The trial and imprisonment of Oscar Wilde remains one of the most famous legal and cultural episodes of the nineteenth century. This course explores the events that led to Wilde's prosecution, the social and legal attitudes of Victorian Britain and the personal consequences for one of the English-speaking world's greatest writers. Participants will also examine the trial's enduring significance for literature, freedom of expression and changing attitudes towards sexuality and identity. Suitable for anyone interested in history, literature and cultural change.

DELIVERY MODE

Face to face

COURSE OUTLINE

• Lead up to the trial
• His relationships with famous people
• Those out to silence him - the conspiracy
• His first trial
• The push for a retrial
• His sentence
• His writing whilst in gaol
• His move to Paris
• His death

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Understand the conspiracy to get him
• Understand the miscarriage of justice
• Know the man and the facts behind the charges