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Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) remains one of the most iconic and enigmatic literary figures of the late Victorian era. An Irish poet, playwright, and novelist, Wilde is celebrated for his razor-sharp wit, flamboyant style, and enduring contributions to literature. His works are characterized by their satirical edge, incisive social commentary, and exploration of aestheticism and duality. Wilde's notable works include 'The Picture of Dorian Gray,' a novel emphasizing the divide between beauty and morality, and plays such as 'The Importance of Being Earnest' and 'An Ideal Husband,' which critique upper-class society and hypocrisy through clever dialogue and farcical situations. Wilde's only novel, 'The Picture of Dorian Gray,' was considered scandalous at its 1890 publication but is now praised for its exploration of themes like decadence, vanity, and the nature of evil. Wilde's mastery of the epigram and his contributions to the decadent movement have influenced a wide array of writers and artists beyond his time. His personal life, including his imprisonment for 'gross indecency' due to his homosexual relationships, was as controversial as his writing was influential. Although 'The Green Carnations: Gay Classics Boxed Set' references works associated with Wilde, particularly 'The Picture of Dorian Gray,' which is often connected with homosexual subtext, the title itself does not appear to be a direct work of Wilde but rather a collection that is inspired by his legacy and literary themes.
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