Introduction
Lord Arthur Savile s Crime Summary By Oscar Wilde “Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime,” a short story by Oscar Wilde, is a satirical and humorous exploration of fate, morality, and the absurdity of human behavior. First published in 1891, this story reflects Wilde’s signature wit and his ability to comment on societal norms, particularly those related to class and the expectations of the British aristocracy. The narrative follows Lord Arthur Savile, a young nobleman who becomes obsessed with a prophecy that predicts he will commit murder. What ensues is a darkly comedic tale that reveals the folly of trying to control one’s destiny.Lord Arthur Savile s Crime Summary By Oscar Wilde
Summary of the Story
Setting and Characters
The story is set in Victorian England, primarily in the opulent world of the British aristocracy. The main character, Lord Arthur Savile, is an affluent young man engaged to the beautiful and charming Sybil Merton. Other notable characters include:
- Sybil Merton: Lord Arthur’s fiancée, who embodies the ideal of innocence and virtue.
- Mr. Podmore: A fortune-teller who presents Arthur with the prophecy.
- The Duchess: A socialite who represents the upper class’s superficial concerns.
- Sir George: An elderly character whose murder is the center of the prophecy.
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The Prophecy
The story begins at a social gathering where Lord Arthur attends a party hosted by the Duchess. He is intrigued by the idea of having his fortune told and decides to consult Mr. Podmore, a fortune-teller. During the consultation, Podmore reveals a troubling prophecy: Lord Arthur will commit a murder. The revelation strikes Arthur deeply, as he believes the prediction is not merely a possibility but a certainty he must fulfill.Lord Arthur Savile s Crime Summary By Oscar Wilde
The Internal Conflict
Initially, Lord Arthur is horrified by the prediction. He is a gentleman with a respectable reputation and does not wish to harm anyone, let alone commit murder. However, as he contemplates the prophecy, he becomes increasingly consumed by it. The notion that he is destined to commit a crime begins to alter his perception of morality. Rather than attempting to avoid the fate foretold, Arthur starts to rationalize the prophecy as a duty he must fulfill.Lord Arthur Savile s Crime Summary By Oscar Wilde
The Plan
In his quest to fulfill the prophecy, Lord Arthur begins to think practically about who his victim might be. He decides that the most suitable target would be his elderly relative, Sir George, who is known for his gloomy disposition. Arthur believes that by killing Sir George, he would not only satisfy the prophecy but also rid himself of a burden.Lord Arthur Savile s Crime Summary By Oscar Wilde
However, Arthur’s motivations are complicated by the fact that he is set to marry Sybil. He struggles with the idea of committing murder while simultaneously preparing for his wedding. The juxtaposition of his romantic life and the grim task ahead creates an underlying tension in the story.Lord Arthur Savile s Crime Summary By Oscar Wilde
The Murder
As Arthur plans the murder, he becomes increasingly detached from his feelings of guilt and moral hesitation. He even devises a plan to carry out the act in a manner that would ensure he faces no consequences. When the day of the murder arrives, Arthur finally takes action and confronts Sir George.
In a darkly comedic twist, however, the murder does not go as planned. Instead of committing the act himself, he inadvertently becomes a part of an entirely different plot. Sir George dies unexpectedly from natural causes before Arthur can carry out his plan. This turn of events leaves Arthur both relieved and perplexed, as he realizes he is no longer bound by the prophecy.
The Resolution
With Sir George dead, Arthur feels a sense of freedom. The prophecy has been fulfilled, albeit not in the way he anticipated. Arthur now believes he can proceed with his life and marry Sybil without the weight of the murder hanging over him.Lord Arthur Savile s Crime Summary By Oscar Wilde
However, the conclusion of the story reveals that Arthur’s actions—his obsession with the prophecy and his plan to commit murder—have irreversibly changed him. Although he did not directly kill Sir George, the psychological impact of his fixation on the prophecy lingers. Arthur’s relationship with Sybil is tainted by the darkness of his thoughts and intentions.
The story ends with a reflection on the absurdity of trying to escape one’s fate. Wilde leaves readers to ponder the implications of Arthur’s journey, emphasizing the irony of how his attempts to control his destiny ultimately led to his moral decay.Lord Arthur Savile s Crime Summary By Oscar Wilde
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Themes
1. Fate and Free Will
One of the central themes of “Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime” is the tension between fate and free will. The story raises questions about whether individuals can change their destinies or if they are bound by prophecies and predictions. Arthur’s obsessive belief in the prophecy ultimately drives him to contemplate murder, suggesting that the act of believing in fate can lead to its fulfillment.Lord Arthur Savile s Crime Summary By Oscar Wilde
2. Morality and Ethics
Wilde examines the nature of morality throughout the story. Arthur grapples with the ethical implications of his thoughts and actions, demonstrating how societal expectations and personal desires can distort one’s sense of right and wrong. The absurdity of his reasoning—believing he must commit murder to fulfill a prophecy—serves as a critique of the arbitrary nature of morality within the aristocracy.
3. Absurdity of Society
The story is also a satirical commentary on the absurdity of the British aristocracy. Wilde uses humor to highlight the trivial concerns and moral vacuity of the upper class. Characters like the Duchess represent a society more interested in appearances and social engagements than in genuine human values. The contrast between Arthur’s dark thoughts and the frivolous nature of the social scene amplifies the absurdity of his situation.Lord Arthur Savile s Crime Summary By Oscar Wilde
4. Transformation and Identity
Arthur’s journey reflects a transformation influenced by the weight of expectations and the burden of his thoughts. As he becomes more obsessed with the prophecy, he distances himself from the man he once was, leading to a loss of identity. This transformation underscores the impact of external pressures on individual choices and morality.Lord Arthur Savile s Crime Summary By Oscar Wilde
5. Love and Relationships
The story explores the complexities of love, particularly in the context of Arthur’s relationship with Sybil. While he desires to maintain his romantic life, the darkness of his intentions creates a rift between his love for Sybil and his fixation on the prophecy. This tension ultimately suggests that true love cannot flourish in the shadow of moral ambiguity.Lord Arthur Savile s Crime Summary By Oscar Wilde
Literary Devices
1. Irony
Wilde employs irony throughout the story to enhance its humor and critique of society. The central irony lies in Arthur’s attempts to fulfill a prophecy that he believes dictates his actions, only for the prophecy to be realized in an unexpected and comical manner.
2. Satire
Wilde’s use of satire serves to mock the upper class and their preoccupations. The characters’ superficiality and concern with appearances highlight the absurdity of societal norms, allowing Wilde to critique the moral failings of the aristocracy.Lord Arthur Savile s Crime Summary By Oscar Wilde
3. Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing is present in the story, particularly in Arthur’s discussions with Mr. Podmore. The ominous prediction of murder hints at the impending chaos in Arthur’s life and prepares readers for the eventual twist in the plot.Lord Arthur Savile s Crime Summary By Oscar Wilde
4. Symbolism
The fortune-telling aspect of the story serves as a symbol of fate and the human desire to understand and control the future. Arthur’s obsession with the prophecy symbolizes the ways in which people can become trapped by their beliefs and expectations.
5. Dialogue
Wilde’s use of dialogue is effective in conveying character personalities and social dynamics. The interactions between characters reveal their motivations and highlight the absurdities of their concerns, contributing to the story’s humor.
Conclusion
“Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime” is a masterful blend of humor, satire, and philosophical inquiry into the nature of fate, morality, and the human condition. Through the character of Arthur Savile, Wilde crafts a narrative that explores the absurdity of attempting to control one’s destiny while simultaneously commenting on the superficiality of aristocratic society.
The story ultimately serves as a reminder of the complexities of human behavior and the ways in which external pressures can shape individual choices. Wilde’s wit and keen observations ensure that “Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime” remains a relevant and engaging exploration of the human experience, resonating with readers across time and culture.Lord Arthur Savile s Crime Summary By Oscar Wilde
(FAQs)
1. What is the main theme of “Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime”?
The main theme of “Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime” is the tension between fate and free will, as well as the absurdity of societal norms. The story explores how obsession with a prophecy can lead to moral dilemmas and irrational behavior.
2. Who are the main characters in the story?
The main characters include Lord Arthur Savile, his fiancée Sybil Merton, Mr. Podmore (the fortune-teller), the Duchess, and Sir George. Each character contributes to the exploration of themes related to love, morality, and the upper-class society.
3. How does the prophecy affect Arthur’s behavior?
The prophecy leads Arthur to become obsessed with the idea that he must commit murder to fulfill his fate. This obsession distorts his sense of morality and influences his actions throughout the story.
4. What is the significance of the title “Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime”?
The title emphasizes the central conflict of the story, highlighting Arthur’s journey toward committing a crime based on the prophecy. It also reflects the dual nature of crime—both literal and moral—as Arthur grapples with his dark thoughts.
5. How does Wilde use humor in the story?
Wilde employs humor through irony and satire to critique the superficiality of aristocratic society. The absurdity of Arthur’s situation and his rationalizations for murder create a comedic effect that highlights the absurdities of human behavior.
6. What does the story say about love and relationships?
The story suggests that love can be complicated by external pressures and moral ambiguity. Arthur’s obsession with the prophecy creates a rift between him and Sybil, indicating that true love cannot thrive in a context of moral conflict.
7. How does the ending of the story impact the overall message?
The ending, in which Arthur’s intended murder is averted through unexpected circumstances, reinforces the theme of the absurdity of trying to control fate. It leaves readers to contemplate the futility of Arthur’s obsession and the moral implications of his thoughts.
8. What literary devices does Wilde use in the story?
Wilde employs various literary devices, including irony, satire, foreshadowing, symbolism, and effective dialogue, to enhance the themes and humor of the story.
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