Oscar Wilde's Life and Literary Context

Oscar Wilde, born in 1854, was an Irish poet and writer who became one of the most prominent literary figures of the Victorian era. His life and works, particularly "The Picture of Dorian Gray," continue to fascinate readers and scholars alike.

Wilde's education played a crucial role in shaping his literary career. He attended Trinity College, Dublin, and Magdalen College, Oxford, on scholarships, where he began his writing journey. His wit and flamboyant style quickly made him a notable figure in artistic circles.

Highlight: Wilde was a leading figure of the Aesthetic Movement, which emphasized the appreciation of beauty for its own sake.

The Aesthetic Movement, which originated in the 19th century, focused on appreciating beauty without the need for moral or social purpose. This philosophy heavily influenced Wilde's work, especially "The Picture of Dorian Gray."

Definition: The Aesthetic Movement was an artistic and philosophical movement that valued beauty and artistic expression above all else, often summarized by the phrase "art for art's sake."

Wilde's literary career began with poetry before he moved on to plays and his sole novel, "The Picture of Dorian Gray," published in 1890. The novel's first edition was poorly received due to its homosexual themes and perceived immorality, leading to a revised version in 1891.

Quote: Wilde later said of the novel, "the note of doom that like a purple thread runs through the gold cloth of 'Dorian Gray'."

Wilde's personal life, particularly his relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas, led to his downfall. He was charged with gross indecency in 1895 and sentenced to two years of hard labor. After his release, he moved to Paris, where he died in 1900 of meningitis.

Highlight: Wilde's last work, "The Ballad of Reading Gaol," was inspired by his prison experiences and critiqued the inhumane conditions of Victorian prisons.