Oscar Wilde deserves his place in the pantheon of English literature for his wit and creativity. He was, and remains, a quintessentially English literary figure, a prodigious playwright and novelist who bended conventions of 19th century writing. His life spanned only a few decades but his works and stories became forever enshrined in the bookshelves of history.
The Dublin-born Wilde was a literary force and his reputation grew quickly in the 1880s. He gained widespread notoriety for his play, The Importance of Being Earnest. This witty, farcical piece of theatre combined light-hearted comedy and punning dialogue to produce an enduringly popular theatrical experience. Long after Oscar Wilde died, his plays remain widely-performed and groundbreaking in their blend of historical accuracy, wit and animation.
Wilde also wrote fiction. He penned The Picture of Dorian Gray as a novel, which prompted contemporary shock with its narrative of a man’s increasingly hedonistic interactions with the supernatural. This book was said to delve beneath the expectations of society and provide a piercing commentary on the dangers of overindulgence.
Wilde was an early pioneer of Wilde was also a poet, who composed The Ballad of Reading Gaol. This piece of art examined the inner workings of the English penal system in vivid detail. With unfaltering clarity and descriptive language, Wilde tapped into the suppressed emotions surrounding life in jail and cast aspersions on the justice system for its harshness.
Each of these works set a benchmark for other writers to follow, establishing Wilde as one of the greatest English authors of his era.
In the later part of his career, Wilde suffered immense personal tragedy. He was prosecuted because of his sexuality and this notoriety forced him into a life of exile, leaving England in order to survive.
Oscar Wilde was, and remains, renowned for his impact on comedy, literature, and romance. His artistry, spirit, and effervescent sense of humour continues to captivate audiences of all ages, across genres, making him an emblem of English culture and an icon of modern day Britain.
Illustrious Writing Career
For some, Wilde was best known for his play, the Importance of Being Earnest, which was a work that combined light comedy with brilliant satirical elements that relied heavily on puns. It opens with the line “I hope you have not been leading a double life, pretending to be wicked and being really good all the time?” as a comedic trigger.
In addition to this, Wilde also wrote The Picture of Dorian Gray, which was a novel that subverted the expectations of society with its narrative of a man’s indulgence in various pursuits. It was said to have explored the underbelly of suppressed excess.
In addition to writing plays and novels, Oscar Wilde was also a prolific poet. His works included The Ballad of Reading Gaol, which focused on the penal system of England, commenting on its brutality and oppression.
Wilde’s repute as one of the greatest English authors of his era actually preceded, as he was renowned all around the world before he reached his fame in Britain. He has also been highly influential in all literary genres, as his works have had a profound impact on the history of literature.
Wilde’s works remain widely-read, widely-performed and groundbreaking in their blend of historical accuracy, irony and animation. Wilde’s artistry, brilliance, and wit inspires the work of many who have come after him and his name is a near-legendary emblem of English culture began in the 19th century and continues to this day.
Unfortunate Downfall
Wilde’s life however, was not as glamorous as his writing. In the later years of Wilde’s life, he faced adverse personal and public tragedy, culminating in his forced exile to France. He was widely and widely publically persecuted due to his sexuality.
The prosecution he faced was quite severe, minor by today’s standards but at the time it is what brought about his downfall. He was scorned by society and forced from England and instead sought refuge in France.
Most of his life then was a testament to sorrow, with extreme difficulties eroding his will to write. He was instead left with the memories of his most successful artistic period and the books, plays, and poetry that he had left behind.
Wilde’s influence on literature was still extremely powerful however, with his works also having a major impact on the modern conception of satire, as well as the understanding of how artistic works can be used as a means of social commentary, beyond simply entertainment.
Oscar Wilde’s life was a source of creative brilliance and regrettable misfortune. His name is forever etched into the heart of English literature, witnessed by the fact that his most popular works are to this day still widely-regarded and performed around the world.
Societal Relevance
Yet for all his success, Oscar Wilde’s life was one of tragedy, primarily due to the prosecution he faced based on his sexuality. This has given Wilde an important, if not heartbreaking presence in the history of English literature and the struggle for LGBTQ rights.
History is marked by such stories, tales of courage and defiance that reflect on societal issues and boundaries. Wilde’s story is one of the most significant and iconic stories that have emerged from the 19th century and has been as much of a lesson in perseverance as it has been an inspiration.
Wilde’s story also remains devastatingly relevant today, as attacks against the LGBTQ+ community continue and existing laws are still considered inadequate. The bravery he demonstrated in the face of such injustice can be considered an example to learn from and follow in our current times.
Society today continues to suffer the effects of Wilde’s downfall, while also appreciating the work of creativity he left behind. While his works might not have fixed the injustices of his era, they remain as a beacon of innovative thought, as Wilde’s story-telling and unforgettable characters remain ageless.
Celebration of His Legacy
Wilde’s death was a tragedy, but his life and contribution to literature remains a source of inspiration and admiration. His work continues to be celebrated and still holds a major and timeless presence in the English canon.
Wilde’s legacy lives on, with adapted works and movies still circulating the mainstream. His presence can be felt today by those who continue to invoke and reference his works or seek to revive them.
His spirit and wit is also embodied in the annual Oscar Wilde awards, which serves to recognise and honour writers and journalists who have contributed to British culture and society through their work. This standing recognition of Wilde’s work and contribution puts him in a league of his own.
The writing of Oscar Wilde has left an indelible mark on the world of literature, inspiring several generations of writers, playwrights and public figures. His works remain influential to this day and continue to invigorate audiences with their timeless quality, everlasting wit and spirit.
Impact on Modern Culture
Wilde’s acclaimed works have also had a major impact on modern culture as well as not only inspiring future generations of writers, but also inspiring a range of musicians, artists and film makers.
In the fields of pop and rock music, bands such as The Smiths and Morrissey have drawn heavily from Wilde’s writings, producing songs like Interesting Drug, which heavily references the writer’s work.
Modern artists like Tim Burton have been known to use Wilde’s stories as an inspiration for many of their creative works, like the movie Alice in Wonderland, which has its roots in Wilde’s story-telling.
In addition to this, there has been a seismic shift in the perception of Wilde’s works in recent years, as the public has shifted away from the notions of Victorian values and grown to understand and accept Wilde’s brand of irreverent satire and wit.
Wilde’s works may have been groundbreaking in their time, but they are now even more relevant and appreciated with their message of acceptance and creativity. They are a prime example of the importance of art and its ability to reach across generations and educate on a range of relevant social issues.
