Wilde, Oscar
Explore the characters and worlds created by Wilde, Oscar
Works by Wilde, Oscar
The Happy Prince
A statue of a former prince who weeps for the suffering of his city.
"True happiness lies in alleviating the suffering of others, even at the cost of one's own comfort and beauty."
The Swallow
A small bird who initially intends to migrate to Egypt but stays to help the Happy Prince.
"He learns that love and compassion are more important than personal comfort and self-preservation."
The Selfish Giant
A giant who initially forbids children from playing in his garden.
"He learns that true happiness lies in sharing and kindness, and that love and joy are found in the company of others."
Little Hans
An honest and kind little fellow who is exploited by his devoted friend, the Miller.
"He believes in the importance of friendship and is willing to sacrifice his own needs for the sake of others."
Hugh the Miller
A rich and selfish miller who exploits his friend, Little Hans, under the guise of devoted friendship.
"He believes in prioritizing his own needs and desires above all else, using friendship as a tool for personal gain."
The Remarkable Rocket
A pompous and self-absorbed firework who believes himself to be superior to all others.
"He believes in his own superiority and the importance of recognition and fame, despite lacking any real talent or achievement."
John 'Jack' Worthing
A Justice of the Peace in the country, also known as Ernest in town.
"Maintaining a respectable image is essential, even if it requires deception. Love and marriage should be based on genuine affection, though societal approval is also important."
Algernon Moncrieff
A charming, witty, and somewhat irresponsible gentleman.
"Life should be lived for pleasure and amusement. Social conventions are meant to be subverted and used for one's own enjoyment."
Lady Bracknell
A formidable and aristocratic society matriarch.
"Social status and family lineage are the ultimate determinants of worth. Maintaining appearances and adhering to social conventions are paramount."
Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax
A fashionable and sophisticated young woman obsessed with the name 'Ernest'.
"Aestheticism and romantic ideals are essential for a fulfilling life. The name 'Ernest' embodies these qualities and is a prerequisite for true love."
Cecily Cardew
Jack's young and imaginative ward, living in the countryside.
"Romantic love and adventure are essential for a fulfilling life. Imagination and fantasy can transform the mundane into the extraordinary."
Dorian Gray
A strikingly beautiful and impressionable young man whose portrait ages while he remains eternally youthful.
"Initially, Dorian believes in the importance of beauty and pleasure. As he becomes corrupted, he comes to believe that morality is irrelevant and that the pursuit of pleasure is the ultimate goal."
Lord Henry Wotton
A witty and cynical aristocrat who corrupts Dorian Gray with his hedonistic philosophy.
"Lord Henry believes that the pursuit of pleasure and beauty is the ultimate goal in life, and that morality and societal conventions are meaningless."
Basil Hallward
A talented painter who becomes obsessed with Dorian Gray's beauty and paints his portrait.
"Basil believes in the power of beauty and the importance of art as a means of expressing the soul. He also holds traditional moral values and struggles to reconcile his admiration for Dorian with his growing awareness of Dorian's moral decay."
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