Literature Library author

Oscar Wilde

A concise guide to Oscar Wilde's body of work, major titles, and recurring themes.

AP-referenced author
Languages
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Regions / countries
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Forms
Four-act comedy, Literary work, Play
Indexed works
3

Author overview

Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) was a novelist, poet, and playwright whose body of work spans four-act comedy, literary writing, and drama. This writing is associated with United Kingdom, France, and Ireland. Major works and useful reading starting points include Lady Windermere's Fan, The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Ballad of Reading Gaol, and The Soul of Man under Socialism. Key themes include Reputation versus moral action, Secrets, truth, and protective silence, and Women judged by double standards.

Reading pathway

Begin with Lady Windermere's Fan, then move to The Picture of Dorian Gray, then move to The Importance of Being Earnest.

Representative starting points

Lady Windermere’s Fan

A young wife who divides women into good and bad nearly destroys her marriage, while the mother she condemns protects her by accepting the appearance of guilt.

All published guides by this author

Biography, authority, and bibliography sources

This independent author guide supports reading and discussion. Curriculum badges show useful AP or IB connections without making this an official AP or IB publication.