Oscar Wilde’s Wit & Wisdom: Tips for the Modern Writer
For the Love of Oscar
Oscar Wilde’s works have always struck a deep chord. His blend of sharp wit, profound insight, and a touch of rebellion has shaped my writing and offered valuable life lessons. I aim to share some of these gleanings in this article, hoping to inspire fellow writers and thinkers.
Who was Oscar Wilde?
Oscar Wilde, a luminary of late Victorian London, was an Irish poet and playwright known for his biting wit, flamboyant style, and bold critiques of society. Born on October 16, 1854, in Dublin, Ireland, Wilde was the son of Sir William Wilde, a noted surgeon, and Jane Francesca Wilde, a writer and literary hostess.
Wilde excelled academically at Trinity College, Dublin, and later at Magdalen College, Oxford, where he won the Newdigate Prize for his poem “Ravenna.” At Oxford, he became involved in the aesthetic movement, advocating for the philosophy of art for art’s sake.
In the early 1880s, Wilde moved to London, where he gained fame for his role in the aesthetic and decadent movements. He worked as a journalist, published a book of poems, and embarked on a lecture tour of North America. Wilde was known for his sharp wit, flamboyant dress, and conversational skill.
His literary output includes a wide range of works. Wilde’s only novel, “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” was published in 1890 and is celebrated for exploring morality, hedonism, and the duality of human nature. He also penned several iconic plays, including “Lady Windermere’s Fan,” “A Woman of No Importance,” “An Ideal Husband,” and his most famous, “The Importance of Being Earnest,” which remains a staple of English-language theatres for its witty dialogue and satirical take on Victorian manners and marriage.
Despite his professional success, Wilde’s personal life was tumultuous. His relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas led to his arrest and trial for “gross indecency” due to the criminalization of homosexuality at the time. In 1895, he was convicted and sentenced to two years of hard labour. The trial and imprisonment heavily affected Wilde’s health and reputation.
After his release in 1897, Wilde lived in France under the pseudonym Sebastian Melmoth. His last work, “The Ballad of Reading Gaol,” reflects his prison experiences and critiques the Victorian penal system. Oscar Wilde passed away destitute in Paris on November 30, 1900, from meningitis. He is remembered as one of the most distinctive writers of his time, whose works continue to be celebrated for their wit, eloquence, and insight into human nature.
Incorporating Wit and Irony
Wilde’s use of wit and irony was not mere comic relief but a tool to challenge societal norms, which teaches the power of humour in writing — not just to entertain but to provoke thought and instigate change.
Wilde’s Wisdom: The Art of Being Yourself
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
This famous Wildean quote resonates today more than ever. In an era where originality is often sacrificed for trends, Wilde’s warning serves as a beacon for writers. Embracing one’s unique voice is crucial. After all, what is writing, if not a piece of one’s soul, carefully crafted in words?
Complex Characters: A Reflection of Humanity
Wilde’s characters, from Dorian Gray to Lady Bracknell, are not just figments of imagination; they are mirrors reflecting society’s virtues and vices. Herein lies a lesson for writers: to craft characters that are not mere caricatures but living, breathing embodiments of human nature.
Simplicity in Language, Complexity in Thought
Despite his formidable intellect, Wilde had a knack for expressing complex ideas simply. His language, accessible yet profound, teaches the art of being articulate without being arcane. Conceiving deep thoughts in a manner that resonates is a skill I strive to emulate.
The Importance of Aestheticism
Wilde’s commitment to aestheticism — the philosophy of beauty in art — was revolutionary. His belief that art exists for its beauty alone challenges writers to create meaningful and aesthetically pleasing works. Every word, like a brush stroke, must add to the canvas of the narrative.
Losing a Legacy
The legacy of Oscar Wilde, with its focus on art for art’s sake and a keen critique of societal norms, seems increasingly at odds with contemporary trends in art, politics, and social discourse. Wilde’s life and works offer a cautionary tale about the dangers of societal hypocrisy and the suppression of individual expression, lessons that are particularly relevant in our times but, unfortunately, are being overlooked or forgotten.
In Wilde’s “The Happy Prince,” the mayor’s decision to tear down the statue of the prince and replace it with one of himself is a stark illustration of vanity and self-aggrandizement, prioritizing personal glory over genuine merit or historical significance. This episode emphasizes the unsettling trend in modern instances, effectively capturing the essence of a society increasingly focused on self-promotion and the cult of personality, often at the expense of historical reverence and collective memory.
Moreover, the current landscape of film and art, which increasingly serves pseudo-political ends rather than artistic ones, reflects a shift away from the ideal of art for art’s sake. This trend risks diminishing the intrinsic value of art, stripping it of its ability to be beautiful and meaningful in and of itself. Artistic expression becomes constrained by these pseudo-political agendas, losing the universality and timelessness that characterizes excellent works.
The Outsiders
Modern society often mirrors the Victorian era’s tendency for ostracization and ‘cancel culture.’ Just as Wilde was shunned and imprisoned for his lifestyle and beliefs, today’s public figures, artists, and even ordinary individuals face social ostracization for deviating from prevailing norms or expressing unpopular opinions.
The stifling of free expression encourages a homogenized culture where dissenting voices are silenced, much like in Wilde’s time. For instance, various authors and artists today face backlash or ‘cancellation’ for their works or personal views, echoing the societal rejection Wilde experienced. This can be seen in the controversies surrounding figures like J.K. Rowling, whose opinions on gender issues have sparked intense debate and calls for boycotts. Similarly, films like “The Sound of Freedom” suffered ridicule and distribution issues. Country singer Carly Tefft faced criticism for performing the national anthem at a Trump rally. Subsequently, a venue in Massachusetts where she had been performing for seven years cancelled her remaining gigs for the year. This decision was made after the venue’s management learned about her performance at the rally. Tefft did not anticipate losing work due to her appearance at the rally. These examples show the chilling similarities between the judgemental Victorians and our modern and supposedly enlightened times. An individual who dares to challenge political or social narratives often face criticism or are marginalized, reflecting a prioritization of ideology over artistic merit.
Responsibility of the Artist
In response to these trends, artists and writers must remember their responsibility to champion art and storytelling for their own sake. They must strive to create works that transcend current political and social paradigms, offering universal insights into the human condition. This does not mean art cannot be political or socially aware; rather, its primary goal should be artistic expression and exploration of universal themes, much like Wilde’s works, which, while often socially critical, are primarily celebrated for their creative brilliance and profound human insights. No artist should be punished for not toeing the cultural line — if anything, they should be celebrated for challenging the norms and inspiring deeper thought and aesthetic appreciation.
Being Wilde
Recalling and applying Wilde’s lessons about art, individuality, and societal critique is crucial in a world increasingly prone to vanity, political conformity, and suppression of dissenting voices. Artists and writers are responsible for upholding these ideals, ensuring that art remains a realm of free expression, beauty, and universal truth.
Facing Criticism with Grace
Wilde’s life was not without controversy. His works, often critiqued and censored, teach the importance of resilience. For writers, criticism is inevitable. What matters is the grace with which one receives it and the perseverance to keep writing.
In Focus: The Happy Prince
Adding to the previous discussion on Oscar Wilde’s influence and wisdom, it is imperative to delve into the literary marvel “The Happy Prince.” This story, a blend of melancholy and beauty, captures Wilde’s unique ability to weave enchanting tales that reflect societal values and human nature.
“The Happy Prince” is a poignant commentary on compassion, sacrifice, and the stark contrasts between wealth and poverty.
The story revolves around a gilded statue of the Happy Prince and a devoted swallow. In its narrative, Wilde masterfully uses allegory and symbolism to critique social injustice and the apathy of the elite towards the suffering of the less fortunate. The Prince, once living a life of oblivious luxury, is now a statue witnessing the sorrows of his city. His transformation from a figure of superficial happiness to one of deep empathy is a powerful reflection of Wilde’s critique of Victorian society’s moral superficiality.
As a child, the animated version of “The Happy Prince” was my favourite story. I anticipated its yearly televised showing, usually around Christmas. Initially, I perceived the swallow as naive, mistaking a reed for an object of affection, almost like mistaking a piece of long grass for something profound. However, by the end, my perspective was transformed, much like the characters in the story.
The selfless love and sacrifice of the swallow, who gave his life to assist the Prince in his quest to alleviate poverty, moved me to tears every time I watched the film. The enduring image of the Prince’s indestructible heart and the swallow’s still body, both rejected by society yet transcending in their purity, left a lasting impression.
This beautiful portrayal of soulful beauty, enduring beyond physical existence, speaks volumes about Wilde’s skill in exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and the eternal nature of authentic beauty and kindness.
Wilde’s “The Happy Prince” is not just a children’s story but a narrative rich with layers of meaning and social critique. It teaches us about the essence of genuine compassion and the beauty of selfless acts, a lesson as relevant today as it was in Wilde’s time.
The story’s emotional depth and symbolic richness testify to Wilde’s genius, showcasing his ability to combine societal commentary with profound emotional resonance.
Ten Tips For Writers:
Drawing from Oscar Wilde’s unique style and literary success, here are ten writing tips inspired by his work:
1. Embrace Wit and Irony: Wilde was renowned for his wit. Use irony and clever wordplay to add layers of meaning and engage your readers.
2. Develop Distinct Characters: Just as Wilde created unforgettable characters like Dorian Gray, focus on giving your characters depth and distinct voices.
3. Explore Dualities of Human Nature: Wilde often delved into the complexities of human nature. Don’t shy away from exploring the contradictory aspects of your characters.
4. Use Dialogue Effectively: Wilde was a master of dialogue. Use dialogue to reveal character traits, move the plot forward, and inject humour or tension.
5. Incorporate Social Commentary: Wilde’s works often contained critiques of society. Don’t hesitate to weave social and cultural observations into your narratives, no matter how controversial.
6. Balance Aestheticism with Substance: While Wilde championed the art-for-arts-sake movement, his works also had substance. Strive for a balance between beautiful prose and meaningful content.
7. Employ Symbolism and Allegory: Use symbols and allegory to add depth to your stories, as Wilde did with the figure of the nightingale in “The Nightingale and the Rose.”
8. Challenge Norms and Expectations: Wilde wasn’t afraid to challenge societal norms. Let your writing question and upend conventional beliefs or expectations.
9. Maintain a Distinct Voice: Wilde’s writing is instantly recognizable. Work on developing a unique voice that sets your writing apart.
10. Infuse Your Work with Personal Beliefs and Experiences: Wilde’s work often reflected his life and beliefs. Don’t hesitate to draw from your experiences and views to enrich your writing.
By incorporating these elements into your writing, you can capture some of the essence that made Oscar Wilde’s work both impactful and enduring.
A Legacy Beyond Words
Oscar Wilde’s influence extends beyond literature into the essence of creative expression and personal integrity. His works remind us to stay true to ourselves, to find beauty in our craft, and to face the world with resilience and wit.
As Wilde himself said, “I put all my genius into my life; I put only my talent into my works.”
As writers and individuals, let us strive to imbue our lives and work with a touch of genius.
