Oscar Wilde 1854 - 1900

Wilde was born in Dublin to a well-known surgeon and an artistic mother He attended Oxford on a scholarship, earning a rare double degree at the end of his terms there After graduation, Wilde moved to London He soon made a name for himself as a speaker and literary critic His Life

Wilde traveled to France, the US, and other European countries He was the editor of a major women’s magazine in London He was considered to be an excellent conversationalist and very witty Wilde married Constance Lloyd in 1885 They moved to London and live an extravagant lifestyle

Wilde had an extremely unique taste for beauty and art; he considered “aesthetics” to be the ultimate form of taste and enjoyment in the world – “art for art’s sake” He dressed and acted flamboyantly, wearing bright colors, elaborate fabrics, and defending his right to enjoy life as a lover of fine, beautiful things Interestingly, he was a devoted father to his two sons and provided his wife with a solid income

Wilde was one who “uttered opinions that were both outrageous and incongruous” He “had the gifts of an actor who delights in gaining attention” He had discovered that “a flamboyant style of dress was one of the most effective means of getting attention”

His Work Wilde excelled in several genres: A critic of literature and society Novelist Poet Dramatist His greatest success was as a writer of comedians, such as “The Importance of Being Earnest” His Work

Wilde was well-received as a playwright, and his work was produced in England and France

Wilde’s views of art, personal self-indulgence, and relationships led him to a lifestyle that was decadent and excessive He had affairs with several men, most importantly with the son of a very important nobleman The Marquis of Queensberry was angry with Wilde and his relationship with his son, Lord Alfred Douglas His Downfall

The Marquis took Wilde to court and Wilde was convicted of his “lewd” lifestyle (England had just passed a law outlawing homosexuality – it was a felony) Wilde spent two years in prison His health and career failed, and he was never allowed to see his wife or sons again Wilde moved to France after serving his sentence

Wilde appears to have attempted to redeem himself spiritually and asked to be allowed to live in a religious community for several months but was denied his request Having lost his will do write, Wilde moved several times in Paris, finally ending up in a cheap hotel He died, bankrupt, and virtually alone He is buried in France