De Profundis

How does Wilde’s use of personification help to explain emotions, their nature, and their function? Elaborate on one emotion in particular, using explicit examples from the text.

What do you think Wilde means when he writes, “Art is a symbol, because man is a symbol” (35)? Think about the commonalities Wilde posits between art and man. How does this quote relate to his philosophy as a whole?

Why does Wilde claim that Christ is the supreme individualist? What lessons does Wilde learn from reflecting on the life of Christ?

What is the role of Greek thought in Wilde’s letter? Where does he praise the Greeks and where does he critique them?

Does Wilde leave room for a possible reconciliation between him and Bosie? Why or why not?

In what ways does Wilde critique modern society and the current prison system?

Is this letter a reliable source? Does it accurately depict Wilde’s relationship with Bosie?

Sorrow is integral to developing Wilde’s philosophy throughout the letter. Consider instances in which Wilde claims to have found sorrow, both in life and in art. How do they compare? How have Wilde’s own thoughts on sorrow evolved since his time in prison?