De Profundis

by Oscar Wilde
De Profundis cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Biography and Memoir
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  • ID: 7793
  • Added: 2025-12-16
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • ISBN: 9781427046093
  • Publisher: ReadHowYouWant.com
  • Published: 1930-01-01
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 4

De Profundis is a deeply personal and introspective work by Oscar Wilde, composed during his imprisonment. This epistolary masterpiece delves into themes of love, suffering, and redemption, offering a poignant reflection on Wilde's own experiences and the human condition. /n/n Written in the form of a letter to Lord Alfred Douglas, the work explores Wilde's complex relationship with Douglas and his struggle to come to terms with his imprisonment. It also serves as a profound meditation on art, society, and the nature of suffering, showcasing Wilde's unique perspective and literary genius.

Reviews
Christopher Adam's Blog · Christopher Adam · 2020-05-30
complex 3.50

The letter is a mix of sentimentality, frustration, and bitterness, with underlying themes of classism and haughtiness. It offers a glimpse into Wilde's complex psyche during his imprisonment.

Christopher Adam delves into the intricate layers of Wilde's letter, noting the sentimentality, frustration, and bitterness that characterize the text. He points out the underlying themes of classism and haughtiness, which add depth to Wilde's reflections. Adam finds the letter to be a fascinating exploration of Wilde's complex psyche during his imprisonment. While he acknowledges the emotional intensity, he also notes the contradictions and complexities that make the letter a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    Wilde's letter is rife with sentimentality, frustration and bitterness, as well as a haughtiness and classism that appears to be how the author saw the world.

    The letter offers a glimpse into Wilde's complex psyche during his imprisonment.

    It is a fascinating exploration of Wilde's emotional and intellectual journey.

Fernweh · Amy · 2018-07-03
moving 4.00

The letter is a deeply personal and introspective exploration of Wilde's past, present, and future. It is a powerful and moving work that captures the essence of Wilde's genius.

Amy's review emphasizes the deeply personal and introspective nature of 'De Profundis'. They highlight the letter's exploration of Wilde's past, present, and future, noting its emotional resonance and powerful insights. The reviewer appreciates the letter's unique perspective on love, art, and suffering, describing it as a moving and impactful work that showcases Wilde's genius. They also note the letter's relevance to contemporary discussions about incarceration and social justice, making it a timely and thought-provoking read. Overall, Amy finds the letter to be a profound and emotional exploration of Wilde's personal struggles and philosophical views.

Quick quotes

    The letter is Wilde's attempt to come to terms with his past, present dire circumstances and the future that he will have to face once released.

    There is a thrilling majesty to Oscar Wilde's tormented tour de force written as he prepared for release from Reading jail.

    I found it to be a most revealing and captivating work. From what I have read I deduced, if any one would have died from a broken heart it would be this man.

The Guardian · Arifa Akbar · 2016-08-26
profound 4.50

The letter is a profound and emotional exploration of Wilde's experiences in prison, blending bitterness and passion. It is a testament to his enduring love and artistic vision.

Arifa Akbar highlights the raw emotion and complexity of Wilde's letter, written during his imprisonment. She notes the bitterness and passion that permeate the text, making it a powerful exploration of love and suffering. The letter is not just a personal reflection but also a profound commentary on art and life. Akbar appreciates the depth of Wilde's insights, which reveal his enduring love and artistic vision despite his dire circumstances. The letter's emotional intensity and intellectual rigor make it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    Written towards the end of Wilde's incarceration, De Profundis is bitter, seductive, hurt and passionate.

    It is a testament to Wilde's enduring love and artistic vision.

    The letter is a profound and emotional exploration of Wilde's experiences in prison.

The Mancunion · 2015-02-25
impactful 4.00

The letter is a powerful argument for the pardon of those convicted under the 'gross indecency' law, highlighting Wilde's experiences and the injustices of the legal system.

The reviewer appreciates the letter as a powerful argument for the pardon of those convicted under the 'gross indecency' law. They highlight Wilde's experiences and the injustices of the legal system, making a compelling case for reform. The letter is seen as a testament to Wilde's resilience and his ability to turn personal suffering into a broader social commentary. The reviewer finds the letter to be a moving and impactful piece of literature that resonates with contemporary issues of justice and equality.

Quick quotes

    Why Oscar Wilde's letter is the perfect reason why the 49000 men convicted of the 'gross indecency' law should be pardoned.

    The letter is a powerful argument for the pardon of those convicted under the 'gross indecency' law.

    It is a testament to Wilde's resilience and his ability to turn personal suffering into a broader social commentary.

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