| Full Name | Oscar Fingal O‘Flahertie Wills Wilde |
| Birthday | October 16, 1854 |
| Birthplace | Dublin, Ireland |
| Death Date | November 30, 1900 |
| Spouse | Constance Lloyd |
| Children | Cyril and Vyvyan |
| Occupation | Playwright, novelist, poet |
| Net Worth | $1 million (estimated) |
| Social Media | Facebook, Twitter, Instagram |
Oscar Wilde was an Irish writer popular in London during the 1890s. A legend for his wit and flamboyant style, he penned enduring classics like The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Earnest. Though his literary career was relatively brief, his ingenious works remain hugely influential. As an Oscar Wilde enthusiast, I‘m delighted to provide this in-depth introduction to his remarkable life and legacy.
Early Life and Education
Born in Dublin on October 16, 1854, Oscar showed early signs of brilliance. He excelled at classics in Trinity College, winning a scholarship to Oxford where he continued his studies from 1874-1878. There he became involved with the aesthetic movement, emphasizing beauty and "art for art‘s sake."
"I find it harder and harder every day to live up to my blue china." – Oscar Wilde on embracing the aesthetic movement at Oxford.
Wilde was a gifted student – he graduated with a rare double first in classical moderations and literae humaniores. His academic success laid the foundations for his future literary accomplishments.
Literary Works and Style
After Oxford, Wilde moved to London to pursue writing. He published his first volume of verse in 1881, but gained fame in the 1890s with plays like Lady Windermere‘s Fan (1892), A Woman of No Importance (1893), and his undisputed masterpiece The Importance of Being Earnest (1895).
"The truth is rarely pure and never simple." – Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest
Wilde‘s plays entertained Victorian high society with their witty dialogue and social criticism. He once famously stated:
"There are only two ways by which man can reach a state of happiness. One is by lying drunk in the arms of a pretty woman, and the other is by lying alone in a prison cell."
This paradoxical quote encapsulates Wilde‘s unconventional philosophy. His stories like The Picture of Dorian Gray (1890) explored the duality of human nature with lyricism and dark humor.
Wilde‘s writing challenged social norms with intelligence, sensory language, and absurdist logic. He was a true pioneer in life and literature.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
As a socialite, Wilde frequented the most exclusive Victorian venues and inspired new trends in men‘s fashion with his dandy style. Though his career was cut short by imprisonment from 1895-1897, Oscar Wilde has an enduring legacy.
He pushed boundaries and critiqued society with his searing wit. Wilde said, "I have nothing to declare except my genius." That genius sparks the imagination of devoted readers worldwide more than a century later. It has been an absolute privilege to provide this glimpse into the brilliant world of Oscar Wilde.