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Oscar Wilde

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Oscar Wilde was a famous Irish writer, poet, and playwright.

Oscar Wilde (1854-1900), by Hills & Saunders, Rugby & Oxford 3 april 1876
Oscar Wilde (1854-1900), by Hills & Saunders, Rugby & Oxford 3 april 1876

He was born in Dublin on October 16, 1854. People remember him for his clever wit and his beautiful art. He was a key part of a movement called Aestheticism. This movement believed that art was the most important thing in life. Wilde became one of the most popular stage writers in London.

Oscar Wilde by Elliott & Fry 1881
Oscar Wilde by Elliott & Fry 1881

He was known for wearing very fancy clothes and having great conversations. Many people think he was the best playwright of the Victorian era.

His life was full of many different kinds of writing. He wrote funny plays that people loved to see in theaters. He also wrote a famous Gothic novel called The Picture of Dorian Gray in 1890.

The Importance of being Earnest, an early handwritten draft, by Oscar Wilde, 1894 - British Library, London - DSC00530
The Importance of being Earnest, an early handwritten draft, by Oscar Wilde, 1894 - British Library, London - DSC00530

This book explored themes like beauty and being two-faced. He even wrote bedtime stories for children. Wilde traveled to the United States and Canada to give lectures. He spoke about art and how to decorate rooms. He was a very busy and successful man in his time.

Oscar grew up in a home full of smart people.

Wilde Family home on Merrion Square
Wilde Family home on Merrion Square

His father, Sir William Wilde, was a famous ear and eye doctor. His mother, Jane Wilde, was a poet who wrote under the name "Speranza." They lived in a large house on Merrion Square in Dublin. Oscar learned French and German from teachers at home when he was young. He went to school at Portora Royal School in Enniskillen. There, he was known for telling very funny and inventive stories. He was also a very fast reader who loved books.

He was an amazing student who studied very hard.

First, he studied at Trinity College Dublin. He won the Berkeley Gold Medal in Greek, which was a very high honor. Later, he went to Magdalen College at Oxford to study "Greats." This means he studied ancient history and philosophy. At Oxford, he even became a member of a group called the Freemasons. He loved learning about the old traditions of Greece and Rome. His teachers were very proud of his great skills.

Later in his life, Wilde faced very difficult times. In 1895, he was arrested and put on trial. He was convicted of gross indecency and sent to prison.

oscarwildetrial
oscarwildetrial

He spent two years doing hard labor in jail. While he was there, he wrote a long letter called De Profundis. He also wrote a poem called The Ballad of Reading Gaol about prison life. After he was released, he moved to France and Italy. He never returned to live in Britain or Ireland. He died in 1900.

Tomb of Oscar Wilde, Père Lachaise cemetery, Paris, France
Tomb of Oscar Wilde, Père Lachaise cemetery, Paris, France
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🖼️ Images & Media (27)
File:Wilde Family home on Merrion Square.jpg
Wilde Family home on Merrion Square.jpg
File:Oscar Wilde (1854-1900), by Hills & Saunders, Rugby & Oxford 3 april 1876.jpg
Oscar Wilde (1854-1900), by Hills &...
File:Oscar Wilde by Elliott & Fry 1881.jpg
Oscar Wilde by Elliott & Fry 1881.jpg
File:Punch - Oscar Wilde.png
Punch - Oscar Wilde.png
File:Oscar Wilde at Harper's Theatre, April 1882.jpg
Oscar Wilde at Harper's Theatre, April 1882.jpg
File:The Modern Messiah - Keller 1882.jpg
The Modern Messiah - Keller 1882.jpg
File:Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) from Vanity Fair Issue 812, April 1884..jpg
Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) from Vanity Fair...
File:Robert Ross at 24.jpg
Robert Ross at 24.jpg
File:A Wilde time 3.jpg
A Wilde time 3.jpg
File:Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) 1889, May 23. Picture by W. and D. Downey.jpg
Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) 1889, May 23....
File:Oscar Wilde (Boston Public Library).jpg
Oscar Wilde (Boston Public Library).jpg
File:Oscar Wilde and Arthur Conan Doyle green plaque (Westminster).jpg
Oscar Wilde and Arthur Conan Doyle green...

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