Oscar Wilde
1854-1900
Oscar Wilde was an Irish playwright, novelist, and poet. Born in Dublin, Ireland, Wilde was known for his flamboyant personality and wit. He studied at Trinity College, Dublin, and Magdalen College, Oxford, where he developed an interest in aestheticism and decadence. Wilde's first collection of poems, "Poems", was published in 1881 and received mixed reviews. His most famous play, "The Importance of Being Earnest," was first performed in 1895 and is still performed today. Wilde was imprisoned in 1895 for homosexuality, which was then illegal in England. He died in poverty in 1900. Wilde's legacy includes his witty plays, witty conversation, and his influence on the aesthetic movement.