Charmides, and Other Poems

Name: Charmides, and Other Poems
Author: Oscar Wilde

By Oscar Wilde

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British Literature Poetry

About This Book

A varied collection of lyrics and longer poems that shifts between mythic narrative, urbane satire, and elegiac meditation. The verse draws on classical imagery and contemporary scenes to probe desire, artifice, guilt, and mortality, moving in tone from witty epigram to sombre regret. Formally diverse, the pieces include sonnets, villanelles, short lyrics and extended narrative poems that foreground musical phrasing and ornate diction. Recurring motifs of antiquity, travel, cityscapes, and religious or civic ritual explore the tension between idealized beauty and human frailty, often with paradoxical, decorative language and ironic distance.

About the Author

Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde was an Irish poet, playwright, and novelist, renowned for his wit and flamboyant style. He is best known for his plays, including "A Woman of No Importance" and "An Ideal Husband," which showcase his sharp social commentary and exploration of morality. Wilde's literary contributions extend to essays and poetry, with works such as "De Profundis" reflecting his personal struggles and philosophical insights. His unique voice and aesthetic ideals have left a lasting impact on literature, making him a key figure in the Victorian era and a celebrated part of literary heritage.