Oscar Wilde, the renowned writer, playwright, and poet, is remembered for his remarkable wit and sparkling conversational style. Wilde lived from 1854 to 1900, and his life and works have inspired countless generations of writers. In this article, we’ll look at the highlights of Wilde’s life during this time and explore his literary works, influencing other writers, his unique character, and tragic end.
Wilde was born in Dublin, Ireland on October 16th, 1854 to William and Sidney Wilde. He attended two of the most prestigious universities in Dublin, Trinity College and Magdalen College, before moving to London in 1878. In London, Wilde began to establish himself as a respected writer, lecturer, and conversationalist. He gained recognition for his poetry collection Poems, which was published in 1881, and went on to start a career in literature and public speaking.
Wilde also established himself as a playwright and his works were performed throughout England and abroad. His plays include Lady Windermere’s Fan, An Ideal Husband, and The Importance of Being Earnest, all of which were performed on the London stage in the early 1890s. He gained notoriety with the comedic plays and his work was considered to be one of the best breezy comedies of the Victorian period.
Wilde wrote a number of prose works, including the short story collection The Happy Prince, and the novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, which have become cult classics. He was known for his biting wit, his flamboyant lifestyle, and his sharp sartorial choices and is often credited as one of the inspirations for punk fashion. His works were not without controversy, however, and he was arrested and imprisoned in 1895 for public indecency and ‘grossly improper behaviour’.
Wilde’s biographer Richard Ellman attributes Wilde’s decline to a kind of manic depression. Ellman states that “Wilde loved life, he loathed it, he longed for it, he feared it”. After being released from prison, Wilde moved to France where his influence, as a writer and public figure, had waned and his public image was tarnished. He died of an ear infection at the age of 46 in Paris on November 30th, 1900.
Impact on Other Writers
Wilde’s unique brand of wit and artfully crafted irony has been passed down through generations of writers and his works have been adapted for film and stage. His plays and short stories have been translated into over 30 languages and have been adapted for stage, television, and films. Wilde has inspired many modern writers, such as Mark Twain and T.S. Eliot, and his influence continues to be present in literature today.
Wilde’s legacy as a writer is especially evident in the works of other authors, who continue to reference him in their stories. J.K Rowling, for instance, was inspired by Wilde’s work in her Harry Potter series, and quotes from The Picture of Dorian Gray appear in the book: “The world is changed because you are made of ivory and gold. The curves of your lips rewrite history.”
Wilde’s influence is also present in other mediums, such as films. He was referenced in the award-winning film The Great Gatsby, with the character of Gatsby based, in part, on Wilde’s own excesses and eccentricity. Since then, Wilde has appeared in films, plays and television shows all over the world, and his writings are still relevant today.
Controversy in Life and Legacy
In his later years, Wilde experienced scandal and controversy due to his homosexuality. At the time, homosexuality was a crime and he was charged with “gross indecency”. Wilde was imprisoned for two years and his reputation suffered. After his release, he moved to France, where he lived an isolated life until his death. This controversial period is often overlooked in conversations about Wilde’s life, but it is important to recognise the impact it had on his life and legacy.
Despite these setbacks, Wilde’s influence as a writer has endured throughout the years. He is still considered a major influence in literature and his influence on modern literature is still felt. His works have also been adapted for film and theatre, and his works continue to be read and studied today.
Influence on Attitudes Towards Sexuality
The legacy of Oscar Wilde is not limited to his works of literature. He has had a substantial influence on the way people think about LGBT rights. He was one of the earliest openly gay men, and his works are still referenced in contemporary discussions of LGBT rights. His Trial of Oscar Wilde, a play about his real-life trial for gross indecency, is widely studied in academia and has become a symbol of LGBT resistance around the world.
Wilde served as an important example for LGBT people, who saw his courage and refusal to stay closeted in the face of adversity as an example of determination and strength. His story has continued to inspire people to fight against injustice, inspiring more open conversations about sex, gender, and sexuality.
Conclusion
Oscar Wilde was a brilliant writer and conversationalist who lived between 1854 and 1900. His writing, which contained biting wit and artful irony, influenced generations of writers and continues to be studied today. He experienced scandal and controversy due to his homosexuality, but his legacy lives on through his works and his influence on LGBT rights.
