While Oscar Wilde was born and raised in Dublin, the famous writer, poet, and playwright passed away in Paris on November 30th, 1900. His cause of death was meningitis, which he contracted while imprisoned in England for “gross indecency” due to his homosexuality.
Despite his Irish roots, Wilde’s final resting place is in the French capital. But why is Oscar Wilde buried in Paris? Let’s explore the reasons behind this decision.
The Importance of Paris to Oscar Wilde
Paris played a significant role in Oscar Wilde’s life. He first visited the city as a young man and fell in love with its culture and art scene. Later on, it became a refuge for him during his darkest hours.
In 1897, Wilde was released from prison after serving two years for his homosexuality charges. After his release, he immediately left England and fled to France under the pseudonym “Sebastian Melmoth.” He spent the rest of his life in Paris and wrote some of his most famous works there.
Wilde’s Connection to Père Lachaise Cemetery
After Oscar Wilde passed away from meningitis at the age of 46, his close friend and literary executor Robert Ross arranged for his burial at Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. This cemetery is one of the most famous cemeteries in Paris and has become a popular tourist attraction due to its famous residents such as Jim Morrison, Marcel Proust, Edith Piaf, and Frédéric Chopin.
Robert Ross chose Père Lachaise Cemetery as Wilde’s final resting place because it was a place where they had visited together during their time in Paris. Additionally, Ross believed that Père Lachaise Cemetery would be a fitting location for Wilde’s grave due to its historical significance.
The Tombstone Controversy
Wilde’s grave at Père Lachaise Cemetery was originally marked with a simple headstone that read “Oscar Wilde.” However, in 1914, Robert Ross commissioned a larger tombstone designed by Jacob Epstein for Wilde’s grave.
The tombstone features a sculpture of a winged angel inspired by Wilde’s poem “The Sphinx.” The angel is depicted with its genitalia exposed, which caused controversy and outrage among some members of the public. In fact, the tombstone was vandalized multiple times over the years due to its provocative nature.
The Legacy of Oscar Wilde
Despite his relatively short life and tumultuous end, Oscar Wilde left behind an enduring legacy. He is remembered as one of the most talented and influential writers of his time. His works such as “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” “Lady Windermere’s Fan,” and “The Importance of Being Earnest” continue to be celebrated for their wit, humor, and social commentary.
While it may seem surprising that an Irishman like Oscar Wilde ended up being buried in Paris, it’s clear that the city held a special place in his heart. Today, visitors from all over the world come to pay their respects at his grave at Père Lachaise Cemetery.