The Art of Imprisonment: A Study of Oscar Wilde’s Carceral Works and the Theme of Confinement in De Profundis (1905) and The Ballad of Reading Gaol (1898)

Abstract

This paper explores the theme of imprisonment in Oscar Wilde’s carceral works, focusing on De Profundis (1905) and The Ballad of Reading Gaol (1898). Written during and after his incarceration, these works reveal Wilde’s profound reflections on suffering, confinement, and human nature. In De Profundis, Wilde grapples with personal loss, redemption, and the transformative power of suffering, presenting imprisonment as both a physical and spiritual ordeal. The Ballad of Reading Gaol shifts focus to the collective experience of prisoners, highlighting the dehumanizing effects of the penal system and critiquing societal injustices. This research examines how Wilde’s incarceration shaped his writing, highlighting the complex interplay between art, morality, and confinement. By exploring themes of isolation, justice, and redemption, this study offers deeper insight into Wilde’s carceral literature and its lasting significance in discussions of the human condition and penal reform.