How to Write Like Oscar Wilde (Legacy Writing Contests)

A Style Guide for the Decadence Contest

Oscar Wilde was a master of wit, irony, and the art of saying much with little. His works, like The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Earnest, are rich tapestries of social satire, flamboyant characters, and sharp dialogue. If you're entering the Decadence Contest, channeling Wilde's style can set your piece apart.

Embrace Wit and Irony:

Wilde's writing is renowned for its cleverness. He often used irony to critique societal norms.

Example:

"I can resist everything except temptation."

Tip: Craft sentences that play with contradictions or highlight absurdities in a polished manner.

Develop Flamboyant Characters

Characters in Wilde's works are often exaggerated, yet they reveal deeper truths.

Example:

Algernon Moncrieff in The Importance of Being Earnest is both frivolous and insightful.

Tip: Create characters with distinctive voices and mannerisms that reflect their inner complexities.

Paint with Lavish Descriptions

Wilde's prose is rich with sensory details, immersing readers in opulent settings.

Example:

"The curves of her lips rewrite history."

Tip: Use descriptive language to evoke the decadence of the setting or the inner world of characters.

Infuse Social Commentary

Beneath the surface glamour, Wilde's works often critique societal hypocrisies.

Example:

The Picture of Dorian Gray explores the consequences of vanity and moral duplicity.

Tip: Weave in themes that question or satirize societal norms, encouraging readers to reflect.

Prompt for Practice

Write a scene where a seemingly trivial social event reveals deeper tensions among characters, using Wildean wit and opulent descriptions.