Wilde

Wilde, Oscar (1854-1900) was an Irish playwright, poet, and author, renowned for his wit, flamboyant lifestyle, and literary contributions. Born in Dublin, Ireland, Wilde was the son of Sir William Wilde, a prominent Irish lawyer, and Jane Wilde, a writer and suffragette. He studied at Trinity College, Dublin, and later at Oxford University, where he excelled in literature and philosophy.

Wilde's literary career began with his first play, "Vera; or, The Nihilists," in 1881. His most famous works include "The Picture of Dorian Gray" (1890), a novel that explores themes of morality, beauty, and the corrupting influence of art, and "The Importance of Being Earnest" (1895), a play that satirizes Victorian society and the hypocrisy of upper-class English life.

Wilde's flamboyant lifestyle and public persona, including his extravagant dress sense and relationships with young men, led to his imprisonment for gross indecency in 1895. After his release, he wrote "The Ballad of Reading Gaol," a poem that reflects on his experiences in prison. Wilde's final years were marked by ill health and poverty, and he died in Paris in 1900.

Wilde's legacy continues to influence literature and theater, with his works studied and performed worldwide. His wit, social commentary, and exploration of complex themes have made him a enduring figure in literary history.