Oscar Wilde, His Life and Confessions. Volume 2 (of 2)

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

16895

Title

Oscar Wilde, His Life and Confessions. Volume 2 (of 2)

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Frank Harris's second volume of Oscar Wilde's biography chronicles the playwright's imprisonment at Reading Gaol, his deteriorating health, and his complex relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas. Through Harris's intimate interviews and correspondence with prison officials, the text offers a raw, unvarnished look at Wilde's transformation from celebrated wit to suffering soul, exploring themes of artistic genius, societal prejudice, and the redemptive power of suffering.

Summary up to 500 words

Frank Harris's *Oscar Wilde, His Life and Confessions. Volume 2* chronicles the final, tragic years of the author's life, focusing on his incarceration, literary output, and eventual death. The narrative begins with Wilde's imprisonment in Reading Gaol, where he endures hard labor, starvation, and profound isolation. Harris details the hostile atmosphere surrounding Wilde's release, recounting how friends debated his fate while he suffered in silence. Through Harris's own visits to the prison, readers witness Wilde's physical decline—losing significant weight and appearing aged—yet also observe a surprising resilience in his spirit and intellect. The text captures Wilde's conversations with Harris, revealing his defiance against societal judgment and his belief that humanity was slowly becoming more tolerant. Harris also addresses the controversial relationship between Wilde and Lord Alfred Douglas, portraying Douglas as a follower who mirrored Wilde's mannerisms even as he contributed to his downfall. The volume includes excerpts from Wilde's famous *De Profundis* and the *Ballad of Reading Gaol*, highlighting his literary output during his confinement. Harris critiques the hypocrisy of the era, noting how the public celebrated Wilde's punishment while ignoring his genius. The book concludes with Wilde's release and his final days in Paris, where he struggles with ill health and financial ruin. Harris's account is both a historical record and a moral inquiry into the nature of punishment, the limits of human sympathy, and the enduring legacy of a misunderstood artist. The inclusion of George Bernard Shaw's *Memories* provides a contrasting perspective, adding depth to the historical record.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Classics
• Biography