Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) was an Irish playwright, poet, and novelist celebrated for his sharp wit, flamboyant style, and keen insights into Victorian society. A leading figure of the Aesthetic Movement, Wilde championed "art for art's sake" and created works that were both entertaining and intellectually provocative. His most famous pieces include The Picture of Dorian Gray and plays like The Importance of Being Earnest, which critique social conventions with humor and elegance.

Wilde’s personality and lifestyle were as captivating as his works; his charm, sharp intellect, and unapologetic embrace of individualism made him a cultural icon of his time. His legacy is only marred by the tragic arc of his life, stemming from his conviction of "gross indecency"—his relationships with men—and his consequent sentence to two years of hard labor in 1895, a punishment that deeply affected his health and spirit.

After his release, he lived in exile in France, where he died in poverty in 1900. Despite this, Wilde’s influence endures: he is celebrated not only for his literary genius but also as a figure of resilience and defiance in the face of societal oppression. His works and life continue to inspire discussions on art, identity, and the fight for social justice, cementing him as one of the most significant figures in literary and cultural history.