Oscar+WIlde

Jessalyn Pearson, Haley Waller Ms. Karen Chase ENG 321 14 April 2009



Oscar Wilde was an "all-around" man when it came to writing literature. During the Victorian Era, society was able to enjoy the vast amount of plays, poems, and short stories that Oscar wrote. Oscar Wilde was born on October 16, 1854 as Oscar Fingal O' Flahertie. Oscar was very attached to his younger sister, Emily, and when she died, he was so distraught that he carried a lock of her hair with him. Oscar excelled at school, and he was awarded many scholarships and was the top of his class. He was awarded with the highest award one could get, which was the Foundation Scholarship when he was in college. Oscar went on to Oxford where he continued to excel and then when he was done there he went to the United States where he gave a series of lectures that lasted longer than had expected, but people were inspired by his works. Oscar married Constance Lloyd on May 29, 1884. She soon birthed two sons and during this period he became more creative then he had ever been. He soon wrote two series of children's stories which were “The Happy Prince and Other Tales” (1888), and “The House of Pomegranates” (1892). He then wrote plays and wrote his first and only novel, //The Picture of Dorian Gray.// Later on Oscar met part of the family Marquis, but was later arrested for suspicion of homosexuality. He withdrew his case but then was later suspected of gross indecency so he was senteced to two years of hard labor. The problem was that Oscar had been suspected or homosexuality since he was was a teenager, but he would never admit to being homosexual. For such an inspiring author, poet, and playwright, an ear infection set it, and meningitis was the ultimate end to Oscar Wilde's Life. Since his death, many books and articles have been written about the man that inspired so many people. Oscar Wilde was a one-of-a-kind author that will never be forgotten throughout literary history.

"Biography." __Oscar Wilde__. 2005. 13 April 2009 .

The Official Website of Oscar Wilde, as the banner at the top claims, gives a small toolbar (not as detailed as the other websites, but still quite useful) at the left. Links to quotes pages, photographs, facts, and many other things makes the website's links easily accessible and simple. There is also a series of links at the bottom of the page if you scrolled down to far that will take you to the home page or to the various sites that provide information on the publication of the site. The design and layout of the website really helps you know where to go to find out exactly the information you want on Wilde. The biography is short--only a few paragraphs--but summarizes his life nicely in a straightforward manner. Everything from his childhood to the day he died is covered in the sentences written in the "biography" section. The "quotes" section lists, as one would probably guess, various quotes from his published works. This site offers some fascinating insight to this amazing (albeit a bit strange) playwright.

"Oscar Wilde." __Jalic Inc__. 2000. 3 April 2009. .

This site provides detailed descriptions of Oscar Wilde's stories, poems, essays, and plays that he wrote throughout his life. It talks about Wilde's childhood and how he got some of his inspiration for the things he wrote. The site is easily navigable. The list of his literary works, separated into the categories previously named, can be accessed in the toolbar on the left-hand side of the webpage. The links provided give summaries of his works (or the actual work, depending on the length of it) and at the bottom of every page is a forum where people discuss Wilde and his literary works. Near the middle of the home page are links to related sites that could be helpful for more information on the life of Oscar Wilde. A bar along the top provides sections of other areas of the site if information on a different author or authoress is desired.

"Oscar Wilde Biography." __Oscar Wilde Online__. 2009. 3 April 2009. .

The site above shows you a few pictures the minute it is opened. One of Oscar Wilde and two of monuments erected in his honor. This page gives a summary of his life. To the left, a list of his works--subdivided into categories--is presented and displayed clearly. The words are a little tiny, but otherwise it is easy to understand. At the bottom of the toolbar shows you links for quotes, a bookstore, news, and other links that might be of use. This website summarizes Wilde's life so that it is easily understood while at the same time not being too painstakingly long to read. Details are saved only for the important parts of his life and the rest is an easy-to-read version of his life put into brief statements. When you click on one of the links to his prose, plays, or poetry, it takes you directly to the piece of literature you clicked on. Everything from short poems to full-length plays can be found on this site.

Ellmann, Richard. __Oscar Wilde__. Vintage, 1988.

The book source by Richard Ellmann gives a full description of Oscar Wilde's life, from birth to death. The story begins by telling about OScar's parents and their trials to the birth of Oscar himself. It gives a full description of his education, his family life, his struggles with accusations of homosexuality, his married life, and his works that he is known for. As interesting as Oscar Wilde's story is, the book's word formatting makes the book difficult to understand at times. Ellmann puts a different twist on things when he reveals the darker side of Wilde's personality, telling about his struggles with homosexuality and how it affected his life. Oscar Wilde was a very sensitive and emotional poet, playwright, and writer, and his works inspired many people throughout the Victorian Age. This book source gives a very detailed description not only of Wilde's life, but of his feelings and thoughts, and it has helped inspire people around the world that want to know more about the famous Oscar Wilde.