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.
