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Cover of Lord Arthur Savile's Crime; The Portrait of Mr. W.H., and Other Stories

Lord Arthur Savile's Crime; The Portrait of Mr. W.H., and Other Stories

Written by Oscar Wilde

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Short stories, EnglishManners and customs

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About this book

“Lord Arthur Savile's Crime; The Portrait of Mr. W.H., and Other Stories” by Oscar Wilde is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The first story, "Lord Arthur Savile's Crime," follows the character of Lord Arthur Savile, who, after a reading of his palm by a cheiromantist, finds himself compelled to commit murder in order to fulfill a dark prophecy linked to his fate. The opening of "Lord Arthur Savile's Crime" provides a vivid portrayal of high Victorian society, featuring a gathering at Lady Windermere's lavish reception. Amidst the social elite, much attention is given to palm readings, which introduces the premise surrounding Lord Arthur, who is marked by tragedy and duty. Attending the soirée, he becomes intrigued by the mysterious cheiromantist Mr. Podgers and ultimately seeks to have his own palm read. An air of foreboding fills the atmosphere as Podgers’s unsettling reaction to Lord Arthur’s hand foreshadows the dark path ahead—a compelling blend of comedy and tragedy that invites readers to question the intersections of fate, morality, and the performances one must engage in their lives.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Lord Arthur Savile's Crime; The Portrait of Mr. W.H., and Other Stories, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • humorous
  • dark
  • mysterious

Oscar Wilde's collection, "Lord Arthur Savile's Crime; The Portrait of Mr. W.H., and Other Stories," masterfully blends social satire with philosophical inquiry, showcasing his signature wit and paradoxes. The titular "Lord Arthur Savile's Crime" follows a well-meaning aristocrat who believes he must commit a murder to fulfill a prophecy, leading to darkly humorous attempts and a bizarre resolution. "The Portrait of Mr. W.H." delves into literary obsession and the transformative power of art, exploring a speculative theory about Shakespeare's sonnets through forgery and tragic conviction. Together with other shorter tales, the collection critiques Victorian society's facades, explores the nature of fate and morality, and celebrates the intricate relationship between art and life.

“"One should never do anything that one cannot talk about after dinner."”

Key themes

Fate vs. Free Will
This theme is central to "Lord Arthur Savile's Crime," where a palm reading dictates Lord Arthur's perceived destiny to commit murder. The story humorously yet profoundly explores whether one's actions are predetermined or if individuals have agency, even in fulfilling a 'prophecy.' Wilde questions the nature of responsibility when one believes their path is already set.
Appearance vs. Reality / Social Hypocrisy
Wilde masterfully critiques the superficiality and hypocrisy of Victorian high society. Characters often present a polished facade, while their true motivations or internal struggles remain hidden or are comically at odds with their outward demeanor. This theme highlights the gap between public perception and private truth, and the moral compromises made to maintain social standing.
Aestheticism and the Power of Art
Explored most deeply in "The Portrait of Mr. W.H.," this theme examines the transformative, sometimes dangerous, power of art and aesthetic ideals. Wilde, a proponent of Aestheticism, questions whether the beauty and coherence of an artistic theory or creation can supersede factual truth, and how art can inspire profound obsession, deception, and even sacrifice.

Worth discussing

To what extent does Lord Arthur Savile truly have free will, or is he merely a puppet of fate? How does Wilde use humor to explore this philosophical question?

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