Oscar Wilde was an influential writer, poet and playwright of the 19th century best known for his use of wit and irony. He was born in Dublin, Ireland on October 16th, 1854 and began his literary career early on, publishing his first collection of poems in 1881. Wilde spent much of his childhood in Dublin and was educated at Trinity College. He later moved to London, England and developed his writing career, resulting in some of his most celebrated works, including The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Earnest. Wilde had a deep understanding of the English language, and the works he produced remain timeless in the English literary canon.
As Wilde was born in Dublin, he was an Irish writer first and foremost. He is considered a major influence in the Irish literary tradition and was known for his vocal support of the Irish cause. His works often contain Irish characters and settings. He even moved to Paris in the 1890s, when the Gaelic League was formed, to support the promotion of the Irish language and culture.
Wilde is greatly associated with the English literary scene, having enjoyed a successful literary career spanning decades. His works were popular among English upper classes and he maintained a sole focus on language. He is remembered for writing sharp-witted plays and short stories which mocked the rigidity of English social classes. He often wrote about the hypocrisy of 19th century upper classes and the rigidity of Victorian morality, which somewhat scandalized London’s socialites.
In addition to being an Irishman and a master of the English language, Wilde spent considerable time in both British and French exile. He was active in Europe, taking up residence in both England and France, where he was heavily influenced by French writers, such as Baudelaire and Mallarmé, as well as other French symbols and themes.
Wilde’s impact has extended across the globe. His contributions to literature, language and theatre were widely recognized, and cultural references to his works can be found in many countries across the world. Today, Wilde is remembered as one of the greatest creative writers in the English language, and his works are still widely read and studied. He was also a pioneer of queer culture, writing and living from a place of non-conformity.
The Irish Impact of Oscar Wilde
Wilde’s Irish identity had a significant impact on his writing. As an Irishman, he maintained an active interest in politics and social issues and was vocal about Irish independence and identity. He was a great supporter of the Gaelic League and penned a number of essays discussing Irish writing, which landed him in hot water with the British authorities at the time, as they were fiercely against Irish nationalism. Wilde also drew inspiration from Irish folklore, which he used throughout his works. He often wrote about Irish characters and settings, creating a unique fusion of literary devices, such as wit and irony, in his writing.
Wilde was also widely known for his humanistic approach to his writing and characters. He wrote in favour of the oppressed, regularly championing the outcasts, beggars and criminals of society, which further reflected his Irish roots and lent a unique tone to his works. Additionally, Wilde’s heavy use of symbolism and metaphor applied Irish motifs to his writing. For example, in his novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, he utilised Irish elements, such as a Celtic cross, to uplift its themes. This showcases Wilde’s immense pride in his Irish heritage, which strongly influenced his writing.
In addition to writing about Ireland, Wilde was greatly passionate about the Irish language. While living in Paris, he penned The Ballad of Reading Gaol, which was the first English poem to refer to Gaelic phrases. He used the poem to draw attention to the queer civil rights movement and organised literature readings of the poem in support of Irish independence. He also wrote a number of essays on Irish literature, which were met with criticism by the British authorities, as they were eager to suppress any Irish traces in society.
Further, Wilde often relied on Irish languages and dialects while writing. His most influential works were commonly written in the Irish vernacular, with capital and poetic flourishes. For example, in The Picture of Dorian Gray, Wilde included some Irish language elements, such as Gaelic blessings, which created a unique and captivating setting. These notions echoed the power of the Irish language, as well as Wilde’s ardent support of it.
Oscar Wilde’s Political and Queer Activism
Wilde was a firm advocate of Irish independence and even ran for a seat in Parliament in 1895. After standing for Dublin College, his campaign was successful and he was elected as member of Parliament. Despite his public popularity, his views challenging traditional English customs and morality prevented him from achieving a prominent role in the House of Commons.
Additionally, Wilde expressed his political opinions through his works, which had a great influence on many Irish readers. For example, in The Picture of Dorian Gray, he wrote a commentary on the excess of the upper classes and their lack of basic human values such as equality and justice, and even pointed out the internal struggle of Irish people who had migrated to England and were trying to preserve their sense of identity in an alien culture.
Wilde also bridged the gap between opera and theatre, with his innovative work. Opera was previously perceived as an expression of English upper-classes and Wilde used his writing to democratize this art form, making it accessible to all. His writing often included social and political criticism, as he actively challenged the notions of traditional upper-class English society, while celebrating queer curiosity. He even wrote a manifesto on the importance of theatre in describing the realities of lower-classes, which was largely received by the public.
Throughout his career, Wilde was also a pioneer of queer culture. He openly expressed his views on art and literature, refusing to be bound by the traditional structure and rules of society. He was vocal about his homosexuality, going as far as challenging the laws and customs that criminalized same-sex relationships. Wilde wrote many of his works from non-conformist perspectives and was heavily targeted by the British authorities, who even fined him for spending time with young men. His views made traditional English society uncomfortable and he was consequently put on trial for his involvement in “acts of gross indecency” when he was 40 years old.
Oscar Wilde’s Legacy
Wilde left a powerful and lasting impression on the world of literature, theatre, language and culture. He was a pioneer of the English language and created new ways of writing, often blurring the line between reality and fiction. His works were often sharp-witted and challenging and he used his writing to carefully express his humanistic and queer views, which were met with criticism by some traditional British social classes.
Wilde is also remembered as one of the most influential writers of the 19th century. Not only was he an active voice in Irish politics and society, but his work has been adapted into musicals, movies and plays, allowing his words to survive to this day. His works were widely read and appreciated by readers around the world, giving birth to several adaptations and sequels. Wilde’s legacy also extended to the language, with silly lines and humorous one-liners often attributed to him.
Wilde’s works remain important to this day and his name is still a familiar reference in the English literary canon. His journey from Irish writer to London-based poet to exiled artist endure and continue to inspire new generations of writers, including Queer and non-binary authors. He is legendary for being ahead of his time, often pushing against the norms of society with his writing.
Oscar Wilde’s Contemporary Modernism
Wilde often wrote in the vein of contemporary modernist writers, with his works fusing elements of metafiction, wit and parody. His works often featured a keen attention to the intersectionality of gender, race, class and sexuality.
Wilde further wrote his works to draw attention to what he viewed as the folly of the upper-class norms and beliefs. For example, his play The Importance of Being Earnest was written to satirize the traditional values of the upper-class and mock their narrow-mindedness. The play was also intended to express Wilde’s personal views on the importance of being conscious of your human nature rather than conforming to the idea of an idealized self-image.
Wilde’s works also remain important to contemporary readers, as they present an insight into modern society. In his plays, decolonization and deconstruction of the values of the English upper classes are evident. His works also serve as a reminder of the cross-cultural elements of Irish identity, with his writing demonstrating the intricacies of culture and language. These elements remain relevant in today’s globalised world and are often found in modern Irish literature.
Wilde’s works are timeless and are still studied today in universities and educational institutions around the world. His influence has been considerable, and he is remembered as one of the most influential writers of the 19th Century, who crafted a unique style which remains remembered and appreciated today.
Conclusion
Oscar Wilde was an influential Irish writer, poet and playwright, who created works that are still remembered and studied to this day. He was born in Dublin and educated in Trinity College, before moving to London and developing his writing career. He is remembered for writing sharp-witted plays and short stories which mocked the rigidity of English social classes, and for pushing against the norms of society with his writing. Wilde’s works remain highly relevant to this day and his name is still a familiar reference in the English literary canon.
