“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
―
Oscar Wilde
Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills
Wilde was an Irish playwright, poet, and author of numerous short
stories, and one novel. Known for his biting wit, and a plentitude of
aphorisms, he became one of the most successful playwrights of the late
Victorian era in London, and one of the greatest celebrities of his day.
Several of his plays continue to be widely performed, especially The Importance of Being Earnest.
As
the result of a widely covered series of trials, Wilde suffered a
dramatic downfall and was imprisoned for two years hard labour after
being convicted of "gross indecency" with other men. After Wilde was
released from prison he set sail for Dieppe by the night ferry. He never
returned to Ireland or Britain, and died in poverty.