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Oscar Wilde, a central figure in Aestheticism and Victorian literature, is renowned for his novel 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' and plays like 'The Importance of Being Earnest'. His works are celebrated for their wit, social satire, and critique of Victorian norms. Despite facing scandal and imprisonment, Wilde's literary contributions and quotable insights continue to influence art and culture.
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Oscar Wilde was born into a family of intellectuals, with his father being a renowned surgeon and his mother a poet
Scholarships and Studies
Wilde excelled in classical studies and received scholarships to attend Trinity College Dublin and Magdalen College, Oxford
Wilde embraced the philosophy of 'art for art's sake' and emphasized the importance of beauty and the arts as ends in themselves
Wilde's early career was marked by his lecture tours in America and the UK, where he promoted the ideals of the Aesthetic movement
Marriage to Constance Lloyd
Wilde's marriage to Constance Lloyd coincided with his tenure as the editor of 'The Woman's World' magazine
Expansion of Magazine's Scope
As editor, Wilde expanded the scope of 'The Woman's World' to include discussions of women's roles in society
Wilde's flamboyant public persona and salons made him a celebrity of the Victorian era, embodying his belief that life should imitate the beauty of art
Wilde's personal life and relationships with men became the focus of public scandal and led to social ostracism
Conviction for 'Gross Indecency'
In 1895, Wilde was convicted of 'gross indecency' and sentenced to two years of hard labor
Decline in Health
The harsh conditions of his imprisonment led to a decline in Wilde's health
After his release, Wilde faced financial difficulties and social ostracism until his death in 1900 from meningitis
Wilde's literary output in the 1890s spanned various genres, including the controversial novel 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' and celebrated plays such as 'Lady Windermere's Fan' and 'The Importance of Being Earnest'
Critical Essays and Artistic Merit
Wilde's critical essays, such as 'The Decay of Lying', have cemented his place in the canon of English literature for their artistic merit
Cultural Insights and Themes
Wilde's works continue to be studied for their cultural insights and exploration of themes such as identity, social convention, and the nature of beauty
Wilde's enduring wit and wisdom, encapsulated in his aphorisms and epigrams, continue to be widely referenced and admired for their ability to challenge societal norms and articulate his aesthetic philosophy