Poetry · Chapter
To Oscar Wilde explained
The speaker addresses Oscar Wilde with scorn, accusing him of folly, ignorance, and a lack of understanding.
What happens
The speaker addresses Oscar Wilde with scorn, accusing him of folly, ignorance, and a lack of understanding. The speaker refuses to engage seriously with Wilde, dismissing him as a spectacle akin to a two-headed calf, and responds with contempt rather than debate.
Themes in this chapter
Art and Criticism
The poem attacks Wilde's artistic and intellectual stance, reflecting a clash between conventional common sense and aesthetic ideals.
Deception and Self-Deception
The speaker implies Wilde is deceived by folly and in turn deceives others with empty promises and random blows.
Characters to notice
- Unknown
The speaker who derides Oscar Wilde.
Key passages
“Because from Folly’s lips you got Some babbled mandate to subdue The realm of Common Sense, and you Made promise and considered not”
Because you took foolish advice to attack common sense, and made promises without thinking.
Accuses Wilde of acting on foolish inspiration without reflection.
“Dispute with such a thing as you— Twin show to the two-headed calf? Why, sir, if I repress my laugh, ’Tis more than half the world can do.”
Arguing with you is like debating a freak show; most people would laugh at you rather than take you seriously.
Dismisses Wilde as a ridiculous spectacle not worthy of serious debate.