Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde (16 October 1854 – 30 November 1900) was an Irish writer, poet, and playwright. He became famous for his epigrams and wit, and for his novel The Picture of Dorian Gray and his plays, especially The Importance of Being Earnest.

Early Life

Wilde was born in Dublin, Ireland, the second of three children born to Sir William Wilde, a prominent physician, and Jane Francesca Elgee, a writer who published under the pen name Speranza. He was educated Trinity College Dublin and then Magdalen College, Oxford, where he further studied Classics and emerged as a leading figure in the aesthetic movement.

Literary Career

Wilde's early writing consisted of poems and a collection of fairy tales. His most famous novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, was published in 1890 and caused a great deal of controversy. The novel tells the story of a young man who sells his soul for eternal youth and beauty.

Plays

Wilde's plays are his most enduring works. He wrote several successful comedies, including Lady Windermere's Fan (1892), A Woman of No Importance (1893), An Ideal Husband (1895), and The Importance of Being Earnest (1895). His plays are known for their witty dialogue, clever paradoxes, and social satire.

Imprisonment and Later Life

In 1895, Wilde was arrested and charged with gross indecency for his relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas. He was found guilty and sentenced to two years in prison. After his release from prison, Wilde went into exile in France, where he died in 1900.

Legacy

Oscar Wilde is one of the most important and influential writers of the late 19th century. His work continues to be popular today, and his plays are still performed all over the world. He is remembered for his wit, his creativity, and his courage in the face of adversity.