Oscar Wilde was a celebrated Irish playwright and poet who wrote immensely successful plays such as ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ and ‘An Ideal Husband’. He had a flamboyant personality and famously indulged in a rather controversial lifestyle. In 1895, Wilde was subsequently arrested and jailed for gross indecency.
The arrest of Oscar Wilde occurred at the Cadogan Hotel on 6th April 1895. He had been staying in the hotel with his lover Lord Alfred Douglas. Wilde had been trailed by private detectives employed by Douglas’s father, the Marquess of Queensberry, who was vehemently opposed to their relationship. The detectives had gathered a great deal of evidence prior to their arrest.
Wilde was initially charged with the offences of indecent behaviour, libel and blackmail. He was subsequently found guilty of gross indecency and sentenced to two years of hard labour in prison. Wilde served one year in Pentonville, Wandsworth and Reading prisons, enduring physical hardship and mistreatment from the guards due to his homosexuality.
The experience of going to prison was a great shock for Wilde, who had previously enjoyed a life of luxury. Following his prison stint, Wilde found that he had been ostracised from London social circles and his reputation was severely damaged. This had a big effect on both his personal life and his then-flourishing career.
Oscar Wilde eventually left England after his prison sentence and travelled to France, where he resumed his writing career. Indeed, a number of Wilde’s works, such as ‘The Ballad of Reading Gaol’, were penned during his imprisonment. Wilde’s biography, ‘De Profundis’, was also written during his prison sentence, detailing the experiences and emotions he encountered while in jail.
Oscar Wilde’s Reaction to His Imprisonment
Going to prison had a profound impact on Wilde’s life, outlook and self-perception. His imprisonment had an incredibly negative influence on his life, altering his relationship dynamics, victimizing him and leaving him feeling isolated. Studies have shown that Wilde suffered with guilt, shock, humiliation and distress during his incarceration. Wilde also began to question the criminality of his actions whilst in jail and this doubt further added to the distress of his situation.
It is clear that Wilde’s physical and mental health declined significantly during this trying period. Contemporaneous accounts and reports from friends and biographers suggest that Wilde’s health declined rapidly, with reports of dramatic weight loss, paleness and exhaustion. Reports also indicate that Wilde’s mental state was severely compromised and he exhibited a noticeable decline in confidence and self-esteem.
Wilde himself remarked upon his experience of being jailed, stating ‘solitary confinement wears and wears, and eats into the soul like a cancer. Despair follows and a horrible laughter’. This quote, further highlighted by the text of his works, gives a vivid view of the depression and guilt Wilde felt during this difficult time.
The Impact of Oscar Wilde’s Imprisonment on His Career
Wilde’s career was irrevocably affected by his imprisonment. In the immediate aftermath of his release, Wilde found it difficult to find employment and was forced to take lower paid jobs. Despite his reconciliation with his wife, his reputation was undeniably damaged and it seemed that Wilde was an outcast in English society. Wilde’s trial also had an unfortunate effect on other Victorian playwrights, who also experience significant issues with censorship during this period.
Prior to his trial and imprisonment, Wilde had enjoyed a successful, albeit controversial, career. His exuberant plays, such as ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’, had brought him widespread fame and critical acclaim. Additionally, Wilde had been a prominent figure in London’s high society, mastering the art of ‘witty diatribe’. Sadly, after his imprisonment, Wilde’s career was marred and he was unable to return to his former life.
Following his release from prison, Wilde wrote a number of highly acclaimed plays, including ‘Salomé’ and ‘The Portrait of Dorian Gray’. Unfortunately, Wilde was unable to re-establish himself in England’s high levels of society. He lived in France for the next few years, passing away in 1900 and leaving behind an impressive body of work.
The Cultural and Historical Context of Oscar Wilde’s Imprisonment
The imprisonment of Oscar Wilde was a highly political event. At this time in London, homosexuality was illegal and Wilde’s status as a leading figure in society made him an ideal target for public prosecution. Wilde was not alone in his persecution and there were other prominent figures in English literature such as authors Michael Field and Arthur Ransome who suffered similarly at the hand of the laws.
Ultimately, Wilde’s imprisonment symbolised the state of Victorian morality in which homosexuality was heavily censured and punished. His situation opened the door to nationwide discussions about these laws, prompting a nationwide debate about the legal status of homosexuality.
Wilde’s imprisonment also highlighted the hypocrisies apparent in Victorian society. Despite its strong religious beliefs, the moral standards of the time were highly flexible and Wilde’s actions were only illegal because of his status and fame. Indeed, many wealthy and important people of the time were able to enjoy their extra-marital affairs and sexual indulgences, while Wilde was persecuted for his tastes.
The Legacy of Oscar Wilde’s Imprisonment
Wilde’s imprisonment had a lasting impact on English society and future generations. Although homosexuality was socially accepted in many cultures prior to the 19th century, it was Wilde’s story throughout the Victorian era that gave a face to the struggle of homosexuals everywhere. His public trial also fuelled public sympathies and debate, positioning Wilde as an archetypal figure in the history of LGBT rights.
Wilde’s views on homosexuality have subsequently pervaded into the public consciousness and influenced the ways in which LGBT rights are discussed today. His trial and prosecution have become widely cited in the history of LGBT rights and his works on the topic have been widely read ever since. This has undeniably had a positive impact on attitudes towards homosexuality.
Wilde’s legacy is also apparent in popular culture, with numerous plays, films and books being produced about his life and works. Indeed, Wilde was recently celebrated in 2019’s ‘Oscar Wilde Season’, which was hosted at London’s V&A Museum. The event was attended by a variety of public figures and dignitaries and highlighted the importance of Wilde’s contribution to English literature.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Oscar Wilde’s imprisonment in 1895 had an indelible effect on his life, career, reputation and attitudes towards sexuality. The cultural and historical context of Wilde’s circumstances is also of paramount importance in understanding the impact of his trial, prosecution and subsequent legacy. For over one hundred years now, Wilde’s story has been used to educate and sensitise people on the issue of LGBT rights and continues to be an important part of the ongoing fight for the acceptance of homosexuality.
