"De Profundis And Other Prison Writings: A Glimpse into the Soul of Oscar Wilde"

When we think of Oscar Wilde, our minds are immediately filled with images of his wit, charm, and genius. However, there is a lesser-known side of the legendary playwright and poet that remains hidden from the public eye. Deep within the confines of his prison cell, Wilde penned a series of remarkable writings, including his famous letter known as "De Profundis," which offers an intimate glimpse into the torment and transformation he experienced during his time in incarceration. Join us on a journey through the depths of Wilde's soul and explore the profound impact these prison writings have had on his legacy.

The Tragic Fall

In 1895, Oscar Wilde was at the peak of his career. His plays were lauded by critics and adored by audiences around the world. However, his life took a tragic turn when he was convicted of "gross indecency" for his homosexual relationships. Wilde was sentenced to two years of hard labor in Reading Gaol, a prison located in Berkshire, England.

It was during this dark and turbulent period of Wilde's life that he penned some of his most introspective and haunting writings. With no audience to impress, Wilde poured his heart and soul onto paper, desperately trying to make sense of his own downfall and find redemption.

De Profundis and Other Prison Writings

by Oscar Wilde (Reprint Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	907 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	137 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Hardcover	:	168 pages
Item Weight	:	14.6 ounces
Dimensions	:	6.14 x 0.44 x 9.21 inches

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"De Profundis": A Cry for Salvation

One of the most remarkable pieces to emerge from Wilde's prison writings is his letter addressed to Lord Alfred Douglas, his former lover and the primary cause of his downfall. This 50,000-word missive, known as "De Profundis," serves as an emotional catharsis for Wilde, as well as an agonizing reflection on the choices that led to his current predicament.

The letter, written over the course of several months, is a raw and candid account of Wilde's experiences, thoughts, and emotions. It delves into his personal and spiritual growth, his self-reflection, and his quest for forgiveness, both from himself and from those he loved.

Wilde's "De Profundis" is not only a profound self-examination but also a scathing critique of the societal norms and prejudices that led to his imprisonment. The letter gives a voice to Wilde's pain and suffering, challenging the repressive Victorian morality of the time and paving the way for greater acceptance and understanding of homosexuality.

An Artist Behind Bars

Aside from "De Profundis," Wilde produced a series of other writings during his time in prison. These include beautiful and poignant poems, such as "The Ballad of Reading Gaol" and "The Grave of Keats," showcasing his ability to find solace and inspiration even in the direst of circumstances.

"The Ballad of Reading Gaol" stands as one of Wilde's most celebrated works. It tells the story of a fellow inmate, Charles Thomas Wooldridge, who was executed for murder. The poem explores themes of guilt, punishment, and the transience of human existence, hitting not only emotional but intellectual chords within the reader.

Additionally, Wilde wrote essays on various subjects, ranging from art and literature to politics and morality. These writings demonstrate his continued intellect, curiosity, and desire to contribute to society, despite being trapped behind bars.

The Aftermath and Legacy

After his release from prison in 1897, Wilde retreated to France under the name Sebastian Melmoth. However, his prison writings continued to shape his life and work, becoming a testament to his resilience and ability to find beauty in the darkest corners of existence.

Although initially rejected by publishers, Wilde's prison writings gained recognition posthumously and played a critical role in reshaping his public image. They allowed readers to see beyond the scandal and sensationalism that surrounded his trial and instead witness the profound introspection and growth that occurred in prison.

Today, Wilde's "De Profundis" and other prison writings are regarded as powerful and timeless works of literature. They offer a unique insight into the human condition, showcasing the transformative power of hardship and the indomitable spirit of artistic expression.

In

De Profundis And Other Prison Writings allow us to glimpse into the depths of Oscar Wilde's soul, shedding light on the profound impact his time in prison had on his personal growth and artistic evolution. These writings broke societal barriers and challenged the conventions of their time, paving the way for a more accepting and inclusive society. As we delve into the beautifully raw and introspective world of Wilde's words, we are reminded of the enduring power of art and the human spirit even in the darkest of times.

De Profundis and Other Prison Writings

by Oscar Wilde (Reprint Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	907 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	137 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Hardcover	:	168 pages
Item Weight	:	14.6 ounces
Dimensions	:	6.14 x 0.44 x 9.21 inches

FREE

De Profundis and Other Prison Writings is a new selection of Oscar Wilde's prison letters and poetry in Penguin Classics, edited and introduced by Colm Tóibín.

At the start of 1895, Oscar Wilde was the toast of London, widely feted for his most recent stage success, An Ideal Husband. But by May of the same year, Wilde was in Reading prison sentenced to hard labour. 'De Profundis' is an epistolic account of Oscar Wilde's spiritual journey while in prison, and describes his new, shocking conviction that 'the supreme vice is shallowness'. This edition also includes further letters to his wife, his friends, the Home Secretary, newspaper editors and his lover Lord Alfred Douglas - Bosie - himself, as well as 'The Ballad of Reading Gaol', the heart-rending poem about a man sentenced to hang for the murder of the woman he loved.

This Penguin edition is based on the definitive Complete Letters, edited by Wilde's grandson Merlin Holland. Colm Tóibín's explores Wilde's duality in love, politics and literature. This edition also includes notes on the text and suggested further reading.

Oscar Wilde was born in Dublin. His three volumes of short fiction, The Happy Prince, Lord Arthur Savile's Crime and A House of Pomegranates, together with his only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, won him a reputation as a writer with an original talent, a reputation enhanced by the phenomenal success of his society comedies - Lady Windermere's Fan, A Woman of No Importance, An Ideal Husband and The Importance of Being Earnest.

Colm Tóibín is the author of five novels, including The Blackwater Lightship and The Master, and a collection of stories, Mothers and Sons. His essay collection Love in a Dark Time: Gay Lives from Wilde to Almodovar appeared in 2002. He is the editor of The Penguin Book of Irish Fiction.