Oscar Wilde vs. Shakespeare

Attribute	Oscar Wilde	Shakespeare
Birthplace	Dublin, Ireland	Stratford-upon-Avon, England
Genres	Comedy, drama	Tragedy, comedy, history
Famous Works	The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Importance of Being Earnest	Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Macbeth
Writing Style	Satirical, witty	Poetic, dramatic
Legacy	Known for his wit and flamboyant personality	Considered one of the greatest playwrights in history

Background

Oscar Wilde and William Shakespeare are two of the most renowned literary figures in history. Both men have left an indelible mark on the world of literature, with their works continuing to be studied and celebrated to this day. While they lived in different time periods and wrote in different styles, there are several similarities and differences between the two that are worth exploring.

Writing Style

Oscar Wilde is known for his wit, humor, and satire in his writing. His plays and novels often feature sharp dialogue, clever wordplay, and social commentary. Wilde's works are characterized by their sharp wit and keen observations of society. On the other hand, Shakespeare's writing is known for its poetic language, complex characters, and universal themes. His plays are filled with memorable quotes, intricate plots, and timeless insights into the human condition.

Themes

While both Wilde and Shakespeare explore a wide range of themes in their works, there are some key differences in the themes they focus on. Wilde's works often deal with issues of morality, social class, and the nature of art. His plays and novels often satirize the upper classes and challenge societal norms. On the other hand, Shakespeare's works explore themes such as love, jealousy, power, and fate. His plays delve into the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of ambition and betrayal.

Characters

Both Wilde and Shakespeare are known for creating memorable and complex characters in their works. Wilde's characters are often larger than life, with exaggerated personalities and a flair for drama. His protagonists are often witty, charming, and morally ambiguous. On the other hand, Shakespeare's characters are more nuanced and multi-dimensional. His plays feature a wide range of characters, from tragic heroes to comic foils, each with their own motivations and flaws.

Influence

Both Wilde and Shakespeare have had a lasting impact on literature and culture. Wilde's works continue to be studied and performed around the world, with his wit and satire still resonating with audiences today. His influence can be seen in the works of modern playwrights and satirists. On the other hand, Shakespeare's influence is even more far-reaching, with his plays being performed in every corner of the globe and his words becoming part of the English language. His themes and characters have inspired countless adaptations and interpretations over the centuries.

Literary Legacy

While both Wilde and Shakespeare are considered literary giants, their legacies are quite different. Wilde's reputation suffered a setback after his imprisonment for "gross indecency" in 1895, and he was largely forgotten for many years. It wasn't until the mid-20th century that his works began to be reevaluated and appreciated once again. On the other hand, Shakespeare's reputation has only grown over the centuries, with his plays being considered some of the greatest works of literature ever written. His legacy as the "Bard of Avon" is secure, with his works continuing to be studied and celebrated by scholars and audiences alike.