Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) was an Irish playwright, poet, and wit, best known for his plays such as The Importance of Being Earnest and his novel The Picture of Dorian Gray. Wilde was a master of satire, often critiquing societal norms, morality, and the hypocrisy of the upper class. His sharp wit and flamboyant style made him one of the leading figures of the Aesthetic Movement, advocating "art for art’s sake." Wilde’s influence on literature and theater was profound, as his works continue to be celebrated for their clever dialogue, social commentary, and exploration of themes like identity, vanity, and societal expectations. Despite his tragic fall from grace, Wilde’s legacy as a literary and cultural icon remains enduring.
