Oscar Wilde was a prominent figure in the Aesthetic movement of the late 19th century. In his poetry, he explored the beauty and sorrows of the world, writing elegant works of art. He frequently explored the power of love, beauty, art, and innocence, while also showing us the fragility of life.
For example, in Wilde’s poem “The Bishop” he uses imagery to show the relationship between beauty and death. He speaks of a dead bishop lying in his tomb, his once strong body now frail and removed from life. He reflects on mortality, with the poem ending with the words: “For life is done, and youth is fleeting / And love is sweet, but Death more sweet.” In this poem, Wilde explores beauty in its relation to death, showing us that despite death being inevitable, beauty can still be found in life.
The theme of love is a key part of Wilde’s works. He often explored the idea of love being a force brighter and far more powerful than anything else in the world. In his poem “The Ballad of Reading Gaol”, he speaks of a young convict who is released from prison and falls in love with a woman who forgives his tragic past. The poem ends with the words: “For he did not the whole of life encompasses / Love and sweet Liberty were better things than death.” The poem speaks of love as a powerful force, and Wilde is expressing his belief that love is a greater force than death.
Wilde also wrote a great deal of religious poetry, particularly focusing on Christianity. “The Harlot’s House” is a prime example of this, where Wilde explores the symbolic power of Christianity on sinners. He paints a vivid picture of a courtesan and her life of sin, who eventually finds redemption through altar and church. Here, Wilde is expressing his belief that Christianity can still bring about redemption, even for those who have committed the greatest of sins.
Another major theme explored in Wilde’s works is mortality. In the poem “Requiescat”, he speaks of the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. He writes of a young woman, whose life was cut short because of an unexpected tragedy, and speaks of the brief nature of life. This poem is a heartbreaking and beautiful tribute to mortality, showing us that life is fragile and fleeting.
Finally, Wilde was a great admirer of the power of art and the symbol of beauty. In his poem “The Charmed Life”, he speaks of a beautiful woman who is blessed with eternal beauty. Here, Wilde is expressing his belief that art and beauty can endure beyond death, showcasing his admiration of the power of art.
Pain and Suffering
Oscar Wilde’s poetry also touches on the themes of pain and suffering. In the poem “Tread Softly”, he speaks of a lover treading softly in the night, for fear that the sorrow of life will be revealed to them. Wilde is speaking of the hidden pain and suffering that exists in the world, and his bleak view of life. He speaks of the fragility of happiness, and the inevitability of suffering. He expresses his belief that life is filled with both joy and sorrow, and that no one can escape pain and suffering.
In “The Garden of Eros”, Wilde speaks of a garden filled with beautiful blooms, but also painful thorns and bitter weeds. Again, he is expressing his belief that life can be full of beauty, but also pain. He speaks of the fact that one must experience suffering in order to truly appreciate the beauty of life, thus urging readers to embrace life’s hardships.
Freedom and Limitations
Freedom and limitations are also important themes to be found in Wilde’s poetry. In the “The Sphinx”, he speaks of the strange and mysterious power of the mythical creature, its grip on life, and its power over human destiny. It speaks to freedom and limitation, for although the Sphinx holds the power of fate, it is also chained to the stone, hidden away from the eyes of men. Here, Wilde is expressing his beliefs that although fate can be restrictive, it can also be liberating, something that can free us from our earthly confines.
In “Rome Unvisited”, Wilde paints a picture of the city of Rome, speaking of its loneliness and desolation, despite its beauty. He speaks of the conflict between freedom and limitation, that in order to truly be free, one must accept their limitations. Here, Wilde is expressing his belief that limitations can be liberating in their own way, and they can be the source of our freedom.
Class and Society
Class and society are also important themes to be found in Wilde’s poetry. In the poem “The Ballad of Reading Gaol”, he speaks of a commoner who is sent to prison and speaks of the unfairness of British society. He speaks of the injustices done to the lower classes, and the cruel punishments suffered by criminals. Here, Wilde is expressing his view that society should be fairer to all of its citizens, regardless of class or social standing.
In his poem “The Critic as Artist”, Wilde speaks of the importance of culture, and how art and culture can be used to elevate and critique society. He speaks of the power of the critic and how they can use their voices to speak out against social injustices and advocate for change. Here, Wilde is expressing his belief that art can be used as a form of social critique and activism, and that we should use it to address injustices in society.
Nature and Freedom
Nature and freedom are also key themes to be found in Wilde’s works. In the poem “Theodore the Hermit”, he speaks of a hermit who flees from the city, seeking solace in the serenity of nature. He speaks of the beauty, silence, and power of nature, and how it can set one free from the restraints of society. Here, Wilde is expressing his view that nature can be a source of liberation and freedom, and that one can find solace and peace in the beauty of nature.
In “The Decay of Lying”, Wilde speaks of nature’s ability to bring joy, peace, and contentment. He speaks of the beauty of nature, and how it can lift us up and set us free, far away from life’s troubles. Here, Wilde is expressing his belief that nature can be a source of both physical and mental freedom, and that we should cherish it and enjoy its beauty.
Humour and Irony
Humour and irony are also important themes to be found in Wilde’s works. In “The Soul of Man under Socialism”, Wilde speaks of the need for a free society where the individual is free to express themselves. He speaks of his belief that individual freedom is essential for a healthy and productive society, and that it is through humour and irony that we can criticise and reform society. Here, Wilde is expressing his view that humour and irony have the power to sow the seeds of change, and that it is through humour and irony that we can create a better society.
In his poem “The Nightingale and the Rose”, Wilde speaks of a nightingale that gives up its life to create a red rose for a student, who refuses to accept it. This poem speaks of Wilde’s views on the superficiality of society, and how ephemeral beauty can be. Here, Wilde is expressing his belief that beauty is fragile and fleeting, and that society should not be so shallow.
Oscar Wilde’s poetry speaks to many of the issues that were prevalent in the 19th century. He wrote of love, mortality, beauty, freedom, and suffering, expressing his thoughts on life and mortality. His works are a source of beauty and truth, and they remain relevant even today.
