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How Wilde Shaped A World (Press, 21 May 1988)

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Summary: How Wilde Shaped A World (Press, 21 May 1988)

A biography titled "Oscar Wilde" by Richard Eilmann, published in 1987, offers a comprehensive examination of the life and philosophies of the famed writer. In the book, Eilmann explores Wilde’s early aspirations, where he professed a desire to become notable, whether through fame or notoriety. The work dissects Wilde’s life against the backdrop of the moralistic Victorian era, highlighting his extravagant choices in dress, opinion, and behaviour, which ultimately led to a path of ruin. Eilmann argues that understanding Wilde's artistic and moral philosophy is critical to appreciating his contributions and the intricacies of his character. While it may seem redundant to release yet another biography of Wilde, Eilmann’s work stands out due to the new details and insights it presents into Wilde’s life, particularly during his formative years at Oxford and the tumultuous period following his imprisonment. The biography is praised for its well-researched narrative that balances detail with readability. Eilmann builds a richer context for Wilde's character by delving into his family background, revealing an eccentric lineage marked by risks in moral, literary, and financial aspects. Wilde's father, a prominent Dublin doctor, had a complicated reputation, while his mother aspired to social and poetic heights beyond her means. Eilmann elucidates Wilde’s intellectual prowess and academic accomplishments, suggesting that his reputation and abilities did not shield him from criticism or societal suspicion, particularly concerning his aesthetic lifestyle and possible homosexual inclinations. The narrative explores the theory that Wilde may have contracted syphilis during his Oxford years, an affliction that deeply impacted his life choices and emotional state. Central to Wilde’s life story is his tumultuous relationship with Alfred Douglas, whose character is painted with a critical brush in the biography. Eilmann illustrates how Douglas’s manipulative nature contributed to Wilde’s downfall, especially in light of the antagonism from Douglas's father, Queensberry. The narrative reaches a turning point when Wilde's relationship with Douglas leads to public scandal and ultimately to Wilde’s imprisonment for “gross indecency.” Eilmann’s biography shines in the portrayal of Wilde’s final years, capturing the grim realities of his prison experience and the betrayal he felt from those he thought were friends. The societal stigma attached to Wilde following his conviction rendered him nearly destitute, stripped of the support he once enjoyed. The contrast between Wilde’s past popularity and his later years of poverty is stark, with existing allies turning away from his tarnished reputation. Despite these challenges, Eilmann posits that Wilde’s legacy and influence on literature and societal norms remain significant. He posits that Wilde’s examination of morality and behaviour and his artistic flair shaped not only the 1890s but continued to resonate into subsequent eras. Eilmann concludes that Wilde helped redefine perceptions of good and evil, suggesting that these concepts are more complex than they initially appear. The biography offers a poignant reflection on a life filled with contradictions and ultimately contributes to the understanding of Wilde's enduring impact on culture and thought.

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Publish Date:21st May 1988
URL:https://www.pridenz.com/paperspast_chp19880521_2_129_5.html