Figure 1.--Here we see Constance Wilde with their oldest son Cyril in 1899. He was about 4 years old. He is very plainly dressed. Perhaps the portrait was taken informally at home.

Oscar Wilde: Marriage (1884)

Wilde married Constance Lloyd (1884). She was 4 years younger than her new husband. Constance was daughter of a noted barrister-- Horace Lloyd. Her mother was Adelaide Atkinson Lloyd. Her father died when she was only 16 years old. She was bright and literate. She was well-read and familiar with several European languages. She was an outspoken young woman at a time when that was not well accepted. The new couple had sons within two years after their marriage (1885-86). Notably there were no more children. She published a book based on children's stories she had heard from her grandmother--There Was Once (1888). Both Constance andv her husband were involved in the dress reform movement. It is unclear just when Constance became aware of her husband's sexual proclivities. Since there were no more children after Vyvyan was born, she may have learned something at this time. Just what neither Constrance and Oscar ever revealed. She actually met Lord Alfred Douglas when Wilde brought Douglas him to their home (1891). Oscar began living more in hotels than their Tite Street home. This would have also meant that he was sprnding less time wuth the boys. One source claims that suring a visit, Wilde warned what would happen to naughty boys who made their mamas cry. The boys responded by asking what happened to absent papas who made mamas cry. [Ellman] Just what went on between the two will never be known. Both were unconventional and this seems to have been the key factor. There were no bitter recriminations. The two clearly respected each other and remained friendly.

Sources

Holland, Merlin. A Wilde Album.







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Created: 8:04 PM 4/16/2009
Last updated: 8:04 PM 4/16/2009