The "Wild" Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde was quoted as saying "I hate vulgar realism in literature. The man who could call a spade a spade should be compelled to use one. It is the only thing he is fit for" (p. 887). After reading the background information on Wilde, I began the reading with great anticipation. Surely a man who lived such an 'in your face' lifestyle would not disappoint in his writings....and he did not!

Wilde immediately drew me into the conversation between Cyril and Vivian by giving us a look at their lifestyle and their relationship. Knowing that the names Cyril and Vivian are his children's names, one leaps to the conclusion that the characters are brothers and while their banter appears brotherly, it could just as well be two close friends sharing a day in the country.

Cyril want to sit, smoke, and enjoy Nature but Vivian response is "Enjoy Nature! I am glad to say that I have entirely lost that faculty" (p. 832). Cyril plays the role of 'straight man' to Vivian's somewhat comical satirical responses early in the play. Soon, Vivian goes on to explain that he believes individuality is lost when in nature and says "Nothing is more evident than that Nature hates Mind. Thinking is the most unhealthy thing in the world, and people die of it just as they die of any other disease. Fortunately, in England at any rate, thought is not catching" (p. 832). I literally laughed out loud - the idea that thought is not catching is at the same time so very true and so very false, so...what's the word pardoxical?

The crux of the play is the article that Vivian is writing in which he protests the dying art of lying. Taking a habit that most people would agree is without redeeming social or moral value, Wilde puts forth a valiant defense for the use of a well told lie. He manages to present his position with great imagination and conviction. He took me along for his ride and made me curious to see his next argument. One of my favorite lines was when Vivian says "If a man is sufficiently unimaginative to produce evidence in support of a lie, he might just as well speak the truth at once" (p. 833). Vivian tells us that art is not supposed to be realistic, but rather based more on well portrayed lies or at least exaggerations. As evidence he offers a list of authors and their works and then concludes " . . . facts are either kept in their proper subordinate position, or else entirely excluded on the general ground of dullness" (p. 837).

Later, after Vivian quotes Shakespeare to make the point, Cyril says "But you don't mean that you seriously believe that Life imitates Art . . ." (p. 839). Upon which Vivian launches into the defense of this well known position. I did a little research, but was unable to determine if this statement was original to Wilde, or if it had been floated by others before him. Either way, Wilde gives both credible and whimsical evidence to support his position.

The conversation between Cyril and Vivian was presented in such a way that it was relatively easy for me to imagine their faces, their dress, and their mannerisms as they explored a philisophical discussion of lying. As far as I am concerned, Wilde painted a portrait with his pen in this piece and was true to the theme....he created something unique!