Intentions: Play Guide and Free Edition
Intentions: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

Intentions is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Wilde, Oscar (1854–1900).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"Intentions" by Oscar Wilde is a collection of essays written in the late 19th century that delves into themes of art, morality, and aesthetics. The opening piece, "The Decay of Lying," is structured as a dialogue between two characters, Cyril and Vivian, who engage in a witty and philosophical examination of the nature of lying in art and literature. Wilde’s exploration indicates a belief in the transformative and essential role of art in society, while suggesting that modern realism diminishes creativity and beauty. The opening of "Intentions" presents a lively discussion between Cyril, who urges appreciation for nature, and Vivian, who dismisses it in favor of the comforts and creativity found indoors. Vivian argues that the decline of lying as an art form has led to the uninspired nature of contemporary literature, contending that art should reflect imagination rather than the mundane realities of life. Through sharp and humorous exchanges, Wilde sets the stage for a deeper critique of the societal values surrounding truth and beauty, ultimately championing the importance of artistic imagination over factual representation. This sets a thought-provoking tone for the essays that follow, inviting readers to reconsider their own understanding of art and its relationship with lies.
Book and edition facts
- Title: Intentions
- Author credits: Wilde, Oscar (1854–1900)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Art critics -- Great Britain -- Biography
- Authors, English -- 19th century -- Biography
- Authors, English -- 19th century -- Drama
- Authorship
- English drama
- Poisoners -- Great Britain -- Biography
- Wainewright, Thomas Griffiths, 1794-1847
Gutenberg collections
- Category: British Literature
- Category: Essays, Letters & Speeches
- Contemporary Reviews
Read this edition
View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.
Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.


