Oscar Wilde is one of those historical figures who is more known for being famous than for the accomplishments that made him famous in the first place. He wrote in every conceivable genre: poetry, drama, fiction, memoir, lecture, essay, journalism.
For our next class period, September 16, read the following three short texts.
Lecture to Art Students (1883)
This lecture was delivered just five years after Wilde graduated from Oxford.
The Picture of Dorian Gray (1890)
Read the famous Preface and Chapter 1. If you want to read the whole novel, go for it. It's a real page-turner.
The Selfish Giant (1888)
One of his best-known short-stories/fables.
Your question for next Wednesday's short essay is simple: Why is Wilde so concerned with the role of art and the artist in modern culture? Do you agree with his views? Why or why not? Use textual evidence from the links above (but feel free to do additional research).
We will talk more about this on Monday.
If you have questions, drop me an email message:
csmith@dcad.edu
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