Style

The role of aesthete came naturally to Wilde, who ardently believed in the value of the style and the superficial. While there was clearly much more to Wilde than surface appearances, he was nonetheless devoted to appearances and made no secret of the fact.

From his long, dark hair, which his jailers forced him to cut off (to his great consternation!) to his rakish chapeaus (tilted to the side, if you please) to his sweeping capes and velvet and silk suiting (these separates were always accented with luxurious ties and stockings which complemented Wilde’s coloring to perfection), it was abundantly clear that Oscar cared about his outfits. In addition, he believed that everyone should be able to wear whatever they wished.

This mode of thinking was obviously rather unorthodox during Oscar’s era. Wilde shared his views on fashion/aesthetics in his treatise,

Bravery

Who is braver than Wilde? Who suffered more in order to be who he truly was? By facing his oppressors, in court and out in the world, Wilde displayed the magnificent courage of a lion.

To imagine Wilde’s suffering in Reading Goal is painful, and it’s something that I’ve done often. To think that one of the great minds of the age was locked up and relentlessly persecuted, although he hurt no one, is heartbreaking.  How many others who love (or loved) have also suffered for it, although they hurt no one? So many.

This great visionary gave countless gifts to the world. Sadly, in the end, most of his friends were of the fair-weather variety. In other words, they chose to shun him when he was penniless and in disgrace. However, in his bravery and honesty, he distinguished himself as an authentic human being. He moved beyond the superficial. In addition, with his body of work alone, he immortalized himself.

(David)