Oscar Wilde, born Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde on October 16, 1854, in Dublin, Ireland, was a prominent playwright, poet, and novelist known for his wit and flamboyant style. He grew up in a well-educated family; his mother, Lady Jane Francesca Wilde, was a poet and nationalist, while his father, Sir William Wilde, was a successful eye and ear surgeon. This cultured environment fostered Wilde's early love for literature and the arts. He attended Trinity College, Dublin, and later Magdalen College, Oxford, where he distinguished himself academically and socially.

Wilde's literary career began in earnest in the 1880s, when he emerged as a leading figure in the Aesthetic Movement, which championed "art for art's sake." His first major publication, "Poems" (1881), garnered attention and acclaim. However, it was his plays and novel that solidified his reputation. Among his most notable works are "The Picture of Dorian Gray" (1890), a novel exploring themes of vanity and moral duplicity, and iconic plays such as "The Importance of Being Earnest" (1895) and "An Ideal Husband" (1895), both celebrated for their sharp social commentary and clever dialogue.

Wilde's personal life was as colorful as his writing. He was known for his flamboyant personality and sharp wit, often making him a subject of fascination and controversy. His marriage to Constance Lloyd in 1884 produced two sons, but Wilde's later relationships, particularly with Lord Alfred Douglas, led to public scandal. In 1895, Wilde was imprisoned for "gross indecency" due to his homosexual relationships, which were criminalized at the time. He spent two years in prison, and upon his release, he lived in exile in France, where he died on November 30, 1900, in Paris.

Oscar Wilde's legacy endures through his works, which continue to resonate with readers for their exploration of identity, morality, and the complexities of human relationships. His sharp wit and societal critiques solidify his place as one of the greatest writers of the Victorian era, and his life remains a poignant tale of brilliance shadowed by societal constraints.