“Apologia” by Oscar Wilde: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Apologia” by Oscar Wilde

“Apologia” by Oscar Wilde was first published in 1881 in his collection Poems, demonstrating a a passionate defense of the poet’s life and choices, particularly his pursuit of beauty and pleasure. It is characterized by its emotional intensity, vivid imagery, and lyrical language. The poem’s form, a mix of tercets and quatrains with a consistent rhyme scheme, adds to its musicality. Thematically, “Apologia” explores the conflict between societal expectations and personal desires, the value of art and beauty, and the importance of living life authentically.

Text: “Apologia” by Oscar Wilde

Is it thy will that I should wax and wane,
Barter my cloth of gold for hodden grey,
And at thy pleasure weave that web of pain
Whose brightest threads are each a wasted day?

Is it thy will–Love that I love so well–
That my Soul’s House should be a tortured spot
Wherein, like evil paramours, must dwell
The quenchless flame, the worm that dieth not?

Nay, if it be thy will I shall endure,
And sell ambition at the common mart,
And let dull failure be my vestiture,
And sorrow dig its grave within my heart.

Perchance it may be better so–at least
I have not made my heart a heart of stone,
Nor starved my boyhood of its goodly feast,
Nor walked where Beauty is a thing unknown.

Many a man hath done so; sought to fence
In straitened bonds the soul that should be free,
Trodden the dusty road of common sense,
While all the forest sang of liberty,

Not marking how the spotted hawk in flight
Passed on wide pinion through the lofty air,
To where the steep untrodden mountain height
Caught the last tresses of the Sun God’s hair.

Or how the little flower he trod upon,
The daisy, that white-feathered shield of gold,
Followed with wistful eyes the wandering sun
Content if once its leaves were aureoled.

But surely it is something to have been
The best belovèd for a little while,
To have walked hand in hand with Love, and seen
His purple wings flit once across thy smile.

Ay! though the gorgèd asp of passion feed
On my boy’s heart, yet have I burst the bars,
Stood face to face with Beauty, known indeed
The Love which moves the Sun and all the stars!

Annotations: “Apologia” by Oscar Wilde

Stanza	Annotation
Is it thy will that I should wax and wane, Barter my cloth of gold for hodden grey, And at thy pleasure weave that web of pain Whose brightest threads are each a wasted day? Is it thy will–Love that I love so well– That my Soul’s House should be a tortured spot Wherein, like evil paramours, must dwell The quenchless flame, the worm that dieth not?	The speaker asks if it is the will of Love to sacrifice their youthful ambitions and desires for a life of pain and sorrow.
Nay, if it be thy will I shall endure, And sell ambition at the common mart, And let dull failure be my vestiture, And sorrow dig its grave within my heart. Perchance it may be better so–at least I have not made my heart a heart of stone, Nor starved my boyhood of its goodly feast, Nor walked where Beauty is a thing unknown.	The speaker accepts the will of Love, even if it means enduring a life of failure and sorrow, but takes comfort in not having hardened their heart or missed out on the joys of youth.
Many a man hath done so; sought to fence In straitened bonds the soul that should be free, Trodden the dusty road of common sense, While all the forest sang of liberty, Not marking how the spotted hawk in flight Pased on wide pinion through the lofty air, To where the steep untrodden mountain height Caught the last tresses of the Sun God’s hair.	The speaker reflects on how many people have constrained their souls and missed out on the beauty and freedom of life, while they have experienced love and beauty, even if only briefly.
But surely it is something to have been The best belovèd for a little while, To have walked hand in hand with Love, and seen His purple wings flit once across thy smile. Ay! though the gorgèd asp of passion feed On my boy’s heart, yet have I burst the bars, Stood face to face with Beauty, known indeed The Love which moves the Sun and all the stars!	The speaker concludes that it is worth having experienced love and beauty, even if it is fleeting, and that it has given them a deeper understanding of the universe and its workings.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Apologia” by Oscar Wilde

Literary Device	Example	Explanation
Alliteration	“wax and wane”	Repetition of initial consonant sounds in neighboring words. Here, the repetition of the ‘w’ sound emphasizes the cyclical nature described.
Metaphor	“cloth of gold for hodden grey”	A comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as.” The poet compares a luxurious fabric (“cloth of gold”) to a plain, coarse fabric (“hodden grey”) to symbolize the exchange of opulence for austerity.
Personification	“web of pain”	Giving human qualities to non-human entities. Pain is depicted as if it can weave a web, suggesting its entanglement and ensnaring nature.
Imagery	“quenchless flame, the worm that dieth not”	Vivid descriptions that appeal to the senses. Here, the imagery evokes the enduring nature of suffering, likening it to an unquenchable flame and an eternal worm.
Allusion	“Soul’s House”	A reference to something outside the text, in this case, the soul being described as a house. This alludes to the idea of the soul as a dwelling place or container for experiences and emotions.
Symbolism	“ambition at the common mart”	The common marketplace symbolizes a place where ambitions are traded or sold, representing the sacrifice of personal aspirations for societal norms or expectations.
Irony	“dull failure be my vestiture”	The juxtaposition of failure with a vestment (clothing) suggests an unexpected acceptance or embrace of failure, which is typically viewed negatively.
Hyperbole	“my heart a heart of stone”	Exaggeration for emphasis. The speaker doesn’t literally have a heart of stone but means to convey emotional hardness or insensitivity.
Assonance	“starved my boyhood of its goodly feast”	Repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words. Here, the repetition of the ‘o’ sound emphasizes the deprivation or lack experienced during childhood.
Repetition	“Nor walked where Beauty is a thing unknown.”	Repeating a word or phrase for emphasis. The repetition of “Nor” emphasizes the speaker’s avoidance of places lacking in beauty.
Simile	“like evil paramours”	A comparison between two unlike things using “like” or “as.” The speaker compares the dwellers of the soul’s house to evil lovers, highlighting their unwelcome presence.
Enjambment	“Passed on wide pinion through the lofty air,”	The continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line, couplet, or stanza. This creates a sense of fluidity and movement, mirroring the flight of the hawk described.
Anaphora	“Is it thy will”	The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or verses. In this case, it emphasizes the speaker’s questioning and introspection regarding divine will.
Parallelism	“And let dull failure be my vestiture, / And sorrow dig its grave within my heart.”	The repetition of similar grammatical structures. Here, the parallelism emphasizes the speaker’s acceptance of failure and sorrow as inevitable consequences.
Oxymoron	“purple wings”	The juxtaposition of contradictory terms for effect. Wings are typically associated with birds, but the color purple is not commonly found in nature, creating a striking image.
Euphemism	“trodden the dusty road of common sense”	Substituting a mild, indirect, or vague term for one considered harsh or blunt. Here, “trodden the dusty road of common sense” refers to a mundane or unremarkable path in life.
Onomatopoeia	“sang of liberty”	Words that imitate the sound they represent. “Sang” mimics the sound of singing, emphasizing the joyful expression of liberty.
Juxtaposition	“But surely it is something to have been / The best belovèd for a little while,”	Placing two contrasting ideas or images side by side. Here, the fleeting nature of being the “best beloved” is juxtaposed with the significance attributed to the experience.
Apostrophe	“Ay! though the gorgèd asp of passion feed / On my boy’s heart,”	Addressing an absent or imaginary person or object. Here, the speaker directly addresses passion as if it were a devouring snake, emphasizing its destructive nature.
Paradox	“burst the bars”	A statement that seems contradictory or absurd but may reveal a deeper truth. “Bursting the bars” implies breaking free from confinement or restriction, which contrasts with the notion of being consumed by passion.

Themes: “Apologia” by Oscar Wilde

• Sacrifice and Endurance
• Throughout “Apologia,” Oscar Wilde explores the theme of sacrifice and endurance as the speaker grapples with the consequences of love and divine will. The poem’s persona contemplates the willingness to endure suffering and relinquish personal ambitions for the sake of love and spiritual fulfillment. For instance, the speaker ponders whether it is divine will to endure pain and forsake worldly desires, expressing a willingness to endure hardship and sell ambition at the “common mart.” This theme is further emphasized through the imagery of exchanging “cloth of gold for hodden grey,” symbolizing the sacrifice of luxury for simplicity. Despite the agony and turmoil described, there is an underlying acceptance and determination to endure, suggesting a recognition of the transformative power of sacrifice in the pursuit of higher ideals.
• The Conflict Between Individuality and Societal Expectations
• Another prominent theme in “Apologia” is the conflict between individuality and societal expectations. The speaker grapples with the pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations, even at the expense of personal fulfillment and authenticity. This conflict is depicted through imagery such as “straitened bonds” and “dull failure,” symbolizing the constraints and limitations imposed by societal conformity. The speaker laments the stifling effect of societal expectations, acknowledging the temptation to follow the “dusty road of common sense” while longing for the freedom and beauty found outside societal constraints. This theme highlights the tension between personal autonomy and societal conformity, urging readers to contemplate the true cost of sacrificing individuality for societal acceptance.
• Transience and Impermanence
• “Apologia” also explores the theme of transience and impermanence, particularly in relation to love and beauty. The speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of love and the ephemeral moments of beauty experienced in life. For example, the speaker reminisces about being “the best belovèd for a little while,” acknowledging the temporary nature of love’s embrace. This theme is further emphasized through imagery such as “wax and wane” and “purple wings,” symbolizing the cyclical nature of existence and the transient beauty of life’s moments. Despite the acknowledgment of impermanence, there is a sense of gratitude and reverence for the moments of beauty and love experienced, underscoring the poignancy of fleeting moments in the journey of life.
• The Quest for Spiritual Fulfillment
• Finally, “Apologia” delves into the theme of the quest for spiritual fulfillment and transcendence. The speaker grapples with existential questions regarding divine will and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. This quest is depicted through the speaker’s introspective questioning and contemplation of divine purpose. For instance, the speaker questions whether it is divine will to endure suffering and sacrifice personal desires in pursuit of spiritual growth. This theme is further emphasized through imagery such as “Soul’s House” and “Love which moves the Sun and all the stars,” symbolizing the transcendental nature of love and the divine presence within the human soul. Despite the challenges and uncertainties encountered along the spiritual journey, there is a sense of awe and reverence for the divine forces at work, underscoring the transformative power of spiritual enlightenment and self-discovery.

Literary Theories and “Apologia” by Oscar Wilde

• Romantic Theory:
• Focus on emotion, imagination, and individuality: Wilde’s poem is a passionate defense of his individual choices and pursuit of beauty, reflecting the Romantic emphasis on personal expression and emotional intensity.
• “Is it thy will that I should wax and wane, Barter my cloth of gold for hodden grey?”
• Elevation of nature and beauty: The poem’s imagery of hawks, mountains, flowers, and the sun highlights the Romantic reverence for nature and its beauty as sources of inspiration and transcendence.
• “Not marking how the spotted hawk in flight Passed on wide pinion through the lofty air…”
• Aestheticism:
• Art for art’s sake: The poem rejects utilitarian views of art, asserting the intrinsic value of beauty and the pursuit of aesthetic pleasure. This aligns with the Aesthetic movement’s emphasis on art as an end in itself, rather than a means to an end.
• “And walked where Beauty is a thing unknown.”
• Sensory experience and symbolism: Wilde’s vivid imagery and symbolism (e.g., the “cloth of gold,” the “gorged asp of passion”) engage the reader’s senses and evoke a deeper understanding of the poem’s themes.
• “Ay! though the gorgèd asp of passion feed On my boy’s heart…”
• Biographical Criticism:
• Author’s life as context: Understanding Wilde’s own experiences and values, particularly his homosexuality and his defiance of societal norms, provides insight into the poem’s themes of personal freedom, societal constraints, and the conflict between individual desires and societal expectations.
• “Many a man hath done so; sought to fence In straitened bonds the soul that should be free…”
• Art as personal expression: The poem can be read as a personal defense of Wilde’s lifestyle and choices, revealing his belief in the importance of living authentically and pursuing one’s passions, even in the face of societal disapproval.
• “But surely it is something to have been The best belovèd for a little while…”

Critical Questions about “Apologia” by Oscar Wilde

• Question 1: How does the speaker’s tone shift throughout the poem, and what does this reveal about their emotional state?
• The speaker’s tone shifts from questioning and uncertain in the first stanza (“Is it thy will that I should wax and wane…”) to resigned and accepting in the second stanza (“Nay, if it be thy will I shall endure…”). This shift reveals the speaker’s emotional struggle to come to terms with the pain and sorrow that Love has brought them. The use of words like “endure” and “sorrow” also suggests a sense of melancholy and despair.
• Question 2: How does the poem explore the tension between freedom and constraint, and what commentary does this offer on societal expectations?
• The poem explores the tension between freedom and constraint through imagery like “the soul that should be free” and “straitened bonds” (stanza 3). This contrasts with the “dusty road of common sense” and ” Beauty…unknown” (stanza 3), suggesting that societal expectations can stifle individual freedom and creativity. The speaker’s own experience of having “burst the bars” and “stood face to face with Beauty” (stanza 4) offers a commentary on the importance of breaking free from these constraints to experience true beauty and love.
• Question 3: What role does Love play in the poem, and how is it personified?
• Love is personified as a powerful, capricious force that can bring both joy and pain. The speaker addresses Love directly, using words like “thy will” and “thy pleasure” (stanza 1), suggesting a sense of submission and surrender. The image of Love’s “purple wings” (stanza 4) also implies a sense of beauty and transcendence. However, the “gorgèd asp of passion” (stanza 4) that feeds on the speaker’s heart suggests a darker, more destructive aspect of Love.
• Question 4: How does the poem use natural imagery to explore themes of beauty, freedom, and the human experience?
• The poem uses natural imagery like the “spotted hawk in flight” (stanza 3), “lofty air” (stanza 3), and “Sun God’s hair” (stanza 3) to explore themes of beauty, freedom, and the human experience. These images evoke a sense of wonder, awe, and connection to the natural world. The “daisy” (stanza 3) that follows the sun also suggests a sense of simplicity, innocence, and joy. The use of natural imagery serves as a contrast to the speaker’s emotional pain and sorrow, highlighting the beauty and freedom that can be found in the natural world.

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statement about “Apologia” by Oscar Wilde

Topic	Question	Thesis Statement
Exploration of Divine Will	How does the speaker grapple with the concept of divine will in the poem?	In “Apologia,” Oscar Wilde delves into the complexities of divine will, exploring the speaker’s inner turmoil and acceptance of spiritual guidance.
Analysis of Sacrifice and Endurance	What role does sacrifice and endurance play in the poem?	“Apologia” portrays themes of sacrifice and endurance as the speaker navigates the conflicts between personal desires and spiritual fulfillment.
Examination of Love and Transience	How does the poem depict the transient nature of love?	Through vivid imagery and introspective reflection, “Apologia” illustrates the fleeting yet profound moments of love and beauty in human existence.
Societal Expectations and Individuality	How does the speaker address societal expectations in the poem?	Wilde’s “Apologia” critically examines the tension between societal conformity and individual authenticity, urging readers to contemplate the true cost of sacrificing individuality for societal acceptance.

Literary Works Similar to “Apologia” by Oscar Wilde

1. “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Eliot: Like “Apologia,” Eliot’s poem delves into themes of existential angst, inner conflict, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent world. Both poems employ rich imagery and introspective narration to explore the complexities of human experience.
2. “To His Coy Mistress” by Andrew Marvell: This poem, like “Apologia,” addresses themes of love, time, and mortality. Marvell’s speaker attempts to persuade his coy mistress to seize the moment and embrace their passion before it’s too late, echoing the sense of urgency and fleeting nature of experience found in Wilde’s work.
3. “The Waste Land” by T.S. Eliot: Another poem by Eliot, “The Waste Land” shares thematic similarities with “Apologia,” particularly in its exploration of disillusionment, spiritual emptiness, and the fragmentation of modern life. Both poems challenge traditional beliefs and societal norms, offering a fragmented yet poignant reflection on the human condition.
4. “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost: Frost’s poem, like “Apologia,” explores themes of choice, regret, and the passage of time. The speaker reflects on a pivotal moment of decision and contemplates the diverging paths of life, highlighting the uncertainty and complexity of the human experience.
5. “Ode to a Nightingale” by John Keats: Keats’s poem shares thematic resonance with “Apologia” through its exploration of the tension between the transient beauty of life and the enduring power of art. Both poems grapple with the fleeting nature of existence and the quest for transcendence amidst the struggles of mortality.

Suggested Readings: “Apologia” by Oscar Wilde

• Books:
• Wilde, Oscar. The Complete Works of Oscar Wilde. Collins, 2003.
• Raby, Peter, editor. The Cambridge Companion to Oscar Wilde. Cambridge UP, 1997.
• Article:
• Bloom, Harold. “Oscar Wilde’s Apologia: A Study in Autobiography.” Modern Critical Views: Oscar Wilde, Chelsea House Publishers, 1987, pp. 15-22.
• Web Links:
• “Apologia by Oscar Wilde.” Poetry Foundation, www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45402/apologia.

Representative Quotations about “Apologia” by Oscar Wilde

Quote	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“Is it thy will that I should wax and wane, / Barter my cloth of gold for hodden grey, / And at thy pleasure weave that web of pain / Whose brightest threads are each a wasted day?”	Speaker questions Love’s will, comparing youthful ambition to painful experience	Foucault’s Power Dynamics: Love is personified as a powerful force, dictating the speaker’s life
“Is it thy will–Love that I love so well– / That my Soul’s House should be a tortured spot / Wherein, like evil paramours, must dwell / The quenchless flame, the worm that dieth not?”	Speaker asks if Love intends to torture them with passion and desire	Psychoanalytic Theory: Love is a driving force, potentially destructive and all-consuming
“Nay, if it be thy will I shall endure, / And sell ambition at the common mart, / And let dull failure be my vestiture, / And sorrow dig its grave within my heart.”	Speaker resigns themselves to Love’s will, accepting pain and failure	Existentialism: Speaker takes responsibility for their choices, embracing the human condition
“Many a man hath done so; sought to fence / In straitened bonds the soul that should be free, / Trodden the dusty road of common sense, / While all the forest sang of liberty,”	Speaker reflects on how others have constrained their souls, missing out on freedom and beauty	Social Constructivism: Societal expectations can stifle individual creativity and freedom
“Ay! though the gorgèd asp of passion feed / On my boy’s heart, yet have I burst the bars, / Stood face to face with Beauty, known indeed / The Love which moves the Sun and all the stars!”	Speaker affirms the value of experiencing Love and Beauty, despite pain and passion	Romanticism: Beauty and Love are transcendent, essential to the human experience