Why Wilde Remains Relevant | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Why Wilde Remains Relevant

Some thoughts on the man whose reputable last words were "My wallpaper and I are fighting a duel to the death. One or other of us has to go."

415
Why Wilde Remains Relevant
https://az616578.vo.msecnd.net/files/2018/04/09/636588317040105833-367699500_black-and-white-black-and-white-book-785746.jpg

Scandal, censorship, and a detrimental downfall punctuated the life of literary figure Oscar Wilde, but his refusal to adhere to societal expectations within his lifestyle and writing has made him timeless. Wilde’s prolific writings exposed themes of hypocrisy and identity and captured the raw, realistic, and often ugly side of England during the Victorian Era. Homosexual characters, the philosophy of aestheticism, and the honest portrayal of the vices humans possess are all present in his written work. England considered these topics too immoral for public consumption and took action to censor his work.

Considered even more scandalous than the writing of Oscar Wilde was Oscar Wilde himself. Wilde engaged in relationships with men and allowed his identity as a homosexual to linger in the public eye. This openness invited condemnation from society. Astoundingly, society’s disapprobation did not make Oscar Wilde a social pariah. Until his dramatic incarceration, Wilde thrived in London with a successful career. Even incarceration could not suppress the impact of Wilde and his work.

Oscar Wilde lived in Europe during the Victorian Era. Although it was an era of prosperity and innovation, it was also an era of decline as multitudes of people fell into poverty due to rising unemployment. Living conditions decreased because of overcrowding and poor sanitation as cities suddenly rose in population. Writers expressed their dissatisfaction and pessimism towards the time period by introducing realism to literature. A strict moral code added to the overwhelming dissatisfaction citizens felt towards the world.

Although the moral code primarily affected women, they were not the only citizens to be impacted by its presence. Men were expected to maintain a certain level of purity by engaging in appropriate romantic relationships. Prior to the legalization of homosexuality in England in 1967, the topic was highly censored in published work. Victorian England was a dismal period with rigid societal expectations and censorship, making it a period not well suited to the flamboyant lifestyle and brutally honest writing of Oscar Wilde. Despite these circumstances, he flourished.

Oscar Wilde was and continues to be a literary figure of admirable respect, despite the attempts made by society to censor his writing and lifestyle choices. Victorian Era England possessed a strict moral code that the life and writing of Oscar Wilde did not neatly fit. His refusal to conform led to the repression of his literature from the public eye and judgement towards his life choices. Wilde was imprisoned for being homosexual, but his imprisonment only aided the destruction of the censorship surrounding the taboo topic.

Wilde’s written work was restricted, but its popularity persisted and continues to be read today. The numerous attempts made to delete or restrict Oscar Wilde and his work only aided his fame. His writing and story of imprisonment survived not just censorship, but Wilde’s death. His plays continue to be performed, his poems continue to be read, his novel continues to be sought. Wilde has died, but his legacy has lived.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

2757
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less
Jenna Pizzi and her mom smiling by a waterfront with a historic ship in the background.
Jenna Pizzi

There is always a time in the semester when you have about three papers, four tests, five assignments and two projects due within the same time period. Isn't that just the best?

It's almost as if the professors all plot against you just to make college even more stressful than it already is. No matter how many people try to make you feel better, no one ever compares to your mom. Moms always know exactly what to say.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

7 Jobs Your Roommate Has

She's got your back with everything that college throws at you.

2289
Cristina Yang and Meredith Grey in scrubs sit against a wall, smiling and enjoying a break.

If you are anything like my roommate and I, you have a friendship with your roomie. You’re lucky to have gotten a roommate that is easy to get along with and more importantly cool to live with. Whether you found her on Facebook or went random, a roommate is a big part of life in college. This list goes through some of the jobs that a roommate has that help you get through college.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

35 Things I Wish I Learned In My Freshman Year Of College

Just some relatable college student advice! Yes, you aren’t the only one!

1814
Towson University
YouTube

Freshman year can either be the greatest year, or the roughest year. It depends on your transition and how you adjust. For me, freshman year in college was one of the best years of my life. However, looking back, there are a few things that I wish I learned.

Now that I am a sophomore, I can finally do things a little differently. Here are a few things that I wish I learned my freshman year of college!

Keep Reading...Show less
Woman in field with a red heart-shaped balloon under a colorful sky.

Being single can be great and awful at the same time. Yeah, it's awesome to have time to yourself to figure out who you are and make your own decisions. It would also be nice to have someone to go through life with, but it needs to be the right person. I haven't found that person yet and here's a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments