341: The Trials of Oscar Wilde: Sex and Scandal (Part 1)

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Jun 15, 2023

Dive into the tumultuous life of Oscar Wilde, a brilliant literary figure entangled in scandal. Explore the complexities of his relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas and the societal backlash against his work, particularly 'The Portrait of Dorian Gray.' Discover the intricate balance between Wilde's artistic genius and personal turmoil, highlighting the dramatic libel case that changed everything. Listeners will also reflect on the emotional weight of Wilde's arrest and its lasting impact on identity and reputation in a repressive society.

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ANECDOTE

Sandbrook's Play

Dominic Sandbrook wrote a play called "The Importance of Being Frank".
It reworks Wilde's play to tell his own story, with characters like Bosie and the Marquess of Queensbury.

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INSIGHT

Wilde's Martyrdom

Oscar Wilde is often seen as a martyr for gay rights, a victim of a puritanical establishment.
This view is not entirely accurate, as the story is more nuanced.

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ANECDOTE

Wilde's Early Life

Wilde was initially abstemious, showing no signs of the scandal to come.
He married Constance Holland and had children before a pivotal encounter with Robbie Ross.

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The Complexity of Oscar Wilde: Fame and Folly

02:01 • 14min

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The Backlash Against Dorian Gray: Scandals and Society's Response

16:30 • 2min

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The Turbulent Affair of Wilde and Bosie

18:36 • 4min

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The Paradox of Oscar Wilde's Genius and Domestic Turmoil

22:51 • 2min

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Wilde's Reckless Pursuit

24:39 • 6min

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Wilde's Legal Odyssey: The Shadow of Queensberry

30:40 • 17min

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The Arrest of Oscar Wilde: A Poetic Reflection

47:20 • 2min

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Lady Windermere's Fan

Oscar Wilde

Lady Windermere's Fan is a four-act comedy by Oscar Wilde, first performed in 1892. The play revolves around Lady Windermere's jealousy over her husband's apparent interest in Mrs. Erlynne, who is revealed to be Lady Windermere's mother. Through its characters and plot, the play critiques societal norms and explores themes of fidelity and family secrets. It is both a satire and a social comedy, examining the complexities of human relationships and the societal pressures that shape personal decisions.

The Picture of Dorian Gray

Oscar Wilde

The novel centers on the life of Dorian Gray, a young man who becomes infatuated with his own beauty and the hedonistic philosophies of Lord Henry Wotton. After wishing that his portrait would age instead of himself, Dorian embarks on a life of sensual excess and moral decay, while his portrait reflects the true state of his soul. The story delves into the duality of human nature, the allure of aestheticism, and the critique of Victorian society, highlighting the devastating effects of evil and debauchery on Dorian's life and those around him.

Psychopathia sexualis

Richard von Krafft-Ebing

Published in 1886, 'Psychopathia Sexualis' is one of the earliest and most influential texts on sexual pathology. The book, written by Richard von Krafft-Ebing, combines Karl Heinrich Ulrichs' 'Urning' theory with Bénédict Morel's theory of social degeneration. It introduces terms such as 'sadism' and 'masochism' and discusses a wide range of paraphilias. The work had a significant impact on continental European forensic psychiatry in the early 20th century and is regarded as a landmark in the history of psychopathology. It was initially intended for medical and legal practitioners but gained broader public attention due to its sexually explicit content.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

Oscar Wilde

Written by Oscar Wilde, 'The Importance of Being Earnest' is a farcical comedy that critiques the social norms and hypocrisy of the upper class in Victorian England. The play follows Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, who invent fictional identities to escape their social obligations. Jack pretends to have a wastrel brother named Ernest, while Algernon invents a sick friend named Bunbury. The plot involves mistaken identities, romantic entanglements, and humorous social commentary, ultimately exposing the artificiality and trivial concerns of the upper class. The play is celebrated for its witty dialogue and timeless humor, making it a classic in English literature.

Salome

Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde's 'Salome' is a one-act tragedy based on the biblical story of Salome's dance for Herod and her request for the head of John the Baptist. The play is known for its decadent imagery, its exploration of themes of desire and power, and its use of symbolism. Wilde's distinctive style and his creation of a memorable and complex character in Salome have ensured the play's enduring appeal. 'Salome' is a significant work of Decadent literature, reflecting the artistic and intellectual currents of the late 19th century. The play's exploration of forbidden desires and its critique of societal norms continue to resonate with audiences.

A Woman of No Importance

The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II

Sonia Purnell

This book tells the extraordinary life of Virginia Hall, an American spy with a prosthetic leg who became one of the greatest and least known spies in U.S. history. Hall established vast spy networks throughout occupied France, led a victorious guerilla campaign, and helped liberate France from the Nazis after D-Day. Through extensive research, Sonia Purnell brings to light Hall's intelligence, bravery, and determination in the treacherous world of espionage, highlighting her contributions to the war effort and her personal triumph over adversity.

“The truth is rarely pure and never simple.” As his most popular work, "The Importance of Being Earnest", hints at, Oscar Wilde’s life was a complicated one. Perhaps the most famous gay martyr in history, Wilde is often presented as a sacrificial victim destroyed by a bigoted and puritanical establishment. But the story of how Wilde came to prominence, and eventually sued his lover’s father for libel, is one as surprising as it is complex. Join Tom and Dominic as they explore Oscar Wilde’s journey from the heights of brilliant success to the depths of notoriety and suffering.

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Producer: Theo Young-Smith

Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor

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