The Ballad of Reading Gaol — Oscar Wilde

Poem 3 — 100 Days of Poetry

About the Poem:
The Ballad of Reading Gaol by Oscar Wilde is a powerful narrative poem that reflects on themes of justice, punishment, and human suffering. Written after Wilde’s own imprisonment, the poem tells the story of a man condemned to death for murder, exploring the complexities of guilt, redemption, and the human condition.

Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) was one of the most celebrated playwrights and poets of his time. The Ballad of Reading Gaol stands out as one of his most personal and profound works, filled with emotion and vivid imagery.


The Ballad of Reading Gaol by Oscar Wilde

The video contains the full text as an overlay, if you prefer the text for this poem can be read here

My Reflections on the Poem:
Recording The Ballad of Reading Gaol was an intense and moving experience. Wilde’s exploration of suffering and redemption speaks to the resilience of the human spirit, and the powerful language he uses adds to the emotional weight of the poem.


This post is part of my 100 Days of Poetry series, where I embarked on a journey to record and share 100 poems over 100 days in 2017. Although the series was interrupted, I’m delighted to continue sharing these timeless works with you.

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