Oscar Wilde

Definition

Oscar Wilde was an influential Irish playwright, poet, and author, best known for his witty and satirical works that challenged societal norms of the late 19th century. His unique style and flamboyant personality made him a prominent figure in the Aesthetic Movement, which emphasized beauty and artistic expression over moral or social themes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Oscar Wilde was born on October 16, 1854, in Dublin, Ireland, into a well-educated family, which influenced his literary pursuits.
2. He gained fame in London during the 1880s for his sharp wit and brilliant epigrams, becoming a leading figure in the literary society of his time.
3. Wilde's only novel, 'The Picture of Dorian Gray', critiques the pursuit of pleasure and the superficiality of society through the story of a young man who remains eternally youthful while his portrait ages.
4. In 1895, Wilde was convicted of 'gross indecency' due to his homosexual relationships, leading to a two-year prison sentence that significantly impacted his life and career.
5. His works continue to be celebrated for their exploration of identity, morality, and aesthetics, cementing his legacy as one of the most important writers of the 19th century.

Review Questions

• How did Oscar Wilde's work reflect the values and ideas of the Aesthetic Movement?
  • Oscar Wilde's work exemplified the Aesthetic Movement's ideals by emphasizing beauty, artifice, and sensory experience over moral or social themes. His plays and writings often featured witty dialogue and satirical commentary on Victorian society, challenging conventional norms. By prioritizing aesthetic pleasure and self-expression, Wilde helped elevate art as a distinct form that could critique societal expectations without adhering to them.
• Discuss the significance of Wilde's only novel 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' in relation to Victorian attitudes towards morality and identity.
  • In 'The Picture of Dorian Gray', Wilde critically examines Victorian attitudes toward morality, hedonism, and personal identity. The novel's protagonist embodies the struggle between outward appearances and inner truth, highlighting the superficiality prevalent in society. This conflict resonates with readers as it reveals the dangers of prioritizing aesthetic beauty over ethical integrity, making it a powerful commentary on the dichotomy between societal expectations and individual desires.
• Evaluate how Oscar Wilde's imprisonment impacted his literary legacy and the perception of homosexuality in society during the late 19th century.
  • Oscar Wilde's imprisonment for his homosexual relationships marked a significant turning point in both his literary legacy and societal views on homosexuality. While it led to a decline in his popularity during his imprisonment, it also catalyzed discussions about sexuality, personal freedom, and societal norms. After his release, Wilde continued to influence literature through his poignant reflections on art and identity while also becoming a symbol for the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in a repressive society. His experiences ultimately contributed to evolving attitudes toward sexuality in later years.

Related terms

Aesthetic Movement:

A cultural movement that emerged in the late 19th century, promoting 'art for art's sake' and focusing on beauty and sensory experiences rather than social or political themes.

The Importance of Being Earnest: A comedic play by Oscar Wilde that satirizes Victorian society and its attitudes towards marriage, identity, and social obligations.

Dandyism: A lifestyle and aesthetic associated with a man who places particular importance on physical appearance, refined language, and leisurely hobbies, epitomized by Wilde's own persona.