Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde (October 16, 1854 – November 30, 1900) was an Irish playwright, poet, and novelist renowned for his sharp wit, flamboyant style, and brilliant contributions to literature and aestheticism. Born in Dublin, he excelled academically at Trinity College and Oxford, becoming a leading figure in the Aesthetic Movement, which championed “art for art’s sake.” Wilde’s works—such as The Picture of Dorian Gray and the comedies The Importance of Being Earnest and An Ideal Husband—combine biting social satire with sparkling dialogue and profound themes about beauty, morality, and identity. His wit and charm made him a celebrity in London society, but his career was tragically cut short after his conviction for “gross indecency” in 1895, leading to two years of imprisonment. Wilde’s posthumous reputation has grown enormously, with his works celebrated for their daring critique of Victorian hypocrisy and enduring insights into human nature.