Wit Twain Wilde Authors

As per challenge number 3, an essay. By me.

The Atlantic ocean is the second largest in the world. It serves as the bridge between America and Europe. In the late nineteenth century, it also served as the relative distance between two of the most influential writers to put pen to paper. Although not as prolific as most modern writers in terms of novels, Mark Twain and Oscar Wilde were at the forefront of their respective literary movements, and as such, stand as the watermark seen in the writing of those to follow.

Samuel Clemens, better known by his pen name Mark Twain, was the sixth of seven children, three of which died before entering adulthood. Sadly, this was to remain a recurring theme, as his father, daughters and wife all died before he was laid to rest. His younger brother fell victim to a steamboat explosion after gaining employment at Clemens' insistence. These events led to varying stages of depression which he dealt with throughout his life.

Clemens lacked a formal education, learning instead through public libraries. He was awarded an honorary degree from Oxford towards the twilight of his life.

Oscar Wilde was one of three children, though he also had two step-sisters and a brother from his father's extramarital affairs. Like Clemens, his family fell victim to early deaths. His step sisters burned to death when their dresses caught fire, his sister Isola died of meningitis at the age of eight and his father passed when he was twenty-two. It's likely that his father's journeys outside of marriage and Wilde's close relationships with the women in his family played a part in his Aesthetic movement and subsequent venture into homosexuality. Unlike Clemens, however, Wilde had a more classical schooling, first being home-schooled and tutored, then attending Oxford.

It was at Oxford that Wilde would become enthralled by the Aesthetic movement; living life as art, or art for art's sake. He would begin touring and lecturing on the Aesthetic values, best represented by Dorian Gray, the protagonist of his only novel, The Picture Of Dorian Gray, whom led 'a perfectly useless life.' Wilde took to growing out his hair and wearing flowers on his breast while openly mocking pre-conceived notions of manliness. The movement was characterized by excess, both in expenditure and gluttony, as well as the appreciation of beauty. Dorian becomes another prime example of this, as other male characters become captivated by his appearance.

In effect, Wilde became an agent of change. Though often mocked for his 'dandyism' the movement took hold and became acceptable. In 1885 the Criminal Law Amendment Act was passed in England, effectively outlawing (male) homosexuality. This did not stop Wilde from taking male lovers. He was a pacifist and a socialist, arguing for reforms in, not only the Criminal Act, but in prisons, as well. 'The Importance Of Being Earnest,' his most famous and most enduring work satirizes Victorian England, playing upon the social obligations inherent in society. His work seems to speak of a world he envisions in the future.

Clemens was also a social advocate, supporting abolition and women's suffrage. His most famous works have often been banned from the classroom, however, due mainly to the repeated use of the word nigger, which was commonly used at the time of the publication (pre-civil war). He started as a journalist writing humorous short stories based on his travels across the U.S. This led to a series of tours and offers from newspapers to travel and write anecdotal tales about his journeys. In doing so, he romanticized America, becoming a part of Americana itself. Most Americans today are familiar with the scenes in his novels, even if they haven't read them. Tom Sawyer whitewashing a fence is easily the best example of this.

He became friends with presidents and corporate tycoons while endearing himself to the common man, having been called both 'the greatest humorist of his age' and 'the father of American literature.' This did not stop him from losing much, if not all, his money in bad investments, however. Namely the Paige typesetting machine and a failed publishing house. He was able to recover and pay off his debts through an overseas lecturing tour.

Wilde, on the other hand had a number of enemies and fell out of grace towards his final years. He was taken to court on account of his trysts with men, which became public knowledge after a failed libel suit against the Marquess of Queensberry. As per the Criminal Act, he was given the maximum of two years in prison, after which he went into a self imposed exile in France. There he resumed the Dandy lifestyle, living with a former lover. He died several years later of meningitis, much like his sister, whom he wrote the poem Requiescat after.

Clemens passed in a more poetic manner. A heart attack the day after the passing of Halley's Comet. The same comet which streaked across the sky on the day of his birth. His home was later turned into a museum in his honor. Clemens went on to inspire such writers as Kurt Vonnegut and Ernest Hemingway. His work continues to be catalogued, though many of his speeches and lectures were never written down.

Though Contemporaries, Wilde and Clemens never interacted. Their works are bound only by the wit and humor behind them. Their messages, while different remain timeless. Wilde was known to take over a room with his giant frame and charm. Clemens was more restrained, though a natural storyteller and comedian. To wit, comparing them is like comparing an apple to an orange.