A Critic in Pall Mall

Book excerpt: "A Critic in Pall Mall" is not a work by Oscar Wilde. Instead, it is a collection of essays and reviews written by Oscar Wilde that was published in 1885 under the title "The Critic As Artist." This collection includes two dialogues: "The Critic As Artist: With Some Remarks on the Importance of Doing Nothing" and "The Decay of Lying: An Observation." In "The Critic As Artist," Wilde explores the role of the critic and the artist in society, arguing that the critic plays an essential role in shaping public opinion about art. He discusses the importance of individualism, aesthetics, and the idea that the critic's subjective response to art is as valuable as objective analysis. In "The Decay of Lying," Wilde satirically examines the relationship between art and reality. He argues that life imitates art far more than art imitates life, advocating for the value of artistic expression and imagination over strict adherence to reality. Both essays are known for their wit, humor, and paradoxical statements, which are characteristic of Wilde's writing style. These essays are considered significant contributions to the fields of literary criticism and aesthetics.