The Decay of Lying

Wilde chooses to defend what is usually considered a negative behavior, lying, as something that is not only positive but necessary. In what ways is Wilde’s understanding of lying in this essay unique?

Wilde states that “Nature hates Mind” (1). How are these two concepts defined here, and in what ways are the two presented as conflicting?

What is the tone of Vivian’s article? How does this impact perceptions of the argument itself? Consider elements such as diction as well as rhetorical devices.

What are some of the most striking allusions Wilde makes as part of his argument? How do these allusions reflect Wilde’s own education and background, and how might they persuade or alienate different types of readers?

Wilde calls out a number of his contemporaries to criticize their work. How effective is the essay format in conveying these criticisms, and how might the criticized individuals respond to Wilde’s accusations or seek to justify their artistic choices?

This essay advocates for an aestheticist approach to art. How would a realist describe the aestheticist approach? Consider the way Wilde frames realism here and the ways in which realist principles coincide or conflict with aestheticist principles.

Cyril identifies two writers widely considered realists—George Meredith and Honoré de Balzac—and challenges Vivian to explain how they are both true artists as well as realist writers. Is Vivian’s response convincing? Why or why not? What rhetorical devices does Wilde use to construct this explanation?

How does Wilde’s education in classics influence the structure and content of this text? In what ways do his allusions to mythology and ancient civilizations add to his argument?