmides” and many of his letters, which often took the form of a poem. Wilde also wrote a range of “philosophical” poetry, such as “The Sphinx”, “The Decay of Lying”, and “Vita Nuova”. In addition, Wilde wrote a number of narrative poems, such as “The Fisherman and His Soul” and “The Dorian Gray”.
Furthermore, Wilde crafted several unique plays and pieces of speculative fiction with lyrical themes, such as “Salome” and “The Picture of Dorian Gray”. Considering the volume and variety of Wilde’s poetry, it is difficult to precisely determine how many poems he wrote in total. Some critics argue that his works of prose, drama and fiction should be counted in his total verse count.
The Influence of Oscar Wilde’s Poetry
Despite the complexity associated with determining Wilde’s overall volume of writings, it is without a doubt that he had a powerful influence within the realm of poetry and literature. Not only did Wilde popularise the idea of using artistic imagery and symbolism to convey complex emotions and ideas, but he also cultivated a unique narrative style in his works that sets him apart from other authors of the time. His impact was further cemented through his many tongue-in-cheek quotes, which often spoke of the hypocrisy and vanity of the Victorian society he lived in. Examples of these include, ““Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much.” and “My life has a superb cast but I can’t figure out the plot.”
Oscar Wilde’s Poetry Today
Wilde’s work has remained as relevant and inspiring today as it was in the 19th century. Many of his poems have been quoted in modern films, television shows and books, demonstrating their universality and longevity. They have also been widely adapted by artists to represent the struggles of the human condition and have been used as a source of protest and protest slogans. Wilde’s works are also widely taught in universities, demonstrating their educational value and timelessness.
Oscar Wilde’s Creative Legacy
Oscar Wilde’s creative legacy lives on in his many writings, from plays to ballads. His status as one of the greatest British authors of all time is undeniable and his iconic works are timeless. Whatever the final figure may be regarding the exact number of his poems, with his works, Wilde still managed to capture the hearts and minds of generations of readers.
Oscar Wilde’s Notable Poems
Wilde often wrote in the form of ballads and sonnets and some of his most famous works follow this trend. Examples include “The Ballad of Reading Gaol”, which tells the story of a criminal’s time in jail and “The Harlot’s House”, in which Wilde uses vivid imagery to explore the idea of temptation and sin. These works have become revered amongst readers, demonstrating Wilde’s skill as a lyricist.
Oscar Wilde’s Poetry Style
Wilde used a variety of poetic styles in his works, from Shakespearean sonnets to romantic lyrics. He often used devices such as alliteration, onomatopoeia and assonance to create a lyrical effect and this can be seen in poems such as “The Happy Prince.” Some of his poems also used irony and humour to explore the extremes of human emotion, such as in “The Decay of Lying”.
Oscar Wilde’s Poems in Popular Culture
As mentioned earlier, Wilde’s works have been adopted by many artists to explore themes of love, loss and morality. His iconic poem “The Ballad of Reading Gaol” in particular has been performed by the likes of Elton John and was also the basis for the musical “The Visit.” Wilde’s poetry has also been seen in books, films, theatre and television, making it one of the most widely recognised bodies of work in the western world.
