Oscar Wilde

Playwright

Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was an Anglo-Irish poet, author and playwright. His poetry was first published in 1881. He contributed to publications such as “Pall Mall Gazette”and he wrote the novel, The Novel of Dorian Gray (1891). Perhaps most recognizable for his work as a playwright, Wilde wrote comedies such as Lady Windermere’s Fan, An Ideal Husband, Salome and The Importance Of Being Earnest. Shortly after The Importance Of Being Earnest was written, Wilde was imprisoned for two years. He was arrested after losing a libel case against the Marquess of Queensberry. Wilde had had an ongoing affair with Marquess’ son. While in prison, he wrote a well-known 55,000-word letter to his love called “De Profundis.”After his release from prison, he published portions of the letter, including The Ballad of Reading Gaol. He died shortly after he was freed at the age of 46. He lived his life extravagantly, but he suffered greatly.