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Oscar Wilde is born
Born in Dublin, republic of ireland to Sir William Wilde and Jane Wilde. His dad, William Wilde, a successful surgeon known for his work as a medical advisor to treat the city's poor. His mother, Jane Francesca Wilde, aka Speranza, or Jane Francesca Elge, was a published poet and literary hostess associated with the Young Irelander rebellion of 1848. (Joan, Nunn. Oscar Wilde as a Child). -
Primary education
Wilde attended Portora Royal School in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, starting out in the year 1864. During which he excelled in his academics, with a love for Greek and Roman studies, which earned him the school's top 'classics' prize in his last two years and then a second prize in drawing during his final year before graduating in 1871. (“Oscar Wilde," Biography.com). -
College life
Between 1871 and 1874, Oscar Wilde studied at Trinity College Dublin, where he thrived academically and won several awards: the Royal School Scholarship to attend Trinity, the College Foundation Scholarship, the highest undergraduate honor, and the Berkley Gold Medal as Trinity's best student in Greek before graduating in 1871. (“Oscar Wilde,” Biography.com). -
Further education
After graduating from Trinity College, Oscar Wilde attended Magdalen College, Oxford. It was there that John Ruskin, an art professor, and Walter Pater, a fellow at Brasenose College, who were both critics and essayists, influenced Wilde's poem, Ravenna. This same writing was awarded the Newdigate Prize in 1878. -
The Aesthetic Movement
While at Oxford, Wilde promoted aestheticism, which is the idea of “art for art's sake” (l’art pour l’art) the belief that art doesn't need to serve a moral, political, or practical purpose. Instead, on its beauty and aesthetic value. This extended through the early 1880s-1890s as he became passionate about the movement through his lectures and poetry.
(The Poetry Foundation). -
American Lecture Tour
This tour aimed to spread the principles of art for art's sake, known as the Aesthetic Movement. He traveled to lecture in the United States, as the society there was more open to new influences at that time. He has 140 lectures across the U.S in nine months while meeting with Walt Whitman, influential literary figure and scholars, along with others like Henry Longfellow and Oliver Wendell Holmes.(“Oscar Wilde,” Biography.com). -
Birth of Vyvyan Wilde
One year after Cyril Wilde, Oscar’s second son, Vyvyan Wilde was born. -
Birth of Cyril Wilde
Cyril Wilde, the first son of Oscar Wilde and Constance, was born. (“Oscar Wilde,” Biography.com). -
Editor of Lady’s World Magazine
Oscar Wilde landed himself the role as the editor of Lady’s World magazine from 1885 to 1887. He managed to broaden the magazine's content to include women's perspectives on literature, art, and contemporary life, aiming to make it appealing to both male and female readers. (Poetry Foundation) -
Bosie
During this time, Lionel Johnson, a fellow English poet, critic, and friend to Wilde, introduced him to Lord Alfred Douglas. Douglas, also known as Bosie, began a close relationship with Wilde, which then quickly led to involvement with one another.
(“About Oscar Wilde”) -
Lady Windermere’s Fan success
Oscar Wilde's play premiered, marking a huge milestone in theaters. In total, 56 performances ran and a woke stance on Victorian high society. This helped Wilde's reputation as he was able to combine comedy that touches of morals of what was going on at the time. (Poetry Foundation). -
The picture of the Dorian Grey
The Picture of Dorian Grey faced criticism upon its publication. It was considered ‘immoral’ and ‘perverse’, referring to the elements of implying same sex relationships, Dorian's hedonism, and Impunity. Wilde then revised the novel for the 1891 hardcover edition, adding new chapters and a preface while stating, "There is no such thing as a moral or an immoral book. Books are well written or badly written. That is all."
(“Oscar Wilde,” Biography.com). -
Relationship with Bosie
Oscar Wilde lived with Bosie in a village, Goring on Thames, Oxfordshire, England
(Poetry Foundation) -
Wilde's Arrest and Public Scandal
With same sex relationships being illegal, Boise’s father, the Marquess of Queensberry, had disapproved of his son's relationship and publicly accused Wilde of being homosexual. Causing Wilde to sue him for libel, but lost and was criminalized for ‘gross indecency’ between two men under the Labouchere Amendment of 1885
(“About Oscar Wilde”).
(“Oscar Wilde,” Biography.com). -
Importance of being earnest recognition
The premiere of “The Importance of Being Earnest”, Wilde's most famous work
(“Oscar Wilde,” Biography.com). -
Wildes release
In 1897, Oscar Wilde was released from prison after serving two years. During his imprisonment, his health had severely diminished. Wilde faced significant social stigma and was ostracized by many in British society. He moved to France and lived in exile under an assumed name, as his reputation had been irreparably damaged. (BBC). -
Imprisonment
Between 1895 and 1897, Oscar Wilde was imprisoned at Reading jail after being convicted of "gross indecency." While incarcerated, Wilde experienced harsh conditions, including hard labor and limited contact with the outside world. During his imprisonment, he wrote "De Profundis," a long letter to Lord Alfred Douglas that reflects on his life, art, and spiritual journey. Wilde's imprisonment and the ‘public scandal’ had a lasting impact on his personal and professional life.
(Poetry Foundation) -
The Ballad of Reading Gaol
This is a poem by Oscar Wilde, written during his imprisonment in Reading Gaol and published in 1898. The poem reflects on his experiences in prison and the execution of Charles Thomas Wooldridge, a fellow inmate convicted of murdering his wife. The poem touches on themes of social injustice, prison life, guilt, redemption, and the shared suffering of humanity. Wilde's imagery depicts the reality of the prison and the psychological impact on the prisoners. Poetry foundation -
English performance of Salomé
Salomé was a play by Oscar Wilde written in 1891. It follows a biblical story of Salome, which has themes of religion, desire, and death. It was published in French in 1893, and in 1905 was the First English performance of Salomé.
(BBC) -
Death of Constance Wilde
Before she died in 1898, Constance decided to change her surname to ‘Holland’. The justification for this change is debatable, and can be speculated from a variety of reasons, such as
Escaping the social stigma after Oscar Wilde's scandal, protect her children from its negative impact, reclaim her identity, reconnect with her family roots, and possibly due to legal advice to protect her family.
("Oscar Wilde," OscarWilde.org). -
Death of Oscar wilde
Oscar Wilde died of meningitis in Paris, France, on November 30, 1900. He faced social ostracism and financial difficulties in England because of what he was charged with. As a result, he moved to France, where he lived under the pseudonym Sebastian Melmoth. He attempted to revive his writing career, but died at the age of 46.
(“Oscar Wilde,” Biography.com). -
Salomé after Wilde's passing
Oscar Wilde's play "Salomé" was performed in English for the first time in England. The delay in staging the play was due to censorship laws. After these laws were eased, the play, originally written in French, was presented to an English audience. The play highlights themes of desire, power, and death, and its English premiere marked a significant moment in the reception and appreciation of Wilde's work. (BBC) -
The complete letters of Oscar Wilde
The published letters were edited by his grandson, Merlin Holland. This collection provides a comprehensive look into Wilde's personal life, thoughts, and relationships through his correspondence. The letters reveal a deeper understanding of Wilde beyond his public persona, showcasing his intellect, wit, and emotional depth. The publication is a significant contribution to Wildean scholarship, offering valuable insights into his life and works. (poets.org) -
The revival of the importance of being earnest
Oscar Wilde's work stays alive through performances, adaptations, publications, and academic study.
(“Oscar Wilde,” OscarWilde.org). -
Dorian Grey Remastered
The 2025 Tony-nominated production of "Dorian Gray," starring Sarah Snook, offers a modern take on Oscar Wilde's novel. Snook performs all 26 roles, highlighting her versatility. The production's Tony nomination signifies its critical acclaim, presenting a fresh perspective on Wilde's themes for contemporary audiences.
(“Oscar Wilde,” OscarWilde.org). -
Sources:
Edmonds, Antony. “Oscar Wilde.” A Brief Biography., www.oscarwilde.org.uk/oscar-wilde.html. Accessed 13 June 2025. Joan, Nunn. Oscar Wilde as a Child, victorianweb.org/photos/wilde/4.html. Accessed 14 June 2025. “Oscar Wilde.” Poetry Foundation, Poetry Foundation, www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/oscar-wilde. Accessed 13 June 2025. -
Sources
“Oscar Wilde.” Poets.Org, Academy of American Poets, 8 Mar. 2021, poets.org/poet/oscar-wilde. Accessed 13 June 2025. Raskin, Donna. “Oscar Wilde: Biography, Author, Playwright, Aestheticism Movement.” Oscar Wilde, www.biography.com/authors-writers/oscar-wilde. Accessed 13 June 2025. “Search.” History.Com, AE Television Networks, www.history.com/search?q=oscar%2Bwilde. Accessed 13 June 2025.