Laura Molloy discusses Oscar Wilde’s works and life ahead of his birthday.
Oscar Wilde was born October 16, 1854, Dublin, Ireland and died November 30, 1900, in Paris, France. Despite his fame, Wilde only ever wrote one novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, which was published in 1891. He is also known for his comic works, including Lady Windermere’s Fan and The Importance of Being Earnest.
Wilde was no stranger to literature in his family home. His father, William Wilde, was Ireland’s leading eye and ear surgeon, but also wrote a selection of books on archaeology, folklore, and the satirist Johnathon Swift.
His mother Jane Francesca also had a passion for literature. She was a nationalist poet and wrote under the name Speranza. Wilde’s elder brother, Willie, became a journalist. His younger sister passed away from a fever at the age of ten.
Wilde began his education at Portora Royal School in Enniskillen (1864–71). He would then go on to receive multiple scholarships to study at Trinity College Dublin. He graduated from Trinity in 1874 with a degree in Classics. Afterwards, he continued his education at Magdalen College, Oxford between the years 1874 and 1878, which awarded him a degree with honors.
Outside of his academic achievements, Wilde was also awarded for his writing. His career as a poet led to him winning the coveted Newdigate Prize in 1878 with a long poem, “Ravenna”. Then, in his final year at Trinity, he was conferred the Berkley Gold medal, the university’s highest academic degree in Greek.
Not only was Wilde interested in his academics and writing, he also had a passion for the Aesthetic movement in Britain. In the early 1880s, Aestheticism was both the rage and despair of literary London. While Wilde's novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, is a Gothic novel, it does reflect the author’s interest for beauty through its peculiar aesthetic of fear, hedonism, and haunting.
The novel focuses on the protagonist Dorian Gray, a man obsessed with his self image who wishes to remain young and beautiful at the expense of his soul. The novel tackles themes such as vanity and corruption and the negative effects they have on both individuals and wider society.
For those looking to celebrate Oscar Wilde’s birthday, I have compiled a list of suggestions.
Oscar Wilde Memorial Sculpture
Located in Merrion Square Dublin, The Oscar Wilde Memorial Sculpture is part of a collection of three statues in Merrion Square in Dublin, Ireland, commemorating Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde. The sculptures were unveiled in 1997 and were designed and made by the sculptor Danny Osborne.
Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI)
The Museum of Literature Ireland, also known as MoLI, is a literary museum based in Dublin, Ireland. It opened in September 2019. The museum is a partnership between the National Library of Ireland and University College Dublin. It is located in UCD's Newman House in St Stephen's Green. UCD students have free admission, so it is an excellent one to take advantage of. The museum has very informative permanent displays on Wilde and his work.
Their gift shop also stocks a selection of Oscar Wilde merchandise (what else would you want to buy with your hard earned cash?).
Hodges Figgis
Hodges Figgis is Ireland’s oldest bookshop, having opened its doors in 1768, giving it a rich history. The store is located in the heart of the city on Dawson Street, making it easily accessible via Luas and Dublin Bus. It consists of four floors of different genres and an extensive range of gifts, making it the perfect option for an afternoon of browsing. They also offer a loyalty card service where you gain one stamp for every 12 euro spent. After you fill up the card with ten stamps, you receive ten euro off your next purchase. The store consistently stocks a variety of special editions of Oscar Wilde’s works, and even has a dedicated section to Irish writers. Similar to MoLI, they also offer Oscar Wilde memorabilia!
Ulysses Rare Books
Ulysses Rare Books is located just around the corner from Hodges Figgis on Duke Street. The store is significantly smaller than Hodges Figgis but still offers a wide variety of antique books. Authors such as Oscar Wilde, James Joyce, Seamus Heaney, Jane Austen and Michael Bond are just a few examples of the many writers the store features. Sadly, it will not be winning any points for being budget-friendly with some of their products costing nearly seven thousand euros. However, it is still worth a visit to breathe in its vintage atmosphere. The shelves are filled with first editions, signed copies, special collections, and so much more. While they usually have editions of Oscar Wilde’s work, it is still the perfect pretentious activity Wilde would enjoy regardless of their selection!
Oscar Wilde is one of Ireland’s most beloved writers, not only because of literary talent but also because of his impressive charm and sharp wit. It may not have been enough to keep him away from incredibly public scandals... But it did lead to many books of his sayings and quotes to be published! Personally, I find one of his best aphorisms is as follows: “To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.”