Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was an Irish playwright, poet, and author, renowned for his sharp wit, flamboyant style, and celebrated works like “The Picture of Dorian Gray” and “The Importance of Being Earnest.”
Biography
| Full Name | Oscar Fingal O’Fflahertie Wills Wilde |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | 16 October 1854 |
| Death Date | 30 November 1900 |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Profession | Poet, Playwright |
| Education |
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| Notable Works |
|
| Philosophy | Aestheticism |
| Conviction | Gross indecency for homosexual acts (1895) |
| Imprisonment | Two years’ hard labour (1895-1897) |
| Languages | Fluent in French and German |
| Parents | Anglo-Irish intellectuals in Dublin |
Early Life
Oscar Wilde was born on October 16, 1854, in Dublin, Ireland, into a family that valued intellectual pursuits and the arts. His father, Sir William Wilde, was a renowned ear and eye surgeon, while his mother, Jane Wilde, was a poet and an Irish nationalist known by her pen name, “Speranza.” Wilde was raised in a cultured environment that nurtured his literary talents from a young age. He attended the Portora Royal School in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, and later moved to Dublin to study at Trinity College. Subsequently, he earned a scholarship to Magdalen College, Oxford, where he further honed his writing and developed a reputation for his sharp wit and flamboyant style. These formative years laid the groundwork for Wilde’s later success as a celebrated playwright, poet, and author.
Family
| Relation | Name | Information |
|---|---|---|
| Father | William Wilde | William Wilde was a renowned ear and eye surgeon in Ireland. He was also a writer and an antiquarian, known for his medical expertise and literary contributions. |
| Mother | Jane Wilde | Jane Wilde, also known as “Speranza,” was a poet and a staunch supporter of Irish nationalism. Her literary work and activism significantly influenced Oscar’s own intellectual development. |
| Brother | Willie Wilde | Willie Wilde was a journalist and writer. Although he had a promising start, his career was overshadowed by personal issues and financial difficulties. |
| Sister | Isola Wilde | Isola Wilde was Oscar’s younger sister who tragically died at a young age. Her death deeply affected Oscar, and he later wrote a poignant poem in her memory. |
Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) |
| Weight | Not Specified |
| Chest | Not Specified |
| Waist | Not Specified |
| Hips | Not Specified |
| Shoe Size | Not Specified |
Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend
Oscar Wilde is not currently alive, as he passed away on November 30, 1900. Therefore, he does not have a current relationship status.
Oscar Wilde was married to Constance Lloyd.
- Marriage Date: May 29, 1884
- Details about Constance Lloyd: Constance Lloyd was the daughter of Horace Lloyd, an Irish barrister. She was a well-educated woman and also a writer. Constance supported Wilde throughout much of their marriage, though their relationship was strained by Wilde’s legal troubles and eventual imprisonment.
Oscar Wilde had several notable relationships throughout his life, both before and during his marriage to Constance Lloyd. Below is a table of some of his known relationships:
| Name | Relationship Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Florence Balcombe | Girlfriend | Oscar Wilde was briefly romantically involved with Florence Balcombe before she married Bram Stoker, the author of “Dracula”. |
| Robert Ross | Boyfriend | Robert Ross was one of Wilde’s closest friends and first male lover. He remained a loyal companion and was present during Wilde’s final days. |
| Lord Alfred Douglas | Boyfriend | Known as “Bosie,” Lord Alfred Douglas was Wilde’s most famous lover. Their relationship was passionate and tumultuous, ultimately leading to Wilde’s imprisonment for “gross indecency”. |
| John Gray | Boyfriend | John Gray was a young poet who became one of Wilde’s lovers and is believed to be the inspiration for the character Dorian Gray in Wilde’s famous novel “The Picture of Dorian Gray”. |
Career, Achievements And Controversies
How He Became Famous
Oscar Wilde became famous through his wit, flamboyant style, and his literary works. His sharp social commentary and unique personality quickly made him a prominent figure in London society during the late 19th century.
How The Career Started
Wilde’s career started with his education at Trinity College, Dublin, and later Magdalen College, Oxford, where he developed a reputation as a brilliant student. His early work included poetry, with his first collection, Poems (1881), gaining some attention.
Popular Works
Some of Wilde’s most popular and enduring works include:
- The Picture of Dorian Gray (1890) – A novel exploring themes of aestheticism, moral duplicity, and the nature of beauty.
- Lady Windermere’s Fan (1892) – A comedy of manners that was well-received on the stage.
- A Woman of No Importance (1893) – Another successful play that highlighted Wilde’s wit and social critique.
- An Ideal Husband (1895) – A play dealing with political corruption and public morality.
- The Importance of Being Earnest (1895) – Perhaps his most famous play, celebrated for its clever dialogue and satirical take on Victorian society.
Awards
During his lifetime, Oscar Wilde did not receive many formal awards, as such honors were not as prevalent for literary figures in his era as they are today. However, his legacy has been cemented through the enduring popularity of his works and the continued study and appreciation of his contributions to literature and drama.
Oscar Wilde’s life was marked by several significant controversies, most notably related to his sexuality and legal troubles.
Homosexuality And Legal Issues
Wilde’s homosexual relationships, particularly with Lord Alfred Douglas, led to a series of legal battles. At a time when homosexuality was illegal in the United Kingdom, Wilde was tried and convicted for “gross indecency” in 1895. He was sentenced to two years of hard labor, which had a devastating impact on his health and career.
Libel Suit
Wilde’s legal troubles began when he sued the Marquess of Queensberry, Lord Alfred Douglas’s father, for libel. The Marquess had left a calling card at Wilde’s club accusing him of being a “posing sodomite.” Wilde’s decision to pursue the libel case backfired, leading to his own arrest and trial.
Imprisonment And Exile
After his release from prison in 1897, Wilde lived in exile in France under the name “Sebastian Melmoth.” He wrote The Ballad of Reading Gaol, a reflection on his prison experience, but his health deteriorated, and he died in 1900 at the age of 46.
Oscar Wilde’s life and work continue to be celebrated and studied for their wit, insight, and the boldness with which he challenged societal norms. His legacy as a literary giant and a figure of tragic brilliance endures to this day.
