Arts Studies and Criticism

This paper conducts an in-depth analysis of Oscar Wilde's poetry to examine the manifestation of the theme of love and social gender conflict in his works. Wilde's poetry presents a wide variety of forms of love, ranging from romantic and idealized love to tragic love, reflecting the complexity of human emotions while also revealing the tension and conflict within social gender relations at the time. Through the interpretation of classic works such as The Nightingale and the Rose, this paper explores how Wilde employs Romanticism and symbolism to illustrate the hidden structures of social gender power within love. In these poems, male characters are often portrayed as pursuers of love, while female characters remain passive objects, reflecting the traditional division of gender roles. Wilde's poetry challenges the rigid gender norms of the Victorian era through gender rebellion and role reversals, proposing a concept of love that transcends the constraints of gender. This transcendence is reflected not only in his redefinition of male and female roles but also through the use of symbolism and metaphor, which imbue love with deeper spiritual significance. Furthermore, this paper argues that Wilde's work is not merely a reflection on the gender issues of the Victorian era but also anticipates modern society's reevaluation and liberation of gender relationships and the essence of love. Through his poetry, Wilde expresses a yearning for gender equality and emotional freedom, imbuing his works with cross-era inspiration and relevance.