Wilde although best known for his literature, wit and fall from grace due to his homosexuality/bisexuality depending on the interpretation, was expected by many of the time to enter politics. Not terribly uncommon for the upper-class of Victorian Britain, he was often encouraged to seek a seat in Parliament. He was also a keen radical and wrote essays on Socialism, Libertarianism and Anarchism, describing Kropotkin as "a man of soul, a white Christ emerging from Russia".
So let's say he does move towards politics, when? Let's say for instance the scandal that led to his imprisonment, which destroyed his health and killed him before he was fifty, never happens. He continues into the 20th century as a controversial but much respected figure. Where would he go? The Labour Party seems most obivous ideologically, but was very much a working-class trade union based group, despite the likes of the Fabian Society. So it is a possiblity, but I think he'd become part of the rising New Liberalism of Asquith (who he was apparently a good friend) and Lloyd-George and possibly move to the left if things don't suit him. If anything like WWI happens in such a timeline, his pacifism might see him side with Ramsay McDonald and the ILP. One thing is for certain, he'd no doubt be a dominant orator in the House, however he could very well end a radical but ineffectual backbencher. Then again his high standing and connections might see differently.
What do people think, is it a possibility and how do you think it would pan out?
So let's say he does move towards politics, when? Let's say for instance the scandal that led to his imprisonment, which destroyed his health and killed him before he was fifty, never happens. He continues into the 20th century as a controversial but much respected figure. Where would he go? The Labour Party seems most obivous ideologically, but was very much a working-class trade union based group, despite the likes of the Fabian Society. So it is a possiblity, but I think he'd become part of the rising New Liberalism of Asquith (who he was apparently a good friend) and Lloyd-George and possibly move to the left if things don't suit him. If anything like WWI happens in such a timeline, his pacifism might see him side with Ramsay McDonald and the ILP. One thing is for certain, he'd no doubt be a dominant orator in the House, however he could very well end a radical but ineffectual backbencher. Then again his high standing and connections might see differently.
What do people think, is it a possibility and how do you think it would pan out?