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Ekphrasis And Aestheticism In Oscar Wilde

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Ekphrasis and Aestheticism in Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray
Oscar Wilde was a famous author and playwright, well known for both his literary works and the drama that surrounded his personal life. Born in Dublin in 1854, Wilde attended both Trinity College and Magdalen College, distinguishing himself early on as a classically talented individual. Upon graduation, he moved to London to pursue a literary career. With his charm and exuberance, he was quickly accepted into many prestigious social circles. His friend Frank Harris described him as “not only an admirable talker but […] invariably smiling, eager, full of life and the joy of living, and above all given to unmeasured praise of whatever and whoever pleased him (Harris 4).” As well as being charismatic and likeable, Wilde was extremely witty; he had a way with words that served him well both in his career and in his personal relationships. He was also a dandy, dressing in outrageously flamboyant costumes with an attitude to match. He valued beauty and extravagance, leading a comfortable and privileged life while taking care to present a flawless image of himself. However, Wilde could not hide his homosexual tendencies, which would eventually lead to his downfall. Imprisoned in 1896 under charges of sodomy, Wilde began a slow decline during his two years in jail, moving to Paris upon his release and ultimately dying alone in 1900 (Harris).
While Oscar Wilde’s personal life may not have been a raging success,

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