The fatal illness of Oscar Wilde

Abstract

The literary genius of Oscar Wilde has been sullied and besmirched by his infamous entanglement with Lord Alfred Douglas for “gross indecency” leading to his subsequent imprisonment for two years. After release he developed what was certified as “cerebral meningitis” in November 1900, from which he died. The much disputed cause is discussed. The claims for neurosyphilis are wholly inadequate; a chronic middle ear infection with cholesteatoma and intracranial suppuration is here suggested as the basis of his fatal illness. Had he lived in the 21st century Oscar Wilde would not have been so cruelly punished, may have received effective treatment, and thus been spared to provide much more of his wit and elegant plays, stories and poetry.