
De Profundis by Oscar Wilde
Literary workAbout
De Profundis by Oscar Wilde is a deeply introspective letter written during his imprisonment in Reading Gaol between January and March 1897. Addressed to his former lover, Lord Alfred Douglas, it explores themes of love, regret, and redemption. The letter reflects on Wilde's life, his relationship with Douglas, and his experiences in prison, serving as a profound meditation on suffering and personal growth. De Profundis is notable for its philosophical and spiritual themes, where Wilde identifies with Jesus Christ as an individualist artist. The work emphasizes the importance of sorrow as a transformative force and explores Wilde's spiritual development during his imprisonment. Despite its personal nature, it offers a universal exploration of human emotions and the quest for meaning amidst hardship.