Intentions (Annotated)
Enriched Edition. Essays on Aesthetic Philosophy, Art for Art's Sake, and the Artist's Place in Victorian SocietyBy Oscar Wilde
Length6h 32m
About this audiobook
Oscar Wilde's *Intentions* (1891) gathers four dialogues and essays that constitute a brilliant manifesto for aestheticism and the autonomy of art. In "The Decay of Lying," "The Critic as Artist," "The Truth of Masks," and "The Soul of Man under Socialism," Wilde overturns Victorian assumptions about realism, morality, authorship, and social utility. His paradoxes, epigrams, and Socratic exchanges turn criticism into performance, while his ornate, deliberately artificial prose enacts the very principles it advances: that art need not imitate life, and that beauty may possess its own intellectual and ethical force. Read alongside the period's debates over decadence, socialism, and art for art's sake, the volume reveals Wilde as both provocateur and sophisticated theorist of modern culture. Born in Dublin and educated at Trinity College and Oxford, Wilde absorbed classical learning, the influence of Walter Pater, and the aesthetic movement's resistance to utilitarian Victorian culture. His experiences as a poet, lecturer, editor, dramatist, and public celebrity sharpened his interest in the relations among art, criticism, personality, and society. *Intentions* reflects his effort to defend aesthetic freedom while exposing the conventions governing respectable taste and conduct. This collection is essential for readers interested in literary theory, fin-de-siècle culture, and the history of aestheticism. Its wit makes difficult arguments memorable, while its provocations continue to challenge assumptions about truth, beauty, and artistic responsibility.
This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience.
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
Audiobook details
Rating★★★★ 4.5 (12)
Includes Amazon
GenreLiterary Classics
Length6 hrs 32 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateJun 2, 2022
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Intentions (Annotated)
2Introduction
3Author Biography
4Historical Context
5Synopsis (Selection)
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6THE DECAY OF LYING: AN OBSERVATION
7PEN, PENCIL AND POISON A STUDY IN GREEN
8THE CRITIC AS ARTIST WITH SOME REMARKS UPON THE IMPORTANCE OF DOING NOTHING
9THE CRITIC AS ARTIST WITH SOME REMARKS UPON THE IMPORTANCE OF DISCUSSING EVERYTHING
10THE TRUTH OF MASKS A NOTE ON ILLUSION
11Analysis
12Reflection
13Memorable Quotes
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