Oscar Wilde

On this day in 1895 Oscar Wilde initiated the catastrophic libel case against the John Sholto Douglas, the 9th Marquess of Queensberry, and father of Lord Alred Douglas, Wilde’s constant companion. The Marquess had accused the couple of having a homosexual relationship and had been involved in several public confrontations.

I think one of the reasons I find Wilde interesting is how I can’t tell if his life is farce or tragedy.

Certainly both elements abound…