Oscar Wilde: An Aesthetic Life | Cool History

Summary

This video explores the life of Oscar Wilde, from his early years in Ireland to his rise as a celebrated playwright and author. It highlights his academic success, embrace of the aesthetic movement, and his controversial relationships, including his love affair with Lord Alfred Douglas. Wilde’s legal troubles, including a scandalous trial that led to his imprisonment, are examined, as well as the dramatic fall from grace that followed. Despite his tragic end, Wilde’s legacy remains powerful, with his wit and defiance of societal norms continuing to inspire. The video offers a nuanced and engaging look at his complex, bold life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Oscar Wilde, born on October 16th, 1854, in Ireland, came from an interesting family with a philanthropic father and a poet mother.
• 😀 Wilde excelled as a student, specializing in Greek and Roman studies, and won several awards, but his interests led him to the aesthetic movement, which focused purely on beauty.
• 😀 He became famous for his works, including 'The Picture of Dorian Gray,' 'The Importance of Being Earnest,' and more, but his personal life was equally colorful.
• 😀 Wilde was known for his flamboyant lifestyle, including his obsession with aesthetics, long hair, fur-lined robes, and luxurious surroundings.
• 😀 He married Constance Lloyd in 1884 and had two sons, but his affair with Canadian writer Robbie Ross became central to his personal life.
• 😀 Wilde's career included being the editor of 'The Woman's World' magazine, where he reshaped its focus to center on women’s thoughts and feelings, akin to Teen Vogue.
• 😀 Despite his success, Wilde's career took a dark turn when he sued Lord Alfred Douglas's father, which led to his public trial and conviction for homosexuality, then illegal in Britain.
• 😀 Wilde was sentenced to two years of hard labor and lost his fortune, home, and many of his works during this time.
• 😀 His wife, Constance, never divorced him and even visited him in prison, hoping he would return to the family, but they never reunited.
• 😀 After prison, Wilde was cared for by Robbie Ross, who ensured Wilde's legacy lived on by acquiring the rights to his works and supporting him until his death.
• 😀 Despite the hardships and betrayals, Wilde remained unapologetically true to himself, with his last words humorously noting a battle with his wallpaper, 'one of us has to go.'

Q & A

Who was Oscar Wilde and what made him a tragic figure?

Oscar Wilde was an Irish author, playwright, and poet, renowned for his wit, flamboyance, and contributions to literature. His life is considered tragic due to his fall from fame, imprisonment for homosexuality, and the personal and professional consequences he faced.

What was Oscar Wilde's early life like?

Wilde was born in Ireland on October 16, 1854, to a wealthy family. His father was a philanthropist and his mother a poet who held literary gatherings. Wilde excelled academically, particularly in Greek and Roman studies, and won several awards during his time at Oxford.

What was the Aesthetic Movement, and how did it influence Wilde?

The Aesthetic Movement emphasized the pursuit of beauty for its own sake, rejecting political or moral agendas. Wilde embraced this philosophy, dressing in a flamboyant manner and championing art and beauty as paramount in life, which became a defining feature of his public persona.

What was Wilde's role in 'The Woman's World' magazine?

Wilde served as the editor-in-chief of 'The Woman's World' magazine starting in 1888. Under his leadership, he transformed the magazine into a platform focusing on women's thoughts and feelings, which was a departure from the typical fashion-centered content. However, his tenure ended in 1889 when he stopped attending work.

How did Wilde's relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas affect his life?

Wilde's relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas, also known as 'Bozy,' led to his downfall. Douglas introduced Wilde to the world of male prostitution, and Wilde's love for him caused a scandal. Wilde sued Douglas's father for libel, which ultimately resulted in his conviction for homosexuality and imprisonment.

What were the consequences of Wilde suing Lord Alfred Douglas's father?

Wilde's libel suit against Douglas's father, who had called him a 'sodomite,' backfired. During the trial, evidence of Wilde's homosexuality was revealed, and he was sentenced to two years of hard labor, leading to his financial ruin, imprisonment, and the loss of his reputation.

How did Wilde's family react to his imprisonment?

Wilde's wife, Constance, never divorced him and continued to visit him in prison. She hoped he would return to their family under the condition that he would renounce his homosexual relationships, but they never reunited after his release.

What happened to Lord Alfred Douglas after Wilde's imprisonment?

After Wilde's imprisonment, Lord Alfred Douglas distanced himself from Wilde. He eventually became an outspoken homophobe and anti-Semite, even denouncing Wilde in his writings, despite their previous close relationship.

Who helped Wilde after his release from prison, and what was his role?

Robbie Ross, a Canadian friend and lover, supported Wilde after his release from prison. Ross provided Wilde with a home and care during his final years. He also ensured Wilde's legacy was preserved by purchasing the rights to his works and maintaining his literary reputation.

What were Wilde's last words, and how do they reflect his personality?

Wilde's last words were, 'My wallpaper and I are fighting a duel to the death. One or the other of us has to go.' These words reflect his wit and irreverent sense of humor, even in his final moments, embodying his characteristic charm and defiance.