-
Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde was an Irish poet and playwright. Known for his literary works, Wilde incorporated the features of both realism and fantasy in his works with phenomenal ability. He was also known for his wit, his flamboyance, and his trials and jail sentence for homosexual acts -
October 16, 1854, Westland Row, Dublin, Ireland. He was the second of three children, born to Sir William and Jane Francesca Wilde. His father is a eye and ear surgeon and his Mother was a poet and a writer -
When the family moved to London, Isola died at age nine of meningitis. Idle then dedicated a poem titled "Requiescat" to his sister. -
Oscar's older sister, also passed away. Emily's death occurred shortly after Oscar had enrolled at Portora Royal School. Her passing was another painful loss for the family. -
when Oscar Wilde was about 7 was when he started his schooling at Portora Royal School where he received a solid foundation in classical education and literature, which would later influence his intellectual and artistic development. -
He attended Oxford, just like when he was younger Wilde excelled academically, earning a double first-class degree, and became known for his legendary wit and flamboyant, unconventional fashion. This period in his life was crucial in forging connections with intellectual circles and laying the groundwork for his future achievements in literature and theater. -
Wilde published a book of poems called "Poems". Which makes him a known poet but it got a lot of mixed reviews -
On a boat, Oscar Wilde went on a book tour where he talked about a lecture, art and aesthetics. He went to many cities and captivated audiences with his wit and his eccentric personality. Establishing his reputation as a prominent literary figure and lecturer. -
Oscar Wilde marries Constance Lloyd, and the couple has two sons. During this time, Wilde begins to write for various periodicals and develops his reputation as a writer and critic.
-
He publishes "The Happy Prince and Other Tales," a collection of children's stories. -
In the next 7 years Wilde makes his best plays
"Lady Windermere's Fan" (1892): His first successful play, it explores themes of social class and morality.
"A Woman of No Importance" (1893): Another social satire highlighting the hypocrisy of the upper class.
"An Ideal Husband" (1895): A comedy of manners that examines political and moral issues.
"The Importance of Being Earnest" (1895): His most famous play, a farcical comedy with sharp wit and satire, often considered his masterpiece. -
2 men create fictional alter egos, both named "Ernest," to escape the constraints of their lives. The play satirizes Victorian society's obsession with respectability and earnestness, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings and revelations. -
Following Dorian Gray and his descent into moral corruption in his pursuit of eternal youth and beauty, and the duality of human nature. -
Following Lady Windermere, who suspects her husband of infidelity- due to her belief she is deeply hurt and emotionally distressed by her suspicions and because of this she considers abandoning her marriage and running away with another man. -
The play centers on Mrs. Arbuthnot, a woman with a hidden past that resurfaces during a weekend gathering. It explores themes of societal judgment, the consequences of one's actions, and the role of women in a society that often undervalues them. -
Wilde's personal life takes a dramatic turn when he is arrested for "gross indecency" due to his homosexual relationships, which were illegal at the time. During which time his career and reputation suffer a severe blow. -
The play follows Sir Robert Chiltern, a politician with secrets in his past. A woman named Mrs.Cheveley, who is in possession of a secret (fraudulent financial scheme) that could tarnish Sir Robert's reputation, blackmails him. When his wife finds out it makes her questions about what makes an "ideal" husband. -
He was sentenced to two years of hard labor, which he served in Reading Gaol (prison).He experienced a severe decline in his physical and mental health during his imprisonment, and his financial situation deteriorated. -
Upon his release from prison, Wilde moves to France and adopts the pseudonym "Sebastian Melmoth." He writes "The Ballad of Reading Gaol," a poem about his experiences in prison. -
Oscar Wilde dies in Paris, France, at the age of 46. He died from cerebral meningitis its thought that he got this when he was imprisoned which is why his health was so bad. -
Wilde was a highly influential playwright, poet, and author. His works, such as "The Picture of Dorian Gray" and his plays like "The Importance of Being Earnest," are celebrated for their wit, social commentary, and artistic value. His writing continues to be studied, performed, and appreciated
-
"Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes." -