Oscar Wilde is one of the most celebrated authors of the Victorian era, having written works such as The Picture of Dorian Grey, The Importance of Being Earnest, and Lady Windermere’s Fan. He was born in Dublin, Ireland on October 16, 1854 and spent most of his formative years growing up there. Wilde’s academic, social and literary achievements during his lifetime are all the more impressive given his humble beginnings.
Wilde was the second of three children born to Sir William and Lady Jane Wilde (born Lady Jane Francesca Agnes Elgee). Lady Jane had been a successful poet and songwriter, as well as an editor of an influential magazine, before her marriage to Sir William. They lived in the Dublin suburb of Merrion Square, with the threat of poverty never far away. Although Sir William was able to keep the family afloat, the family’s fortunes slid, and the Wildes were occasionally reduced to taking on lodgers in their home to make ends meet.
The Wilde family moved to London in 1878, and it was there that Oscar began to find his voice as a writer. His first novel was begun during this time, The Picture of Dorian Grey. His social life of parties, soirees and dinners was filled with the influencers of Victorian London society and his influence in this circle led to a level of renown that he had never before enjoyed. Nevertheless, his formative years in Dublin remain inextricably linked to his identity as an author and socialite, forming the backbone to his works and character.
Oscar Wilde was an Ulster Protestant, a fact which played a large role in his identity and outlook. His mother was a Catholic, although she converted to the Church of Ireland upon her marriage to Wilde’s father. Neither of his parents were particularly devout, but the mix of both faiths gave Wilde an understanding and appreciation of religion that formed the basis of his thinking and contributed significantly to his writing. His precarious social situation growing up was also no doubt integral to his view of the world, as was his time in Britain. He was probably exposed to a wide array of social classes while growing up, a circumstance which he would have been exposed to had he remained in Dublin as well.
Oscar Wilde attended Portora Royal School in County Fermanagh, and Trinity College, Dublin in 1871, where he was awarded a scholarship. During this time he was able to undertake further studies in Greek and Latin, literary criticism and the sciences. After graduating in 1874, Wilde spent a brief stint in Oxford, working at the prestigious Magdalen college. He continued his academic pursuits there before finally deciding to become a professional writer in 1881. It was during this period that his works were first published, and his reputation as a literary genius began to take hold.
Oscar Wilde may be best known for his works of literature and wit, but he was also a brilliant thinker and thinker, who spent much of his life in dialogue with the culture, religion and politics of his time. His formative years in Dublin and his later years in London no doubt played an important role in the development of his views and his world view, and their influence on his writing can still be felt to this day.
Wildes Youth in Dublin
Oscar Wilde was born in Dublin on 16 October 1854 and grew up in the city. He was the second child of Lady Jane Francesca Agnes Elgee and Sir William Wilde. Lady Jane was a prominent poet and was the editor of an influential magazine and Sir William was a prominent eye and ear surgeon. Growing up in Dublin, Wilde was exposed to a diverse range of social classes and was educated at the prestigious Portora Royal School and Trinity College, Dublin on scholarship.
Wilde’s relationship with his father was particularly close and Sir William was largely responsible for the family’s financial stability and proudly supported Oscar’s accomplishments. Despite this, the family often had to take on lodgers to make ends meet. The family moved to London in 1878 and it was here that Wilde started to establish himself as a writer and good socialite.
The Irish capital had two very important effects on Wilde’s life, firstly his exposure to many different social classes and backgrounds, and secondly, his embrace of both the Protestant and Catholic faiths of his parents. This combination of faiths fostered in the young Wilde the ability to negotiate the complexity of life with the combination of both East and West. His views on religion and politics were sharpened during his formative years in Dublin, and his reluctance towards the prudish aspects of society were also formed there.
Wilde’s Education in Dublin
Wilde was educated in two Dublin schools, the prestigious Portora Royal School and, later on, Trinity College, Dublin. At Portora Royal School, Wilde studied classical languages, including Greek and Latin. During this period he not only studied the classics but also literature, criticism, and science.
At Trinity College, Wilde excelled in studies and won the gold medal for Greek and another for English Verse. During college he also wrote a number of influential essays which helped to gain notice in both the present and future. After graduating in 1874, Wilde spent a year at Magdalen College, Oxford, where he continued to further his knowledge.
The academic opportunities provided in Dublin were essential to the formation of Wilde’s identity, allowing him to develop his views on a number of topics and to explore his love for literature. His exposure to academia and its challenges as a young man also enabled him to develop his epistemological theories, forming an integral part of his works in later life.
Wilde’s Influences in Dublin
Wilde was greatly influenced by the culture and intellectual environment offered in Dublin during his formative years. Literature and drama were particularly important in Wilde’s family, as his mother was a renowned poet and his father was an editor. This ideological environment exposed Wilde to a range of new perspectives which enriched his beliefs.
In addition to being exposed to the ideas of others, Wilde developed a love of learning and classical literature in his time in Dublin. This love of learning led him to undertake further study with the aim of eventually becoming a writer.
Wilde’s time in Dublin was also significant in other ways, such as his exposure to both Protestantism and Catholicism. This bicultural mixture of influences prepared him for the challenge of negotiating between the conflicting ideas which his work itself often offered.
Wilde’s Reputation in Dublin
Wilde’s early years in Dublin laid a strong foundation for his future works and notoriety. By the time he left Dublin, Wilde’s academic and social achievements were already becoming apparent. He was already noted for his ability to educate, entertain and endear himself to both his peers and the public.
The stay in Dublin also played an important role in the transformation of Wilde from an academic to an accomplished and recognised writer. His interest in writing was kept alive while he studied in Dublin and his pursuits in theatre and other mediums of art provided him with the vision to bring his works to life.
The Wilde family left Dublin in 1878 and shortly after, Wilde’s works began to be published. His works enjoyed enormous success and his reputation as an intellectual and wit only grew stronger. What Wilde achieved during his formative years in Dublin, is remarkable and still remains an important part of his identity today.
The Impact of Dublin on Wilde’s Thinking
The Irish capital had a lasting impact on Wilde’s mind, as it provided him with a unique cultural experience due to its diversity. Growing up in Dublin also enabled Wilde to gain an insight into both Protestantism and Catholicism, an experience which prepared him for the complexities of later life.
The city was a platform for Wilde to explore and strengthen his own beliefs in art, literature, religion and politics. It also offered Wilde the opportunity to develop his own philosophical beliefs and to gain an appreciation for the works of other authors and intellectuals. His exposure to the literary and cultural elite of Dublin, gave him the inspiration he needed to create works which are still highly admired and respected today.
Wilde’s time in Dublin was an essential part of his identity and formative years, and his works are still infused with his observations and experience of the city. It provided Wilde with a platform to develop the skills, knowledge and relationships which allowed him to become a celebrated author and wit.
