Oscar Wilde was notably known for being a literary genius, but he was also well-known for being convicted of gross indecency in 1895. After Wilde refused to plead, he was found guilty and was soon imprisoned in Reading gaol. It was initially unheard of to pursue convictions against homosexuals, especially against a public figure such as Wilde, so his sentencing was particularly harsh; two years of hard labour. In addition to his explicit illegality, many believed that this sentence was passed to make an example of Wilde, and to discourage similar behaviour.
The prison was purpose-built in 1844, and was initially built to attempt to give prisoners better treatment, with the design of the building having a positive effect on inmates’ moods and thoughts. Yet, despite this, it has been widely suggested and widely accepted, that the prison was overcrowded, as well as being unsanitary and uncomfortable. Wilde’s cell, for example, was eight feet long and five feet wide. During his two year imprisonment, Wilde faced with bad food, disease and harsh solitary confinement.
It is clear that his two-year sentence had a huge effect on Wilde, and the toll it took on his mental and physical health was severe. Wilde used his experiences in the gaol to write his famous work, De Profundis, as well as his famous ballad poem ‘The Ballad of Reading Gaol.’ Many believe that these two works are some of the greatest of Wilde’s literary works, and provide an insight into the effects of incarceration on the soul, as well as on the mind.
The Ballad of Reading Gaol served as a testament to Wilde’s experience in the prison. He wrote it several years after his release, and the poem serves as a powerful reminder of the effects of harsh prison sentences, as well as the effects on a man’s social life, that can occur as a result of serving time. During his time in the gaol, Wilde wrote several letters, which he intended to be published after his release. One of his letters, De Profundis, was written to Lord Alfred Douglas during his final months of imprisonment.
When the two-year prison sentence had finished, Wilde was released from Reading gaol. After he was released, he traveled to France, where he lived for many years in an exile of sorts. He later died of meningitis in 1900, and is now remembered as one of the most influential writers of all time. His prison experiences have been referenced over the centuries, creating a thought-provoking impression of societal values and the way they have changed over the years.
Violations of Law at the Time
At the time of Wilde’s sentencing, many considered any homosexual behaviour as repugnant, and therefore punishable. This was especially true for Wilde, who was a public figure and a major target for slanderous comments due to his relations with the upper classes. As punishment for Wilde’s indecent behaviour, he was sent to Reading gaol for two years of hard labour.
The law of the time was harsh, and there was no consideration for the fact that Wilde may not have intended to indulge in misconduct; the conviction was purely a result of his negligence to keep his own behaviour under control. This is a stark contrast to the society’s views of homosexuality now, which is a much more empathetic understanding of sexual preference and gender. The same applies to a variety of other issues that were condemned in Victorian England.
The laws and morals of the time were highly oppressive, so much so that Wilde’s visitors were extremely limited. Furthermore, those that visited him had to ask permission to the gaol’s governor, who would then inspect the visitor’s references and then decide whether or not to grant them a visit with Wilde. His strict environment enforced prohibition of any physical contact with visitors. Even Wilde’s own family was not allowed to extend a hand in greeting.
At the time of his sentencing, Wilde was prosecuted for two separate accounts of absolute misconduct. Firstly, Wilde was accused of engaging in gross indecency, and then secondly, he was found guilty of conspiracy with Lord Alfred Douglas in obtaining money, which was said to be in the form of blackmail.
Psychological and Physical Penalties
As a result of his sentencing, Wilde endured immense psychological and physical damage. Physically, he had to complete sixteen-hour days of hard labor and frequently suffered from illness caused by the dangerous, insanitary conditions of the prison. In addition, he also had to endure a strict diet of potato and bread soup, which led him to suffer from malnutrition. His mental health was also negatively affected due to the isolation, boredom and lack of any recreational activities.
It is clear that Wilde’s prison experience had a lasting impact on him. His writings from the time of his incarceration clearly allude to his time in prison and the negative mental toll it had taken on him. His works, The Ballad of Reading Gaol and De Profundis in particular, provide a stark reminder of the human cost of our legal punishment systems. His works exhibit a loss of faith in humanity and life, a sense of being isolated and helpless, as well as a longing for freedom.
Whilst inprisoned, Wilde wrote several letters to his family and friends, inwhich he spoke of his environment, his physical and mental health, but also of his will to persevere and maintain his faith in a better future. During his two-year sentence, he frequently spoke candidly of his suffering, despair and hope for freedom from imprisonment. These letters highlight how even the strongest of individuals can be broken by imprisonment.
After the two year sentence had been served, Wilde was finally released from Reading gaol. After his release, Wilde attempted to return to England, however he was still seen as an outcast, and so Wilde decided to settle down in France. The two years served in prison had not just hurt his physical and mental health, but had labeled him as an outcast and greatly damaged his social life. His imprisonment had not just been a lengthy sentence, but it had been an immense personal battle.
Long Lasting Societal Impact
Today, Wilde’s imprisonment has had an everlasting impact on society. The legacy of Wilde has left a reminder of the dangers that can come from following a single-minded moral code without any consideration for personal circumstances. Our society is incredibly fortunate to be able to now observe and accept different sexual preferences, with Wilde’s experience serving as an example of the cost of disregarding understanding and compassion.
In addition, since Wilde’s trial, the law has changed with regards to its strictness for those who are openly homosexual. Yet, this does not take away from the fact that Wilde’s trial and imprisonment undoubtedly served as a warning for decades to come; enforcing negative views and deliberate injustices towards those who openly identify as such. This unequal treatment of the law impacted many’s reputations, societies, and has been seen in many other issues over the years.
Finally, Wilde’s works serve as a reminder of the power that can be made from struggle, and his art has also impacted literature to this day. His works remain some of the most admired, and his example can provide hope even in the most severe of circumstances. His writings were, and remain to this day, a product of immense talent, but also of immense hardship. His legacy is powerful, and will likely stay with us for many more years to come.
Development of the Prison System
Whilst the prison system has since changed significantly since Wilde’s experience, the prison is still used for incarcerating those who are found guilty of receiving a sentence which may include a period of hard labor. The prison is now a much larger establishment and has been developed so that it could accommodate a great number of inmates and parolees. Since Wilde’s time, the prison has been improved to ensure better safety and security, as well as improved living conditions, in order to provide prisoners with the best possible care.
The prison system today is still not perfect, however, it has made great leaps in bettering the living conditions of those who are staying in prison. The system no longer includes the severity of punishment in which Wilde experienced, and instead attempts to provide inmates with a chance to be rehabilitated in order to re-enter society as a productive and law-abiding citizen. This has led to much improved outcomes for prisoners, with a reduction of inmates reoffending, which is something that Wilde may not have had.
Today, the prison system has improved in its methodology and practices, yet, with Wilde at the heart of the prison experience, his legacy will remain. Whilst Wilde did not experience the same benefits, the prison system today has been developed to ensure that all prisoners are treated fairly and with respect, regardless of their criminality.
Conclusion
Oscar Wilde’s harrowing experience in Reading gaol serves as a reminder of the importance of equality and understanding, even in a law-abiding society. His legacy as a literary genius, as well as his experience in prison, has made a lasting impact and will remain with us for many years to come. His trial and imprisonment provided a stark example of the power of ignorance, but it also serves as a reminder of the power of the individual to make a difference.
