Lord Arthur Savile's Crime

Historical Context and Significance

«Lord Arthur Savile's Crime» is a short story by Oscar Wilde, first published in 1891. It is a vivid example of Victorian literature and reflects Wilde's characteristic style, combining wit, satire, and elements of mysticism. The story explores themes of fate, morality, and predestination, which were relevant to a society fascinated by ideas of determinism and fatalism. The work's cultural impact lies in its ability to critique and mock social norms and prejudices, a hallmark of Wilde's oeuvre. The story also raises questions about free will and responsibility for one's actions, making it relevant in a modern context. Wilde uses elements of the grotesque and irony to underscore the absurdity of certain social conventions, making the work an important contribution to the development of satirical literature.