Oscar Wilde "can resist anything except temptation"
An easy-to-scan biography on our favorite witty Victorian Oscar Wilde, plus links to public scholarship
Even if you’ve never read any of Oscar Wilde’s plays, books, poems, or essays, you’ve probably heard one of his quippy epigrams:
"Everything in moderation, including moderation."
"I am so clever that sometimes I don't understand a single word of what I am saying."
"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken."
Today, we’re sharing quick facts and deep dive-worthy resources on the man behind these witticisms.
Biography
Oscar Wilde was born in Ireland, educated at Oxford, and popular at parties. He quickly gained fame among the upper crust in London, bringing his biting humor and over-the-top style to soirees, salons, and literary gatherings. He championed the Aesthetic Movement with aims to create beautiful, fun, and romantic artworks without deeper meaning or political goals (though his satire often dealt in social commentary). His preface to The Picture of Dorian Gray states: “Those who go beneath the surface do so at their peril. Those who read the symbol do so at their peril. It is the spectator, and not life, that art really mirrors. Diversity of opinion about a work of art shows that the work is new, complex and vital.”
He married Constance Lloyd and had two children, working as a reviewer and editor for various publications in his early career. His own creative works of fiction emerged in the last decade of his life—most famously The Picture of Dorian Gray, Lady Windermere’s Fan, An Ideal Husband, and The Importance of Being Earnest.
The Importance of Being Earnest opened in 1895 to great acclaim but its run was cut short when a former paramour’s father openly accused Wilde of homosexual acts. Wilde sued for libel, but the accusations were true, resulting in Wilde’s imprisonment and exile. After facing one of the most scandalous trials in Victorian history, he died in Paris, France at the age of 46.
Bonus Facts
Wilde toured America in the early 1880s to give lectures on art and to meet with America’s high society. He was wildly popular and highly sought after for interviews and parties, often making fun of the British. (Upon his return to England, he had a lot of comic material about Americans, too.)
View a compilation of stories and photos from his tour.
One of Wilde’s first publications was a book of poems.
While at Oxford, Wilde earned a reputation for being a rebel, a dandy, and a bit of a goofball. Though professors didn’t like him, he earned top marks and high honors.
Learn more on Patreon
To hear more about Wilde’s literary legacy and The Importance of Being Earnest, listen to our introduction to the author and his famous play on Patreon. We’re also discussing the play in depth with our community on April 30th at 7 pm ET on Zoom. We would love to see you there!
Keep reading about Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde’s Pamphlet: “Children in Prison and Other Cruelties of Prison Life” (JSTOR)
The Myth of Oscar Wilde’s Martyrdom (The New Yorker)
Sarah Snook is a Darkly Funny Dorian Gray (The New York Times)
Going Wilde in America (The New York Times)
An Oscar Wilde podcast from Oxford (University of Oxford)
Do you have a favorite Oscar Wilde quote? Drop it in the comments!
Thank you for supporting the podcast and our work to make public scholarship fun and accessible. If you would like to stay connected to what’s happening at Novel Pairings, make sure to subscribe to this Substack and follow us on Instagram. Make sure you never miss an episode by subscribing to the show wherever you get your podcasts. And if you love the work we’re doing, please consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts!