Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde
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Oscar Wilde remains one of the most captivating writers of all time, known as much for his witticisms as for his humorous, though-provoking writing. As a leading figure of Aestheticism and a passionate proponent of art for art’s sake, he sought beauty everywhere and produced works across a range of genres which conceal deeper messages beneath their apparently superficial exterior. In just 50 minutes, you will find out how Wilde both charmed and scandalized Victorian society and learn about his literary successes and tragic personal downfall.
This clear and straightforward guide will provide you with a discussion of Wilde’s most important works, including The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Importance of Being Earnest and The Ballad of Reading Gaol. It also features a full biography, an introduction to the artistic movements that inspired him and an examination of the influence his writing had on later authors, giving you all the essential information about this iconic figure.
About Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde was born in 1854 to an affluent family in Dublin. He was a brilliant student, and attended both Trinity College, Dublin and Oxford University before travelling around Italy and Greece, and them moving to London. His sparkling wit and striking style soon brought him fame and recognition in fashionable society, and his comedic plays were met with immediate success. In 1895 he was sentenced to two years’ hard labor in prison for his sexual relationships with men, and the experience inspired The Ballad of Reading Gaol, which marked a major shift from his light, witty earlier works.
This insightful and accessible 76-page book is structured as follows:
- Introduction to Oscar Wilde
- Social, political and historical context
- The mighty British Empire
- British society
- The prestige of English literature
- French influence
- Biography of Oscar Wilde
- An affluent upbringing
- The arbiter of good taste
- From dandy to writer
- Grandeur and decadence
- Characteristics of Wilde’s work
- Life as art
- To shock, or not to be
- The darkness behind the mask
- Notable works
- The Picture of Dorian Gray
- Salomé
- The Importance of Being Earnest
- The Ballad of Reading Gaol
- Wilde’s legacy
- Summary
Product details
ISBN | 9782808005241 |
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Publisher | Plurilingua Publishing |
Series | 50MINUTES.COM – Art and Literature |
Format | |
Pages | 76 |
File size | 4.5 MB |