Oscar Wilde was an Irish writer born in 1854 who studied at Oxford University. He traveled extensively in Europe and was known for his flamboyant style and unconventional views. Wilde wrote many plays and books, including The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Earnest. He achieved great fame and success in London in the 1890s, but was later imprisoned for two years for homosexual acts, an offense at the time. Wilde spent his last years in France after his release from prison. He died in 1900 at the age of 46.

1. His life, time and literary works
Maria Lalana

2.  He was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1854.
 After he finished his education in Ireland, he
studied at Oxford University in England. He was
an excellent student.
 He travelled a lot in Europe and made many
friends. But he also made many enemies. He
wore unusual clothes and had unusual opinions
about religion and life. He liked to be the centre
of attention.
 In 1882, he went on a lecture tour of the US.
When he arrived, the Customs Officer asked him: ‘Do you
have anything to declare?’ Wilde answered: ‘I have
nothing to declare except my genius’. When he left, he
said: ‘I have civilised America.’

3. • He married in 1884. He and his wife, Constance,
had two sons. He wrote his most famous
children’s story, ‘The Happy Prince’, for his sons.
• He became famous in London as a poet and a
dramatist. His conversation was very witty. He
went to many parties and was very popular.
• He was the most famous writer in London when
his play The Importance of Being Ernest was
performed in 1895. It is his best play.
• Wilde was homosexual and he was sent to prison
for two years (1895-97). Many of his friends did
not defended him. After he was released, he
lived in france. The last years of his life were
very sad.
• He died in 1900, only forty-six years old.

4. • He lived in the Victorian Age. Queen Victoria ruled
Britain for over sixty years from 1837 to 1901. During her
reign Britain was a very powerful nation. It had succesful
industry, a large empire and great writers and artists.
• Britain and other European nations explore Africa and
took their lands there.
• Railways were developed. Cities grew quickly. Many
people were rich but there were also many very poor
people too.
• Most Victorians had very strong moral beliefs. Marriage,
patriotism and going to church were considered very
important.
• It was a very difficult time for people who had
unconventional ideas.
• More information

5. • 1878 Ravenna
• 1881 Poems
• 1888 The Happy Prince and Other Tales
• 1889 The Decay of Lying
• 1891 The Picture of Dorian Gray
• 1891 Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime and
Other Stories
• 1891 Intentions
• 1891 Salome
• 1892 The House of Pomegranates
• 1892 Lady Windermere’s Fan
• 1893 A Woman of No Importance
• 1893 The Duchess of Padua
• 1894 The Sphinx
• 1895 An Ideal Husband
• 1895 The Importance of Being
Earnest
• 1898 The Ballad of Reading Gaol
 COMPREHENSION CHECK

6. • 1878 Ravenna
• 1881 Poems
• 1888 The Happy Prince and Other Tales
• 1889 The Decay of Lying
• 1891 The Picture of Dorian Gray
• 1891 Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime and
Other Stories
• 1891 Intentions
• 1891 Salome
• 1892 The House of Pomegranates
• 1892 Lady Windermere’s Fan
• 1893 A Woman of No Importance
• 1893 The Duchess of Padua
• 1894 The Sphinx
• 1895 An Ideal Husband
• 1895 The Importance of Being
Earnest
• 1898 The Ballad of Reading Gaol
 COMPREHENSION CHECK