Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) was an Irish playwright, poet, novelist, and essayist, renowned for his wit, flamboyant personality, and sharp critique of Victorian society. He is considered one of the greatest writers in English literature and a central figure in the Aesthetic Movement, which celebrated art for its own sake
He was born on October 16, 1854, at 21 Westland Row, Dublin. This Georgian townhouse is near Trinity College, where Wilde later studied. The house (in picture) is now a cultural center celebrating his legacy.
Wilde spent much of his early life at 1 Merrion Square, another Georgian home where his family moved when he was young
A statue of Oscar Wilde can be found in Merrion Square Park, across from his childhood home. The statue depicts Wilde reclining on a rock, dressed in a green jacket and pink collar. Surrounding the statue are stone pillars engraved with some of his most famous quotes, celebrating his wit and enduring legacy. There is also another statue of Oscar Wilde
some of his great quotes were:
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
“Never love anyone who treats you like you’re ordinary.”
“I can resist everything except temptation.”
Some of the lesser known facts about Oscar were
He Was a Skilled Boxer at Trinity College
He Lectured Across America on Aesthetics – In 1882, Wilde toured the United States, giving lectures on the “Philosophy of Aestheticism.” He famously told U.S. customs officers, “I have nothing to declare but my genius.”
He Was a Devoted Fan of Walt Whitman – During his U.S. tour, Wilde visited the American poet Walt Whitman in New Jersey. The two had a long conversation, and Wilde deeply admired Whitman’s groundbreaking work.
He Once Changed His Name to Sebastian Melmoth – After his release from prison, Wilde adopted the name Sebastian Melmoth, inspired by Saint Sebastian and the protagonist of Melmoth the Wanderer by Charles Maturin, Wilde’s great-uncle.
He Had a Passion for Interior Design – Wilde was a prominent advocate of the Aesthetic Movement, which celebrated beauty in everyday life. His home in Chelsea, London, was famously adorned with vibrant colors, peacock feathers, and blue china plates – He Was Close Friends with Bram Stoker’s Wife:
Before marrying Bram Stoker (author of Dracula), Florence Balcombe was romantically linked to Wilde. The two remained friends, and Wilde reportedly admired Stoker’s work.
He Dabbled in Journalism – Before his literary fame, Wilde edited a women’s magazine called The Woman’s World. He broadened its scope from fashion and beauty to include articles on literature, politics, and art.
He Designed a Wardrobe for Lily Langtry – Wilde was friends with the actress and socialite Lily Langtry. Known for his keen eye for fashion, he once helped her design a stage wardrobe. He Wrote a Children’s Storybook – While best known for his plays and The Picture of Dorian Gray, Wilde also penned a charming collection of children’s tales, The Happy Prince and Other Stories (1888), which is still beloved today.
His Last Words Were Characteristically Witty – On his deathbed in a shabby Parisian hotel, Wilde reportedly quipped, “My wallpaper and I are fighting a duel to the death. One of us has to go.” Oscar Wilde.
These lesser-known details add layers to Wilde’s complex persona as a literary genius, social critic, lover of beauty and a proud Irish man
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