Introduction
Oscar Wilde was one of the most influential and recognisable figures in late 19th century England, and his works are still widely read and appreciated today. He has been hailed as a ‘Renaissance Man’ for his unique synthesis of wit, satire, and literary style. This article will explore the life and times of Oscar Wilde, with a particular focus on when he was born and the events leading up to it.
Family Background
Oscar Wilde was born in Dublin on 16 October 1854, the son of two highly-educated parents. His father, Sir William Wilde, was a physician, writer, and social reformer, and his mother, Jane Francesca Wilde, was an Irish poet and nationalist. His elder brother, William, was a prominent figure in the early days of British photography. The Wildes were a prominent and wealthy family, and Oscar was their eldest son, so his birth was a highly anticipated and celebrated event.
Dublin in the Mid-19th Century
Ireland in the mid-19th century was a turbulent place, with social and political struggles between Catholics and Protestants and between the British administration and the Irish nationalists. Dublin, in particular, was hugely affected by these issues, and tensions often erupted into violence. Despite this, it was still a vibrant city, with a thriving cultural life, as evidenced by the presence of numerous theatres, museums, galleries, and literary clubs. All this provided a stimulating environment in which Oscar Wilde was destined to thrive.
Early Education
Oscar Wilde had a privileged upbringing and a good education, attendings Rathmines School, Trinity College Dublin, and Magdalen College, Oxford, where he studied Classics and wrote poetry. During his student years, he became a prominent figure in the Pre-Raphaelite circle of artists, writers, and critics. He was also a keen follower of the Aesthetic movement, which rejected the traditional and sought to cultivate creative pursuits in pursuit of ‘art for art’s sake’.
The 1880s and the ‘Oscar Wilde’ Phenomenon
By 1881, Wilde had become a highly sought-after public figure, known for his creative output and wit. He was soon seen as the face of the Aesthetic movement, and was invited to lecture on the subject of ‘The House Decorative Arts’. In the mid-1880s, his works began to receive critical acclaim and he quickly became a recognised playwright.
Marriage and Family Life
In 1884, Wilde married Constance Lloyd and they had two sons, Cyril and Vyvyan. Despite Wilde’s popularity and success, their marriage was troubled, with both of them having affairs. Wilde eventually pursued a more open relationship with a younger male lover, which eventually led to his family turning against him and cutting off contact.
Final Years and Imprisonment
In 1895, Wilde was arrested for ‘gross indecency’ and sentenced to two years’ hard labour. During this period, he wrote his most famous work ‘The Ballad of Reading Gaol’, which expressed his anguish about the injustice of his own incarceration and the suffering of prisoners in general. In 1898, he was released from prison, broken in both body and spirit, and he moved to France for three years to write and recuperate. He eventually died in Paris of meningitis in 1900, aged 46.
Legacy
Oscar Wilde’s brief life and works continue to shape our society today. His plays, novels and poems have been studied and analysed in countless universities and literary circles. He has been embraced by subsequent generations as a symbol of artistry and personal freedom, and his famous quotes still reverberate through our culture.
Impact on Popular Culture
Wilde’s legacy has been secured by his imprint on popular culture. His works have been adapted into plays, films and television shows, and his iconic glasses and wit have made him a recognisable figure throughout the world. He has been played by some of the biggest stars, from Stephen Fry to Rupert Everett, and his influence can be seen in the writings of contemporary writers such as Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman.
Influence on Other Writers
Wilde’s influence is perhaps best seen in the numerous writers who followed in his footsteps. From George Bernard Shaw to Dorothy Parker and even modern-day writers like David Lodge, Wilde has inspired generations of writers to explore the human condition with wit and intelligence. His work has been cited and referenced in almost every genre of literature, from detective fiction to romantic comedies.
Conclusion
Oscar Wilde was born in 1854 in Dublin, but his legacy extends far beyond his native city. From literature to theatre, cinema to television, his witty works and memorable quotes have made him one of the most enduring figures in English-speaking culture. He has been imitated, parodied, and celebrated, but never forgotten. His impact on popular culture and the lives of subsequent generations of writers has been immense, and will continue to be so in years to come.
