The Artist by Oscar Wilde (1891)
A passionate artist, driven by the desire to create a representation of fleeting pleasure, embarks on a quest for bronze, only to discover that it has vanished from the world. The only bronze available is that of a statue he had previously made, symbolizing enduring sorrow, which he placed on the grave of his lost love. This statue embodies his deep grief and the permanence of human sorrow. Determined to transform his sorrow into a celebration of ephemeral joy, he sacrifices the statue of sorrow, melting it down in a furnace. From this molten bronze, he shapes a new image that captures the essence of transient pleasure. This act signifies the complex relationship between joy and sorrow, illustrating how one can emerge from the other. The artist's journey reflects the struggle between the desire for lasting beauty and the acceptance of life's impermanence, ultimately revealing the profound connection between creation and loss. The narrative explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the duality of human experience, emphasizing that pleasure, while fleeting, is a vital aspect of existence.
By Oscar Wilde · First published 1891 · Genre: Philosophical Fiction, Symbolism, Literary Fiction · 232 words
First lines
One evening there came into his soul the desire to fashion an image of The Pleasure that abideth for a Moment. And he went forth into the world to look for bronze. For he could think only in bronze.
But all the bronze of the whole world had disappeared, nor anywhere in the whole world was there any bronze to be found, save only the bronze of the image of The Sorrow that endureth for Ever.
What this Textopian page supports
The Artist is listed on Textopian as a poem by Oscar Wilde, dated 1891 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Oscar Wilde
- Date: 1891 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophical Fiction, Symbolism, Literary Fiction, Tragedy, Art Literature
- Length: 232 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Philosophical Fiction — The narrative explores deep themes of existence, pleasure, and sorrow, prompting reflection on the nature of art and life.
- Symbolism — The use of bronze and the images represent broader concepts, embodying the transient nature of pleasure and the permanence of sorrow.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style is introspective and rich in metaphor, focusing on character development and thematic depth.
- Tragedy — The themes of loss and the enduring nature of sorrow contribute to a tragic undertone in the narrative.
Tags
Artistic Identity · Coming-of-Age · Self-Discovery · Social Class · Love Triangle · Moral Ambiguity · Philosophical Themes · Existential Crisis · Inner Turmoil · Creative Expression · Rebellion Against Conformity · Romanticism