Oscar Wilde died primarily because of a jail term.

This ignominious demise seemed an ironic contrast to his career as a powerful, clever writer, one who achieved success fairly early in life. His lightning-like wit thundered across the great skies of literary London. He became their instant darling, writing poems and plays deliriously received by large, enthusiastic audiences. Wilde was the quintessential ‘dandy,’ wearing outrageous ties, lacy frocks and multi-colored coats that glittered in the stage lights.

Oscar Wilde's downfall occurred primarily because of his sexuality. By the time he was 32, he was married, parental and bored. He began a sexual relationship with a teenaged boy named Robert Ross. This was the inaugural liaison of a pattern which culminated in a dalliance with Lord Alfred Douglas, the son of a very prominent English family. Douglas's father, the Marquess of Queensberry, discovered the relationship and wrote Wilde a note about it. In the mistake that would cost the writer his life, Oscar Wilde threw a lawsuit at the father. The marquess was used to fighting (this was the same gentleman who defined the Queensberry rules for boxing), and he countercharged that Wilde had numerous liaisons with young boys. The playwright was arrested and, in a scandal that rocked the literary world of the time, put on trial.

In court, things at first went well for the playwright. His wit sparkled with characteristic brilliance even upon cross-examination.