Author Description
'Wilde did not converse - he told tales.' Oscar Wilde was already famous as a brilliant wit and raconteur when he first began to publish his short stories in the late 1880s. They have never lacked readers and admirers, George Orwell and W. B. Yeats among them. The stories give free rein to Wilde's originality, literary skill, and sophistication. They include poignant fairy-tales such as 'The Happy Prince' and 'The Selfish Giant', and the extravagant comedy and social observation of 'Lord Arthur Savile's Crime' and 'The Canterville Ghost'. They also encompass the daring narrative experiments of 'The Portrait of Mr. W. H.', Wilde's fictional investigation into the identity of the dedicatee of Shakespeare's sonnets, and the 'Poems in Prose', based on the Gospel stories. This edition demonstrates the centrality of Wilde's shorter fiction in his literary career, and his continuing development and experimentation with the short story format. Combining myth, romance, and irony, Wilde's stories enthral and challenge the reader. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
Menrva's Summary
THE PULSE
Oscar Wilde’s short stories navigate the tension between moral idealism and the cynical realities of Victorian social structures. The protagonist in each tale often confronts a world defined by rigid class expectations, supernatural intervention, or the weight of artistic legacy. Wilde employs a variety of narrative frameworks, ranging from traditional fairy-tale structures to epistolary investigations and allegorical prose. These stories operate within a world where aesthetic beauty frequently clashes with the harshness of human vanity and social hypocrisy.
INSIDE THE PAGES
- Utilization of fairy-tale archetypes to critique societal values
- Integration of sharp, witty dialogue characteristic of Wilde’s dramatic style
- Exploration of supernatural elements within domestic settings
- Use of irony to subvert traditional moral lessons
- Experimentation with metafictional narrative structures
- Focus on themes of sacrifice, vanity, and the nature of art
- Inclusion of allegorical prose pieces based on religious narratives
- Sophisticated prose style emphasizing aestheticism and social observation
THE COLLECTIVE ECHO
Readers and critics frequently highlight the versatility of Wilde’s short fiction, noting how he seamlessly shifts between whimsical fairy tales and biting social satire. Discussion often centers on the author's ability to balance profound emotional poignancy with his signature flamboyant wit. Many observers point to the enduring relevance of his social critiques, which remain sharp despite the passage of time. The collection is often praised for its accessibility, serving as a primary entry point for those interested in the broader scope of Wilde’s literary output. Critics consistently emphasize that these stories reveal the foundational elements of his later, more famous dramatic works.
Page Count:
250
Publication Date:
2010-01-01
ISBN-10:
0192669184
ISBN-13:
9780192669186
Fantasy
Satire
Victorian
English
Classic Literature
Fairy Tales
English & College Success
Short Stories