
British
Writer
16 Oct 1854
30 Nov 1900
Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde was born on October 16, 1854, in Dublin, Ireland. A prodigious student at Trinity College, he eventually moved to London, where he became a prominent figure in literary and artistic circles. Wilde's wit, flamboyant dress, and provocative views on art and society earned him notoriety as a leading figure of the Aesthetic Movement, emphasizing "art for art's sake."
Wilde's legacy rests significantly on his plays, most notably "The Importance of Being Earnest," a comedic masterpiece of wit and mistaken identity. However, his life took a dramatic turn when he was imprisoned for "gross indecency" due to his homosexuality, a scandal that ultimately led to his downfall. Released from prison, Wilde spent his last years in France, penning "De Profundis," a letter reflecting on his spiritual journey. He passed away on November 30, 1900. Oscar Wilde's unapologetic embrace of individualism and his razor-sharp commentary on society's superficialities continue to captivate audiences, cementing his status as a literary icon.