The Complete Works of Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde

May 2022 · DigiCat

About this ebook

The Complete Works of Oscar Wilde is a compendium that showcases the dazzling breadth of Wilde's literary genius, featuring his renowned plays, poignant poetry, and incisive prose. Esteemed for his wit and aesthetic style, Wilde employs a flamboyant and richly textured language that invites readers into a world where social norms are both critiqued and satirized. The collection not only delineates the fin-de-siècle sensibility but also provides insight into the complexities of identity, morality, and desire that permeated Victorian society, positioning Wilde as a central figure in the Aesthetic Movement and later discussions of modern literature. Oscar Wilde, born in Dublin in 1854, emerged as a prominent literary figure known for his brilliant repartee and flamboyant persona. His life, marked by scandal and personal tragedy, profoundly informed his works, reflecting themes of duality and the pursuit of beauty versus societal acceptance. Wilde's experiences, particularly his trials for homosexuality, imbue his writing with a sense of urgency and authenticity that resonates with readers seeking deeper societal critiques. This collection is a must-read for those interested in understanding the complexities of human experience through the lens of wit and irony. Wilde's works encourage the examination of societal constructs while celebrating the beauty of language and expression—a testament to the enduring power of literary art.

About the author

Oscar Wilde, born on October 16, 1854, in Dublin to intellectual parents, is celebrated as one of the most brilliant playwrights, novelists, and poets of the late Victorian era. Known for his biting wit, flamboyant style, and exceptional literary skills, Wilde was a standout figure in the cultural and social spheres of London. He studied at Trinity College, Dublin and later Magdalen College, Oxford, where he was exposed to Aestheticism, an artistic movement that greatly influenced his work. His repertoire, though not vast, is nonetheless significant, including the novel 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' wherein he explores themes of aestheticism, moral duplicity, and the pursuit of beauty. Wilde's plays, such as 'Lady Windermere's Fan,' 'A Woman of No Importance,' 'An Ideal Husband,' and his masterpiece, 'The Importance of Being Earnest,' deftly combine social criticism with sharp humor and have secured his legacy in the canon of English literature. Despite his literary successes, Wilde suffered a dramatic downfall due to his imprisonment for 'gross indecency' owing to his homosexuality, a subject that he also subtly addressed in his works. His wit and wisdom persisted even in adversity, contributing further to his legendary status. Oscar Wilde's complete works reveal the range and depth of his intellect and demonstrate his profound impact on literature and society. He died in destitution on November 30, 1900, in Paris, but remains a perpetual source of inspiration and admiration in literary circles.