Early Life and Literary Beginnings
- Oscar Wilde was born on October 16, 1854, in Dublin, Ireland.
- He studied at Trinity College, Dublin, and Magdalen College, Oxford, before settling in London.
- Wilde married Constance Lloyd in 1884 and became part of London’s literary scene, associating with figures like W. B. Yeats and Lillie Langtry.
Rise to Literary Fame
- Wilde gained renown for his witty conversation and comedic plays, starting with Vera; or, The Nihilists in 1880.
- His plays, including Lady Windermere’s Fan (1892) and The Importance of Being Earnest (1895), were celebrated for their sharp dialogue and satirical humor.
The Picture of Dorian Gray: Publication and Reception
- The Picture of Dorian Gray, Wilde’s only novel, first appeared in Lippincott’s Monthly Magazine in the summer of 1890.
- Initially criticized for its perceived immorality, Wilde revised the novel in 1891, adding a preface and additional chapters.
- In the preface, Wilde defends aestheticism, arguing that art should be appreciated for its beauty alone, without moral or political constraints.
Personal Scandal and Legal Troubles
- In 1891, Wilde began a controversial relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas, leading to a public scandal.
- Wilde’s lawsuit against Douglas’s father for libel backfired when Wilde was convicted of gross indecency under sodomy laws in 1895.
- He served two years of hard labor and wrote De Profundis during his imprisonment, reflecting on his personal and moral struggles.
Later Years and Legacy
- After his release, Wilde lived in exile in France and Italy, facing poverty and social ostracism.
- He published The Ballad of Reading Gaol in 1898 under a pseudonym, a poignant poem reflecting on his experiences in prison.
- Wilde died in Paris on November 30, 1900, having converted to Roman Catholicism shortly before his death.