Includes bibliographical references (pages 175-186) and index.
Contents:
Introduction -- 1. Damp Squibs -- 2. Comma in the Afternoon -- 3. The Apparatus for Turning out 'Oscarisms' -- 4. Truth on a Tightrope -- 5. Laws and Exceptions -- 6. Expressing One's Self -- 7. Summaries of All Existence -- Conclusion.
Summary:
"Oscar Wilde's wit is foundational to his works, from his plays and novels to his self-defense at his trials. Through analysis of Wilde's collection of epigrams, 'Phrases and Philosophies for the Use of the Young,' Gantar constructs a framework for a systematic analysis of the different aspects of Wilde's wit: the relevance, significance, and cogency of its thought, and the coherence, intensity, and complexity of its expression. This book is a comprehensive account of Oscar Wilde's wit that focuses on discovering reasons for his critical success and ongoing legacy"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.