Abstract
Through both their arguments and their form, Oscar Wilde's quasi-Socratic dialogues, The Decay of Lying and The Critic as Artist, articulate a conscious anti-work ethic, an ideology of leisure. The historical roots of this discourse extend through the nineteenth century in complicated ways, connecting with the institutional history of Oxford, the poetics of dialogue form itself, the cultural implications of Victorian homosexuality, and the contradictions of British capitalism in its imperial moment. These fastidiously playful texts therefore enable us to explore the importance of being idle, amateurish and unproductive.
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
