Unlock the more straightforward side of The Ballad of Reading Gaol with this concise and insightful summary and analysis!
This engaging summary presents an analysis of The Ballad of Reading Gaol by Oscar Wilde, a long-form poem based on his own experiences as an inmate in Reading Gaol. Drawing on classical and religious motifs, the poem paints a vivid portrait of the injustices of the late Victorian prison system, focusing on the character of an unnamed soldier who has been sentenced to death for a crime the narrator of the poem claims all people are guilty of in the ballad’s most famous refrain: “each man kills the thing he loves”. Oscar Wilde was one of the most fascinating authors of the 19th century, known as much for his witticisms as for his writing. His most notable works include the novel The Picture of Dorian Gray and the comic plays An Ideal Husband and The Importance of Being Earnest.
Find out everything you need to know about The Ballad of Reading Gaol in a fraction of the time!
This in-depth and informative reading guide brings you:
• A complete plot summary
• Character studies
• Key themes and symbols
• Questions for further reflection
Why choose BrightSummaries.com?
Available in print and digital format, our publications are designed to accompany you on your reading journey. The clear and concise style makes for easy understanding, providing the perfect opportunity to improve your literary knowledge in no time.
See the very best of literature in a whole new light with BrightSummaries.com!