Explore the Lessons
Summary of The Picture of Dorian Gray
The Portrait that Reveals the True Nature of Vanity and Corruption
Summary of The Importance of Being Earnest
Deception, wit, and societal expectations collide in Wilde's comedic masterpiece.
Summary of Lady Windermere’s Fan
Secrets, scandals, and society in Oscar Wilde's comedic masterpiece.
Summary of An Ideal Husband
Secrets, scandal, and the high price of maintaining appearances in Victorian society.
Summary of Salome
Love, lust, and fatal desires in the biblical tale of Salome.
Summary of A Woman of No Importance
The scandalous secrets and societal expectations of a woman deemed insignificant.
Summary of The Ballad of Reading Gaol
A haunting ballad of suffering, injustice, and humanity within the confines of Reading Gaol.
Summary of A Florentine Tragedy
The dark allure of power and desire in Renaissance Florence.
Summary of The Canterville Ghost
The Canterville Ghost: A hauntingly funny tale of redemption and acceptance.
Timeline
Oscar Wilde is born in Dublin, Ireland
Attends Trinity College, Dublin
Wins the Berkeley Gold Medal for Greek
Moves to London to pursue a literary career
Publishes his first collection of poetry, 'Poems'
Marries Constance Lloyd
Birth of his first son, Cyril
Publication of 'The Picture of Dorian Gray'
Begins an affair with Lord Alfred Douglas
The Marquess of Queensberry accuses Wilde of homosexuality
Wilde is arrested and charged with gross indecency
Wilde is sentenced to two years of hard labor
Released from prison, moves to France under the name Sebastian Melmoth
Writes 'The Ballad of Reading Gaol'
Dies in Paris at the age of 46
Publication of 'De Profundis'