Oscar Wilde
Playwright
Overview
Biography
Oscar Wilde was born in Dublin on 16 October 1854. He was born into an educated and cultured family; his mother was a poet and journalist, while his father was a leading surgeon, as well as a well-known philanthropist and writer.
Wilde attended Trinity College, Dublin in the early 1870s and then went on to study at Oxford University. Whilst at Oxford, he won the 1878 Newdigate Prize for his poem, Ravenna.
In 1881, he published his first collection of poetry, Poems, which received mixed reviews. For the next few years he worked as an art reviewer and lecturer, moving between Paris, the United States, Britain, and Ireland. After marrying Constance Lloyd in 1884 and having 2 sons, Wilde worked as the editor of Woman's World magazine from 1887-1889. Moving in London’s fashionable social circles, he became known for his biting wit, flamboyant dress and glittering conversation. Indeed, Wilde became one of the best-known personalities of his day.
In 1891, his first and only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, was published and was shortly followed by his successful play, Lady Windemere’s Fan (1892). This was the first of a string of popular hit comedies that were well received by London society despite their penchant for offering a comedic, but often not particularly flattering, analysis of the upper classes. These plays included A Woman of No Importance (1893), An Ideal Husband (1895), and The Importance of Being Earnest (1895).
In 1895, Wilde sued Lord Alfred Douglas’ father for libel after being accused of homosexuality (even though Lord Alfred, or Bosie, was indeed his lover). Wilde was unsuccessful, and he was arrested and tried for gross indecency. He was sentenced to two years of hard labor. After being released in 1897, he spent the rest of life staying with friends across Europe, eventually dying of cerebral meningitis in Paris in 1900. He was alone and penniless.
Known For
Shows
Shows associated with Oscar Wilde
Monologues
Monologues from shows associated with Oscar Wilde
Songs
Songs from shows associated with Oscar Wilde
Scenes
Scenes from shows associated with Oscar Wilde
Videos
Videos associated with Oscar Wilde
Quizzes
Quizzes associated with Oscar Wilde
Beginner's Quiz for Lady Windermere's Fan
Test out your knowledge on one of Oscar Wilde's wittiest plays!
Beginner's Quiz for A Woman of No Importance
Test out your knowledge on one of Oscar Wilde's wittiest plays.
Ernest In Love Beginner Quiz
Find some earnesty and take this quiz for Ernest in Love!
The Life and Works of Oscar Wilde
Test out your knowledge on this witty, nineteenth-century playwright.
Beginner's Quiz for The Importance of Being Earnest
How well do you know this comedic masterpiece?
Intermediate Quiz for The Importance of Being Earnest
Aced the beginner's quiz? Now take this one!
Getting to know nineteenth-century British playwrights!
The nineteenth century marked a shift in dramatic focus following the abolition of the patent system. Test out your knowledge on the playwrights who made their mark on British theatre!
Getting to Grips with Nineteenth-Century British Theatre
How well do you know the plays from the Victorian era? Take our quiz to find out!
Articles
Playwriting Prompts for Teachers
Looking for new ways to engage your students in your playwriting class? Brit Christopher explores a series of prompts that she often uses with her students, along with some example scenes. Happy writing!
Top 5 New Works Plays For Small Casts
In search of an original, new play to read or perform? Well, look no further. This blog post is for you! Here are our top five shows with small casts.
Shining the Spotlight on Great Contemporary Female Playwrights
We continue to commemorate Women’s History Month with a celebration of some brilliant contemporary female playwrights! Who else would you add to this list?
Awesome Female Playwrights in the Public Domain
To celebrate Women’s History Month, we are turning the clock back and shining the spotlight on some awesome female playwrights from bygone eras. Enjoy!