Joey Saves The Day!: Facts about Oscar Wilde

Learn Interesting Facts about

Oscar Wilde.

This week’s famous poet is Oscar Wilde. Last week’s famous poet was E.E. Cummings.

Oscar Wilde, a prolific and celebrated poet, is known for his remarkable literary contributions, having written over 50 poems during his lifetime. His artistic journey began in the vibrant city of Dublin, Ireland, where he was born on October 16, 1854, to Sir William Wilde, a prominent eye and ear surgeon, and Lady Jane Wilde, a talented writer and activist. Growing up in a household that valued education and creativity, Wilde's mother played a significant role in nurturing his love for literature and the arts, encouraging his early inclinations toward writing.

As the middle child in the Wilde family, Oscar had an older brother, Willie, and a younger sister, Isola. The dynamics of his family life, combined with his intellectual upbringing, significantly influenced his perspective and artistry.

Wilde's works, characterized by their wit, eloquence, and exploration of complex themes, serve as a testament to his vibrant imagination and passionate engagement with the world around him. Throughout his career, he not only contributed to the world of poetry but also made significant marks in theater and prose, solidifying his legacy as one of literature's most intriguing figures.

Here is a list of some poems by Oscar Wilde:

The Garden of Eros
The Sphinx
The Burden of Itys
A Villanelle
The Ballad of Reading Gaol
Ravenna

Parents and caretakers, please ensure that the poems are child-friendly before reading them to your child or children.

Interesting facts about Oscar Wilde:

1. Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde was born on October 16, 1854, in the vibrant city of Dublin, Ireland. He was born into a culturally rich environment, as Dublin was renowned for its literary heritage and artistic movements during that time. Wilde was the son of prominent parents: his mother was a revolutionary nationalist and a poet, while his father was a successful surgeon and author. This unique upbringing in a household filled with creativity and intellectual discourse played a significant role in shaping his future as one of the most celebrated playwrights, poets, and novelists of the Victorian era.

2. Oscar Wilde, a prominent literary figure known for his wit and flamboyant style, was only 46 years old at the time of his death. He passed away on November 30, 1900, after a prolonged struggle with meningitis, a disease that can be both debilitating and deadly. Wilde's final moments were spent in a Parisian hotel room, reflecting a life filled with both literary brilliance and personal turmoil. Following his death, he was laid to rest at the renowned Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, France, a final resting place for many other notable figures. His grave has since become a site of pilgrimage for admirers of his work and life.

3. One of Oscar Wilde’s most famous poems is:

Requiescat

Tread lightly; she is near

Under the snow,

Speak gently, she can hear

The daisies grow.

All her bright golden hair

Tarnished with rust,

She that was young and fair

Fallen to dust.

Lily like, white as snow,

She hardly knew

She was a woman, so

Sweetly she grew.

Coffin-board, heavy stone,

Lie on her breast,

I vex my heart alone

She is at rest.

Peace, Peace, she cannot hear

Lyre or sonnet,

All my life’s buried here,

Heap earth upon it.

(You can print out a worksheet on this poem. You will fill in the missing words in the poem.)

4. Oscar Wilde, the renowned playwright and poet, entered into matrimony with Constance Lloyd, a talented author known for her delightful children's books. Together, they welcomed two sons into their family, both of whom were named Cyril and Vyvyan Holland. In a protective measure for their children during a turbulent time, Constance made the decision to change their last names, shielding them from the stigma that arose after Oscar’s imprisonment. Wilde faced incarceration in 1895 due to his conviction for "gross indecency," a charge based on his relationships with men, a serious offense in Victorian society. After serving a controversial two-year sentence, he was released from prison in 1897, emerging into a world that had undergone significant changes during his absence.

5. Oscar Wilde experienced a profound loss in his childhood with the death of his younger sister, Isola. She tragically passed away at the tender age of nine due to meningitis, a devastating illness that left a deep impact on Wilde and his family. In memory of Isola, Wilde penned a moving poem titled "Requiescat," which reflects his grief and longing for the sister he adored. This poignant piece captures the essence of mourning and serves as a tribute to her brief life, showcasing Wilde's ability to express profound emotions through her art.

6. Oscar Wilde was not just a celebrated poet known for his clever wit and intricate verse, but he also ventured into the realm of children's literature. Throughout his career, he wrote and published numerous enchanting stories aimed at young readers, each infused with his signature style of humor and moral insight. These tales often featured whimsical characters and imaginative plots, captivating the hearts and minds of children while also imparting important life lessons. Through these works, Wilde demonstrated his versatility as a writer, showcasing his ability to engage diverse audiences across all age groups. Here is a list of some of those stories:

The Happy Prince
The Nightingale and the Rose
The Selfish Giant
The Devoted Friend
The Remarkable Rocket

7. Oscar Wilde also wrote plays. Here is a list of some of his plays:

The Importance of Being Earnest
A Florentine Tragedy
La Sainte Courtisane
Lady Windermere's Fan
A Woman of No Importance
An Ideal Husband

8. Oscar Wilde was educated at home until he reached the age of ten, during which time he developed a strong foundation in various subjects under the guidance of his parents. His early education fostered a love for literature and the arts, and by this time, he had already acquired the ability to communicate in three languages: English, French, and Greek, showcasing his early linguistic talent and curiosity about different cultures.

In 1871, Wilde enrolled at Trinity College in Dublin, an institution renowned for its academic excellence. He pursued a classical education there, immersing himself in subjects such as philosophy, literature, and the arts, and he remained at Trinity until 1874. Following his time in Dublin, Wilde proceeded to Magdalen College at the University of Oxford, where he continued his studies from 1874 to 1878. At Oxford, he was exposed to a vibrant intellectual environment and was influenced by prominent thinkers of the time, which further shaped his unique perspective on the world and contributed to his later success as a playwright and poet.

9. In the year 1877, Oscar Wilde, the renowned Irish playwright and poet, had the notable opportunity to meet Pope Pius IX, the head of the Catholic Church at the time. This encounter took place during a period of significant cultural and political change in Europe, where Wilde's wit and literary talents were gaining recognition. The meeting between the two figures was marked by an exchange of ideas that reflected their contrasting backgrounds—Wilde, a proponent of aestheticism and individualism, and Pope Pius IX, a staunch defender of traditional Catholic values. This moment not only highlights an intersection of art and faith but also provides a glimpse into the social dynamics of the late 19th century.