Oscar Wilde was one of the greatest literary minds of the late 19th century. In 1895 he was put on trial for alleged ‘gross indecency’ with Lord Alfred Douglas and was subsequently charged with two years of hard labour. It was assumed that the prison sentence was the cause of his death in 1900. However, this is not the case. Oscar Wilde actually died of meningitis caused by syphilis – a form of sexually contracted disease. So, what killed Oscar Wilde, and why did the courts find him guilty of ‘gross indecency’?
Oscar Wilde was renowned for his wit and charm, but this did not extend to the marital side of his life. He was an unfaithful husband, engaging in a long-term affair with Lord Alfred Douglas, affectionately known as “Bosie”. His wife, Constance Lloyd Wild, had long been aware of his promiscuity but chose to stay with him and raise their two sons.
It was Bosie’s father, the Marquis of Queensberry, who was the direct cause of Wilde’s downfall. The Marquess believed that his son and Wilde were engaged in a homosexual relationship and wrote a note to Wilde expressing his displeasure. Wilde sued Queensberry for libel, but he was unsuccessful. This then sparked a counter-suit from Queensberry and claims of Wilde’s ‘gross indecency’.
Wilde was subsequently put on trial, during which it was discovered that he had contracted syphilis – a sexually transmitted disease – from the many men he had been involved with. This led to his eventual conviction, and he was sentenced to two years in prison for ‘gross indecency’. By the time Wilde was released from his sentence, he was already in the late stages of syphilis, and he died from meningitis, a direct result of his infection.
So, what killed Oscar Wilde? Although there has been speculation that the prison sentence was what killed him, it is more likely that it was the syphilis he contracted from his numerous sexual partners that brought about his demise. It was the combination of the Marquis of Queensberry’s actions, the law of the time and Wilde’s own reckless behaviour that ultimately led to his death.
The Socio-Political Climate of the Late 19th Century
Oscar Wilde’s death was a direct result of the laws and socio-political climate of late 19th century England. At this time, homosexuality was illegal and those convicted of ‘gross indecency’ could be given a prison sentence. This contributed to Wilde’s downfall, as the court found against him and sentenced him to two years in prison.
In addition to the legal system, the society of the time was also extremely hostile towards non-heteronormative behaviour. Wilde had not just broken the law, he had broken an unspoken code of acceptable behaviour for members of the upper class. This, along with his high public profile, made him an easy target for Queensberry and the law.
The late 19th century was an important time for LGBTQ rights, as the actions of Wilde and his associates, as well as the subsequent fallout from his trial and conviction, led to a heightened awareness of non-heteronormative behaviour. As a result, attitudes towards homosexuality began to change and it was eventually decriminalised in 1967.
It is clear that the legal and social climate of late 19th century England was a contributing factor in the death of Oscar Wilde. His trial and conviction were a stark reminder of the power of the law, and of the damaging effects that outdated social norms can have on those who do not fit the mould.
Wilde’s Reckless Lifestyle
Oscar Wilde’s death was ultimately caused by a combination of the laws of the time, the hostile social attitudes and Wilde’s own reckless behaviour. Despite being married, Wilde had engaged in a lengthy affair with Lord Alfred Douglas, a man who he was known to have had a physical relationship with.
Wilde was aware of the risks of his actions – both legally and socially – but continued with the affair nonetheless. He was a deep believer of living a life of pleasure and he was determined to take full advantage of the physical and emotional freedoms that his status allowed him.
It was Wilde’s reckless lifestyle that ultimately led to his death. Although he was not the first to be convicted of ‘gross indecency’, his reputation, as well as his high public profile, made him a prime target for Queensberry and the law. His lifestyle was a direct contributor to his death, as it was only a matter of time before his unchecked behaviour would catch up to him.
It is clear that Wilde was a victim of his own reckless lifestyle. He had chosen to flout the laws of his society and taken advantage of his status, and it was his own choices that ultimately led to his death.
The Consequences of Wilde’s Life and Death
The life and death of Oscar Wilde had an impact on the world far beyond the grave. His actions had a significant influence on the public awareness of non-heteronormative behaviour, and it was his trial and conviction that prompted a heightened sensitivity to LGBT issues.
This, coupled with the advances made in medical science in the late 19th century, meant that more people could be diagnosed and treated for sexually transmitted diseases. The fact that Wilde had been diagnosed with syphilis, a condition the public was largely unaware of at the time, had an important influence on the way the disease was viewed and treated, and this had a lasting impact on the world.
Wilde’s legacy also lives on through his work. His memoirs, novels and plays are still read and analysed to this day, providing a unique insight into pre-1900s English society. By showcasing his wit and charm, as well as his complexities and vulnerabilities, Wilde was able to provide a valuable and lasting insight into the life of a gay man during this time.
Oscar Wilde’s life and death have had a lasting influence on the world – from the changes in laws and social attitudes to the advances in medical science and his lasting literary works. His courage and resilience in the face of adversity have helped to shape the world we live in today.
The Legacy of Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde is remembered as one of the greatest literary minds of the 19th century, and his legacy continues to live on to this day. His work and his life have had a lasting influence on the world, and his courage and resilience in the face of adversity have provided a valuable insight into the life of a gay man during this time.
Wilde’s legacy is also seen in the advances made in medical science in the late 19th century, inspired partly by the fact that he had been diagnosed with syphilis. His diagnosis had a profound effect on the way the disease was viewed and treated, and this has had a lasting impact on the world.
His life and death also provided a stark reminder of the power of the legal system, and of the dangers of outdated societal norms. Although Wilde himself was a victim of these forces, his legacy lives on as a powerful statement against oppression and inequality.
The life and death of Oscar Wilde are an important reminder of the power of storytelling and of the legacy of those who challenge the status quo. His courage and conviction, as well as his determination to live a life of pleasure, are an inspiration to us all.
The Impact of Wilde’s Downfall
The downfall of Oscar Wilde had a significant impact on the people around him – both personally and professionally. Wilde’s trial and conviction had an enormous effect on his wife Constance and their two sons, who had to deal with the personal and professional repercussions of Wilde’s actions.
Wilde’s downfall had an effect on his friends and associates, too. Many of them had been aware of his behaviour but chose to remain silent due to the legal and social stigma towards homosexuality. As a result, they were left feeling betrayed and let down by Wilde’s actions.
The downfall of Oscar Wilde also had a profound effect on the publishing industry. His strength as a writer and thinker had been a huge asset to the publishers of the times, but his demise brought with it a certain amount of embarrassment and shame. Publishers became wary of working with writers who might be perceived as having similar traits, and the industry has not been the same since.
Finally, Wilde’s downfall had a major impact on the world of theatre. Many of his plays and works had been staged in the years before his conviction, and his absence left a significant void in the industry. This had a knock-on effect for other contemporaries who, despite their skill, had been overshadowed by Wilde’s presence.
The downfall of Oscar Wilde was a tragedy not only for Wilde himself, but also for the people around him, the theatre industry and the publishing world. His legacy, however, lives on as an inspiration to many, and a reminder of the power of the written word.
