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Oscar Wilde

1854-1900 CEArtist

Irish writer and wit whose plays, prose, and essays defined aestheticism and satirized Victorian morality.

Overview

Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was an Irish poet, playwright, and novelist whose wit and aestheticism defined late Victorian literature. Born in Dublin to brilliant parents, Wilde excelled in Classics at Oxford while cultivating a flamboyant persona. He arrived in London determined to be famous, initially succeeding through personality alone before justifying his reputation with substantial work.

His creative output was diverse, ranging from haunting fairy tales to provocative essays like 'The Decay of Lying.' His only novel, *The Picture of Dorian Gray*, scandalized society with its study of beauty and moral decay. Wilde reached the pinnacle of his success with sparkling social comedies like *The Importance of Being Earnest*.

However, his public triumph was cut short by a sensational trial and imprisonment, leading to a tragic end in exile. Despite his downfall, his brilliant satires continue to delight audiences worldwide.

Wilde’s world, year by year

18541900

Dated facts

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  1. 1854Oscar Wilde was born on 16 October 1854 at 21 Westland Row, Dublin, to Sir William Wilde and Jane Elgee.
  2. 1878He studied Classics at Trinity College Dublin and Magdalen College, Oxford, winning the Newdigate Prize in 1878 for "Ravenna".
  3. 1890His only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, appeared in 1890; he wrote Salome in French in 1891.
  4. 1892His society comedies included Lady Windermere's Fan (1892), An Ideal Husband (1895) and The Importance of Being Earnest (1895).
  5. 1895In 1895 he was convicted of gross indecency and sentenced to two years' hard labour, served until 1897, partly at Reading Gaol.
  6. 1897In prison he wrote De Profundis, and in France in 1897 he wrote The Ballad of Reading Gaol, published in 1898.
  7. 1900He died of meningitis on 30 November 1900 in Paris, at the Hôtel d'Alsace.

Alive at the same time

Overlap Same years; not influence

Wars during this life

  • Mahdist War 1881–1899
  • Panthay Rebellion 1856–1873
  • Dungan Revolt 1862–1877
  • Mandinka Wars (Samori Ture's Resistance) 1883–1898
  • Samoan Civil Wars 1886–1899
  • Ten Years' War 1868–1878

Primary works and follow-on reading.

  • Oscar Wilde - Richard Ellmann
  • The Complete Letters of Oscar Wilde - Merlin Holland (ed.)

Frequently asked questions about Oscar Wilde.

Who was Oscar Wilde?

Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was an Irish poet, playwright, and novelist whose wit and aestheticism defined late Victorian literature. Born in Dublin to brilliant parents, Wilde excelled in Classics at Oxford while cultivating a flamboyant persona. He arrived in London determined to be famous, initially succeeding through personality alone before justifying his reputation with substantial work. His creative output was diverse, ranging from haunting fairy tales to provocative essays like 'The Decay of Lying.' His only novel, *The Picture of Dorian Gray*, scandalized society with its study of beauty and moral decay. Wilde reached the pinnacle of his success with sparkling social comedies like *The Importance of Being Earnest*. However, his public triumph was cut short by a sensational trial and imprisonment, leading to a tragic end in exile. Despite his downfall, his brilliant satires continue to delight audiences worldwide.

What was Oscar Wilde best known for?

Wilde is best known as a artist. Irish writer and wit whose plays, prose, and essays defined aestheticism and satirized Victorian morality.

When did Oscar Wilde live?

Wilde lived 1854-1900 CE, born in 1854 and died in 1900, during the modern period.

Can I chat with an AI version of Oscar Wilde?

Yes, free. Anyone can ask Wilde, and a first question needs no account. Every answer is a Simulation in character, grounded in Wilde’s real life, work and era. A good first question is: "How do I criticize something effectively while still being charming?"

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What Wilde is best at.

  • Satire & Style: Making critique irresistible
  • Playwriting Craft: Dialogue, rhythm, and persona

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“Oscar Wilde.” HistorIQly. https://historiqly.com/ai-historical-figures/oscar-wilde/

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