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2024-09-22 08:20:01

Oscar Wilde

Irish writer and poet
Irish writer and poet

Oscar Wilde, born in 1854, was a prominent Irish writer known for his novel 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' and plays like 'The Importance of Being Earnest'. Wilde's life was marked by literary success, scandal, and imprisonment.

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1854-10-16
Birth of Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde, the renowned playwright, author, and poet, was born on October 16, 1854 in Dublin, Ireland.

1864
Oscar Wilde attends Portora Royal School

Oscar Wilde attended boarding school at Portora Royal School in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh. He was known for his speed-reading skills and storytelling abilities among his peers.

1871-01-01
Studied at Trinity University

Oscar Wilde studied classic literature at Trinity College in Dublin for two years, alongside his brother. He was awarded the Berkley Gold Medal, earning a scholarship to Oxford University.

1874-01-01
Studied at Oxford University

Oscar Wilde continued his studies at Oxford University from 1874 to 1878. His time at Oxford was significant in shaping his literary career and personal life.

1878
Awarded the Newdigate Prize for poem 'Ravenna'

In 1878, Oscar Wilde, during his final year as a student at Magdalen College at Oxford, was awarded the Newdigate Prize for his poem 'Ravenna'. The poem is an ode to the Italian city, describing a young man's experiences and observations.

1879
Oscar Wilde settles in London

In the autumn of 1879, Oscar Wilde settled in London, taking a room with painter and Oxford friend Frank Miles. Despite his origins in western Ireland, Wilde's family faced financial struggles due to the developments of the Land League, but remained strong supporters of Irish Nationalism.

1880-10
Punch Cartoon Satirizing Aestheticism

In October 1880, a cartoon by George Du Maurier was published in Punch, mocking the Aesthetic movement. The cartoon depicted the attitudes towards Oscar Wilde after the publication of Dorian Gray.

1881-01-01
First Poetry Published

In 1881, Oscar Wilde's initial collection of poems was released to the public.

1882-01-02
Oscar Wilde's American Tour Begins

Oscar Wilde started his American tour on January 2nd, 1882 in New York City after publishing his first poetry book. The tour, initially planned for four months, was extended to almost a year due to its popularity. Wilde lectured on poetry and aestheticism, captivating audiences with his views.

1883
Lecture Tour in the U.K.

In 1883, Oscar Wilde conducts a lecture tour throughout England. He also writes his second play, 'The Duchess of Padua', which does not receive much success.

1884-05-29
Oscar Wilde marries Constance Lloyd

On May 29, 1884, Oscar Wilde married Constance Lloyd, despite disapproval from Wilde's family due to financial strains and other issues in their relationship. Constance later discovered Wilde's homosexual extramarital activities and fled to Switzerland with their sons after the scandal.

1885-01-01
Oscar's First Son Born

Oscar Wilde welcomed his first son, Cyril, into the world in 1885.

1885-06-05
Birth of Cyril Wilde

The couple's first child, son Cyril, is born.

1885-08-14
Criminal Law Amendment Act passed

The Criminal Law Amendment Act was passed on 14 August 1885. It increased the age of consent for girls from 13 to 16 and introduced the offense of 'gross indecency' to prohibit sexual acts between men in public or private.

1886-11-03
Birth of Vyvyan Wilde

The Wildes' second son, Vyvyan, is born.

1886-12-14
Oscar's Second Son Born

Oscar Wilde's second son was born on December 14, 1886.

1887-04
Oscar Wilde becomes Editor of 'The Women's World'

In April of 1887, Oscar Wilde took over as the editor of 'The Lady's World,' which was later renamed 'The Woman's World.' He aimed to transform the magazine to focus on women's thoughts and feelings, rather than just their attire, advocating for individualism and addressing various societal issues.

1888
Publication of 'The Happy Prince and Other Tales'

'The Happy Prince and Other Tales' was Oscar Wilde's first book of fairy tales, published in 1888. It included stories like 'The Happy Prince,' 'The Nightingale and the Rose,' 'The Selfish Giant,' 'The Devoted Friend,' and 'The Remarkable Rocket.'

1889-08-30
Oscar Wilde invited to write The Picture of Dorian Gray

In August 1889, Oscar Wilde was invited by American publisher J. M. Stoddart to write a novel twice as long as his previous work, 'The Fisherman and his Soul', which led to the creation of The Picture of Dorian Gray.

1890-01-01
Publication of The Picture of Dorian Gray

On January 1, 1890, Oscar Wilde's novel 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' was published.

1890-07-19
Punch Article

The satirical magazine Punch publishes an article mocking Dorian Gray, which deeply offends Oscar Wilde. This event marks the beginning of animosity between Wilde and the staff at Punch.

1891-04
Publication of 'Picture of Dorian Gray'

Wilde's novel 'Picture of Dorian Gray' is published.

1891-06
Meeting of Oscar Wilde and Lord Alfred Bruce Douglas

In June 1891, Oscar Wilde met Lord Alfred Bruce Douglas, the third son of the 9th Marquess of Queensberry, who was an undergraduate student at Oxford. Both being literary talents, they were drawn to each other and started an affair.

1892-03-05
Cartoon of Oscar Wilde in Punch Magazine

A cartoon of Oscar Wilde was published in Punch magazine on March 5, 1892. The illustration depicted Wilde in a humorous manner, showcasing his iconic personality and style.

1893
A Woman of No Importance produced

In 1893, the play 'A Woman of No Importance' was produced. It is a comedic play by Oscar Wilde that satirizes the English upper class society.

1894
Writing of The Importance of Being Earnest

In 1894, Wilde wrote The Importance of Being Earnest, considered his dramatic masterwork. The play is a classic of English literature and a prominent example of Wilde's wit and satire.

1895-01-01
Publication of The Importance of Being Earnest

On January 1, 1895, Oscar Wilde's play 'The Importance of Being Earnest' was published.

1895-02-14
The Importance of Being Earnest Premiere

Wilde's most famous play, premiered at St. James's Theatre in London on 14 February 1895. The comedy of double lives in Victorian society faced disruptions due to Oscar Wilde's trials, leading to the play's closure after 83 performances.

1895-02-18
Premiere of The Importance of Being Earnest

The play The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde debuts at St. James's Theatre in London. This event coincides with Wilde's relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas, which angers Douglas's father, the Marquis of Queensberry.

1895-04-03
The Calling Card Incident

The Marquis of Queensberry leaves a defamatory calling card at Oscar Wilde's home, leading Wilde to sue him for libel. This legal action ultimately has devastating consequences for Wilde.

1895-04-26
Queensberry's Trial Begins

The libel trial against Queensberry begins, focusing more on Wilde's conduct as a gay man than the actual libel. Wilde is questioned about his relationships and his letters to Alfred Douglas are used as evidence. Queensberry is acquitted, leading to Wilde's immediate arrest on charges of gross indecency.

1895-05-21
Oscar Wilde convicted of gross indecency

Oscar Wilde was found guilty of gross indecency during his second trial, leading to a conviction and a sentence of two years in prison with hard labor.

1895-05-25
Oscar Wilde Arrested

Oscar Wilde was arrested for engaging in homosexual acts, which were illegal in England at that time.

1895-11-23
Oscar Wilde's Imprisonment at Reading Gaol

Oscar Wilde was imprisoned at Reading Gaol following his conviction of gross indecency. He spent time in prison where he witnessed the execution of Charles Thomas Woolridge, an event that inspired his poem.

1896-02-03
Sentenced

Oscar Wilde is found guilty of gross indecency and is sentenced to two years of hard labor. He is immediately imprisoned and later transferred to Reading Gaol.

1897-05-18
Oscar Wilde's Release from Reading Gaol

Oscar Wilde was released from Reading Gaol after serving his sentence. His experiences during imprisonment influenced his later works, including 'The Ballad of Reading Gaol'.

1897-05-19
Conviction and Sentencing of Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde was convicted of homosexuality and sentenced to two years in jail with hard labor.

1898-01-01
Death of Oscar Wilde's Wife

On January 1, 1898, Oscar Wilde's wife passed away.

1898-02-13
Publication of 'The Ballad of Reading Gaol'

Oscar Wilde's final published poem during his lifetime, documenting the ghastly conditions of his experience in prison at Reading Gaol. It was published under the name 'C.3.3.' and sold enough to provide Wilde with income until his death.

1898-04-07
Constance Wilde's Death

Oscar Wilde's wife, Constance, passes away in Italy after spinal surgery at the age of 40. Despite living separately after the trials, they never officially divorced.

1899-02
Publication of The Importance of Being Earnest

In February 1899, the first edition of The Importance of Being Earnest was published by Leonard Smithers and Co.

1900-11-30
Death of Oscar Wilde

On November 30, 1900, Oscar Wilde died suddenly of acute meningitis caused by an ear infection. He was received into the Roman Catholic Church in his final moments.

1905-09
Completion of Silence Statue

In September 1905, Charles Ricketts finished the creation of Silence, a small bronze statue identified as a memorial to Oscar Wilde. This statue holds significance as a tribute to the late writer.

1908-12
Commission for Tomb of Oscar Wilde

In December 1908, a commission was announced to create a tomb for Oscar Wilde, with Jacob Epstein chosen as the sculptor.

1909
Reburial of Wilde's remains in Pere Lachaise Cemetery

In 1909, Oscar Wilde's remains were disinterred and reburied in Pere Lachaise Cemetery, Paris.

1912-06
Installation of Tomb of Oscar Wilde

In June 1912, Jacob Epstein's limestone funerary monument for Oscar Wilde was installed at Pere-Lachaise Cemetery in Paris.

1913-12
Review of Oscar Wilde's Book of Tales

In December 1913, a review in The Burlington Magazine for Connoisseurs praised Oscar Wilde's book of tales, describing it as a 'success' and recommended it as a perfect Christmas gift. The book had been republished by Duckworth and Co. with colored illustrations and a new cover.

1969
Publication of Philippe Jullian's Biography on Oscar Wilde

In 1969, Philippe Jullian's biography on Oscar Wilde was published by Constable in London.

1987
Publication of Richard Ellmann's Biography on Oscar Wilde

In 1987, Richard Ellmann's biography on Oscar Wilde was published by Hamish Hamilton in London.

End of the Timeline
Oscar Wilde
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