In discussing Bosie’s inaction during Wilde’s trial, he states, “I have no doubt that you did not mean to do so. These interactions prove that Wilde believes he is superior to Bosie for this reason, he holds himself accountable for his actions, and excuses Bosie’s for ignorance. By using the word, “little” Wilde suggests that his book is of importance and significance, not to mention that he says this while telling him the things he did wrong in writing it (i.e. When referring to his book of poetry, Wilde refers to it as “your little book, ” (49). He is constantly condescending of Bosie’s writing and also condemns his interests by denouncing his addiction to extravagance. At this moment, Wilde says that he could not have expected Bosie to possibly understand what he needed from their friendship because he did not have the mental capability. Because Wilde begins his letter with this statement, it sets the tone for understanding his attitude towards Bosie.
It is significant that Wilde uses the victim approach to refer to Bosie, while holding himself accountable for himself because it reflects Wilde’s view that he is superior to Bosie.įrom the beginning, Wilde begins to talk down to Bosie he states, “You did not realise that an artist, and especially such an artist as I am, one, that is to say, the quality of whose work depends on the intensification of personality, requires for the development of his art the companionship of ideas, an intellectual atmosphere, quiet, peace, and solitude” (5). The first removes the individual from all senses of responsibility and treats him as a victim, while the latter places all responsibility on the individual and blames his inaction. This creates a complication between being a victim of your characteristics, without the authority and proper understanding to counteract your bad traits, and actively failing to choose the correct paths. However, Wilde blames himself for his own downfall because he thinks he did not act appropriately in many given situations. In his letter to Bosie (Lord Alfred Douglas), Oscar Wilde forgives his lover for his wrongdoings, acknowledging that it was not his intentions, but his character that cause them. Summary: Oscar Wilde wrote his letter, De Profunis, to his old lover while in prison he explains that he’s writing to him out of love and desire to help Lord Alfred Douglas realize his faults and understand the way he should be Wilde’s The Decay of Lying is written in dialogue and advocates for the appreciation and understanding of art.
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