Well, the themes of 'Oscar Wilde The Complete Short Stories' include decadence. Wilde depicts a world where excessive luxury and self - indulgence are common, especially among the upper classes. Also, there is the theme of love and lust. He delves into the complex nature of human relationships, showing how love can be intertwined with desire and how it can be corrupted by society's expectations.
There's Dorian Gray. He is very memorable as his pursuit of eternal youth and beauty leads him to a downward spiral of moral decay. His portrait that ages while he remains young is a very iconic element.
Some of the best Oscar Wilde short stories include 'The Canterville Ghost'. It's a humorous and poignant tale that combines elements of the supernatural with Wilde's sharp wit. The story plays with the contrast between the American Otis family and the old - world English ghost.
Oscar Wilde's short stories are known for their wit and social commentary. In his best short stories, like 'The Happy Prince', Wilde uses vivid descriptions to create a melancholic yet beautiful world. The characters often represent different aspects of society, such as the self - sacrificing prince and the swallow. His stories also play with themes of love, sacrifice, and the disparity between the rich and the poor.
Well, there's Lady Windermere in 'Lady Windermere's Fan'. She is a complex character dealing with issues of marriage, fidelity, and social status. Then there's Mr. Podgers in 'Lord Arthur Savile's Crime'. He is a palm - reader who predicts a dark future for Lord Arthur, which sets the story in motion. Also, in 'The Model Millionaire', Hughie Erskine is a character who learns valuable lessons about kindness and true wealth.
Well, there are themes like the duality of human nature. Wilde's characters often have two sides, a public one and a private one. For instance, Dorian Gray has his outward charm but also his inner corruption. Then there is the theme of the pursuit of pleasure. His characters are often in search of hedonistic pleasures. And the theme of the power of influence, as seen in how Dorian is influenced by Lord Henry and how that shapes his life.
In addition, Wilde's short stories have been widely adapted in various forms, such as plays and movies. This shows their lasting appeal and the universality of the themes he explored. His works continue to be studied and enjoyed today, which is a testament to their influence.
Oscar Wilde's short stories are known for their wit and social commentary. In his stories, he often uses vivid characters to represent different aspects of society. For example, in 'The Happy Prince', the prince's selfless actions contrast with the coldness of the city's inhabitants, highlighting the gap between the rich and the poor.
One notable feature is Wilde's brilliant use of language. His short fictions are filled with witty and clever dialogues that are both entertaining and thought - provoking. Another feature is the exploration of themes like society's hypocrisy. Wilde often satirizes the upper - class society of his time through his stories.
One of the most famous is 'The Canterville Ghost'. It's a humorous and thought - provoking story that combines elements of the supernatural with Wilde's characteristic wit.