Oscar Wilde, renowned for his wit and brilliant literary contributions, famously said on his deathbed,
“Either that wallpaper goes, or I do.”
These words have become part of his legacy, capturing his characteristic humor even in his final moments.
Oscar Wilde’s life, however, was marked by tragedy. After gaining fame with works like The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Earnest, he was imprisoned in 1895 for “gross indecency” due to his homosexuality, which was illegal at the time.
His imprisonment left him socially and financially ruined, and he spent the last few years of his life in poverty.
Oscar Wilde died in 1900 in a modest Paris hotel, succumbing to meningitis at the age of 46.
Today, he would likely be celebrated for his identity and contributions rather than persecuted. The greater social acceptance and medical advancements of modern times might have allowed him to live longer and continue creating iconic works.
Oscar Wilde was indeed a prominent figure in the Aesthetic movement, advocating for “art for art’s sake.” He believed that art should be appreciated for its beauty and emotional power rather than for any moral or social utility.
His flamboyant personality and sharp wit often drew the ire of the press, particularly from satirical publications like Punch, which lampooned his views and lifestyle.
Wilde’s relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas, the son of the Marquess of Queensberry, ultimately led to his downfall.
The Marquess accused Wilde of being a “posing sodomite,” which resulted in Wilde’s public trial and conviction for “gross indecency” in 1895.
His two years of hard labor in Reading Gaol were a harsh punishment that deeply affected him, both physically and psychologically.
Wilde’s life, filled with brilliance and tragedy, ended prematurely at the age of 46.
Despite his struggles, his legacy as a writer and a social critic endures, and his works continue to resonate for their exploration of beauty, identity, and societal norms.
Rather prophetically Wilde had said this,
“Everyone may not be good, but there’s always something good in everyone. Never judge anyone shortly because every saint has a past and every sinner has a future.”
