Frequently Asked Questions
When was Oscar Wilde born and when did he die?
He was born on October 16, 1854, in Dublin and died on November 30, 1900, in Paris.
What was his full name?
His full name was Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde.
Which artistic movement did he belong to?
Wilde was a leading figure in the Aesthetic movement, which championed 'art for art’s sake' and emphasized beauty and style over moral or social themes.
Was he married and did he have children?
Yes. He married Constance Lloyd in 1884, and they had two sons, Cyril and Vyvyan.
What legal troubles affected his life and career?
In 1895 Wilde was convicted of 'gross indecency' related to same-sex relationships and sentenced to two years of hard labor. The trial and imprisonment ruined his career and reputation.
What are some other notable works by Wilde?
Besides his famous pieces, he wrote Salome, Lady Windermere’s Fan, The Happy Prince and Other Tales, and the long letter De Profundis.
How did his life end and where is he buried?
Wilde died in relative poverty in Paris at age 46, reportedly of meningitis. He is buried in Père Lachaise Cemetery.
How did Wilde influence later writers and artists?
His sharp wit, theatrical style, and defense of aesthetic freedom influenced playwrights, satirists, and modernist writers, and he remains a touchstone for discussions about art and identity.
Did Wilde write in other forms besides plays and novels?
Yes. He wrote essays, reviews, short stories, poems, and a well-known long letter (De Profundis), displaying his versatility across genres.
