Oscar Wilde

O

scar Wilde (1854 - 1900) is a central figure in aesthetic writing. Wilde was a poet, fiction writer, essayist and editor. In the opening scenes of the movie Velvet Goldmine, Todd Haynes suggested that Wilde was one of the first pop idols. Oscar Wilde is often seen as a homosexual icon although as many men of his day he was also a husband and father. Wilde’s life ended at odds with Victorian morals that surrounded him. He died in exile.

In 1854, Oscar Fingal O’Flaherty Wills Wilde was born to Sir Robert Wills Wilde and Jane Francesca Wilde in Dublin, Ireland. Sir Wilde was a renowned surgeon who had been knighted for his medical service. His title was non-hereditary. Oscar Wilde’s mother wrote under the name Speranza and advocated liberal causes including ardent support for Irish Nationalism.

Oscar Wilde had a quick and fluid intelligence coupled with a gift for languages. His early education included attending Porotra Royal School in Enniskillen (1873) Trinity College in Dublin (1874-1879), and Magdalen College in Oxford. He excelled in his studies. Along with his schoolwork, Wilde began to build his reputation as a poet. His early work garnered some success. In 1878, Oscar Wilde won the Newdigate prize for poetry. His entry was inspired by a vacation to Ravenna.

More crucial to his later fame, Oscar Wilde began to practice his aesthetic mode of life. Wilde kept his hair long and affected a highly stylized dress and manner. His rooms were well appointed. His collection of blue china was famous. Wilde’s pose was what he leveraged for his initial forays into fame. Wilde had many acolytes. But he also had his detractors, who at one point trashed his room.

Oscar Wilde moved to London in 1879. Wilde released a collection of poetry through the publisher Bogue in 1881. His first play, Vera, was also supposed to be performed. However, it was canceled. This was also the year Wilde would meet his future wife—Constance Mary Lloyd.

Wilde continued to use his style as a...