Oscar Wilde, the renowned playwright and author, passed away on November 30, 1900. Born in Dublin, Ireland, on October 16, 1854, Wilde cultivated a reputation as an articulate, sharp-tongued, and witty social critic. He penned many classic works, including The Picture of Dorian Gray, in 1890 and The Importance of Being Earnest, in 1895.
Surprisingly, Wilde died penniless in poverty. He was convicted of indecency for being in a relationship with another man and had worked laboriously and published extensively during his few weeks of freedom from prison. Few of his books sold or became recognized during his life time and his financial fortunes had long been reversed due to his lavishly extravagant lifestyle.
After his trial, Wilde was deported to France, where he soon developed severe bronchial troubles and was moved to a hotel in Paris to convalesce. The hotel was the closest Wilde could get to a home in his adopted country, since the British government forbade him from returning. The end of his life was shrouded in sadness as he would write to his friends that while “the birds sing in the trees” he would “be able to do nothing but listen.”
Wilde died on November 30, 1900 in a Paris hotel, attended by several friends and loved ones. Following his death, one of Wilde’s friends took his body to the Père-Lachaise cemetery in the east of Paris, where he was buried. Up until his death, Wilde was known for his desire to fully express himself and challenge others on their conventions, but his popularity only increased following his demise.
To this day, Wilde is remembered for his endearing wit, out of the box thinking, and intelligent challenge of accepted beliefs. He was one of the most important writers of English literature and was praised for being a pioneer of the avant-garde philosophy. Wilde’s legacy lives on today through his works, which continue to inspire new writers and thinkers.
The Life & Times of Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde was born in Dublin in 1854 to Sir William and Lady Wilde, two prominent figures in the arts and sciences. Raised in high society, Wilde was soon intrigued by the culture and interests of the upper class and that ultimately formed the basis of his literary works. As a young adult, Wilde excelled in academics at Trinity College and was regarded as one of the country’s brightest minds.
In 1879, Wilde began traveling around the world; first to North America and then to Continental Europe, gathering inspiration for his works. It was during his travels that he published his debut novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and it became a huge success. His other works such as The Importance of Being Earnest and An Ideal Husband also earned him notable acclaim.
In the late 1890s, Wilde became romantically involved with a young poet named Lord Alfred Douglas, who had hurt his father’s standing in polite society. Without hesitation, Wilde defended his love for Lord Alfred and refused to end their relationship. This resulted in Wilde being charged with indecency and sentenced to two years of hard labor. Following his conviction, Wilde left his native country and never returned.
Wilde took up residence in France and wrote This Picture is Dorian Gray in four months. He published short stories and poems in French and was well-received in the artistic circles of the time. He continued to publish plays, essays and prose up until the time of his death in 1900.
Although Wilde did not live to see his works in full recognition and admiration, he left a legacy that is still celebrated in the modern day. He paved the way for many other authors to express themselves without fear of judgement and empowered them to challenge conventions in thought.
The Literary Style of Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde’s works reflect his unique literary style, which combined the highest quality of craftsmanship and wit. He was known for his use of epigrams, which are brief, witty statements that capture the irony of life. His plays were often laments on the hypocrisies of society and the pervading nature of materialism.
Wilde’s works are punctuated by his use of paradox, which allows him to nuance his thoughts and create an ongoing, stimulating narrative. His use of irony allows him to express complex ideas in a humorous and accessible way. This style has been a major influence for many modern authors, who look to Wilde for guidance on how to effectively use sharp humor and wit in literature.
In his stories and plays, Wilde often conveys his own philosophies through the dialogue of the characters. In The Picture of Dorian Gray, for example, several characters espouse Wilde’s view on the relationship between art and life. This device has resulted in some of the most iconic quotes in literature, such as ‘the only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it’.
Wilde also used parody to make sharp statements about politics and the upper classes. In his satire The Importance of Being Earnest, Wilde uses humor to poke fun at the privileged class and their inability to see the value in a regular, honest life. This kind of work has been a major influence on the comic genre and has been echoed in the work of countless modern comedies.
The Influence of Oscar Wilde
Though he has been gone for more than a century, Oscar Wilde’s influence on literature and culture can still be seen today. Wilde’s works often contain a reflection of contemporary politics, and his subtle satire has proven to be timeless. His philosophical musings can still be found in the works of modern authors, who strive to emulate Wilde’s wit and insight.
Wilde’s works have had a major impact on filmmakers, television writers and comedians as well. His influence can be seen in screwball comedies and dark satires. Many of his famous quotes have become part of the cultural lexicon and are widely used in everyday conversations. His ideas of beauty, art and morality still prevail in today’s society, which is why he continues to inspire people to think independently and challenge accepted conventions.
It can be argued that Wilde’s greatest legacy is his influence on the LGBT+ community. His story is one of resilience and strength, and Wilde’s courage in the face of adversity has served as an example for many marginalized communities. He endures as a symbol of hope for those oppressed by society and his courage has been a source of strength for many.
The Legacy of Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde’s indelible mark on the world of literature continues to be felt more than a hundred years after his death. In 1998, the Irish Government erected a memorial to him in Merrion Square Park in Dublin, and a century later his influence is still seen in fashion, art, film and literature.
Wilde’s unflinching wit, ability to challenge accepted conventions and insights on morality have been the inspiration for many contemporary artworks and performances. His legacy has seen him recognized as a symbol of freedom, bravery and resilience.
His works might have been considered scandalous in his time, but today they are viewed as some of the most important pieces of literature in history. Wilde’s works have transcended time and his ideas are still as relevant as ever. He will forever be remembered as one of the greatest writers in English literature and a pioneer of the avant-garde philosophy.
