An Overview of the Career of Oscar Wilde

A graphic design and sketch artist, Griffith Robert “Griff” Littlehale completes works on commission, as well as to advertise for school events. In his leisure time, Griffith Littlehale enjoys reading the works of authors such as Oscar Wilde.

Known for his wit as a poet, playwright, and novelist, Oscar Wilde lived from 1854 to 1900. His career as a writer began in 1881 with the publication of a volume of poetry, although he had previously garnered honors for his poems at Oxford.

In 1890, he published his first novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and then 2 years later launched himself into theatrical comedies with Lady Windermere’s Fan. He followed that work with An Ideal Husband and The Importance of Being Earnest in 1895, firmly establishing his place in the theater world. The next year, his one-act play Salome premiered in Paris.

An accusation of homosexuality from the father of Lord Alfred Douglas (with whom he had had an affair) sent Wilde to prison, sharply halting his career. While in prison, he continued writing, penning The Ballad of Reading Gaol, which was published in 1898 after his release. He also wrote a letter to Douglas that only saw publication after his death 2 years later.