The Portrait of Mr. W. H.

Summary

«The Portrait of Mr. W. H.» is a story by Oscar Wilde that delves into the mystery surrounding William Shakespeare's sonnets. The protagonist, Erskine, is convinced that the sonnets were dedicated to a young actor named Willie Hughes. He presents his friend, the narrator, with the theory that Mr. W. H. was a real person and that his portrait was depicted in a miniature Erskine once saw. The narrator becomes captivated by this idea and embarks on his own investigation, attempting to find evidence of Hughes's existence. However, despite his efforts, he finds no convincing proof, and the theory remains a beautiful legend. The story raises questions about the nature of art, truth, and illusion, as well as how far one might go in the pursuit of truth.