Oscar Wilde, born Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde on October 16, 1854, in Dublin, Ireland, emerged as one of the most iconic figures of late 19th-century literature. With his scintillating wit, flamboyant dress, and glittering conversational skill, Wilde became one of London's most visible personalities. He attended Trinity College in Dublin and then Magdalen College in Oxford, where he was influenced by Aestheticism and began to develop his singular style. Wilde's literary output was diverse, including poetry, journalism, and notably, his novel 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' - a work that was both popular and controversial, reflecting themes of aestheticism, duplicity, and the duplicity of society.
Wilde's foray into theatrical work yielded a string of successful comedies that satirized Victorian society, among these 'Lady Windermere's Fan' (1892), which combines Wilde's sharp wit with a social commentary on morality and the complexities of human relationships. It served to solidify his reputation as a playwright capable of trenchant social observation and sparkling dialogue. Wilde's other significant works include 'A Woman of No Importance,' 'The Importance of Being Earnest,' and 'An Ideal Husband.' Despite his success, Wilde's candidness regarding his homosexuality led to his downfall. After a highly publicized trial, he was imprisoned for 'gross indecency.' Wilde's health deteriorated and, after his release, he lived in comparative obscurity and poverty until his death on November 30, 1900, in Paris. His literary legacy, however, continues to be celebrated for its wit, its aesthetic insight, and its critical lampooning of Victorian values.
