Vera; Or, The Nihilists
1902
Vera; Or, The Nihilists is a tragedy by Oscar Wilde, first published in 1902. Set against the backdrop of Tsarist Russia, the play explores themes of political unrest and revolutionary fervor through the character of Vera Sabouroff, who is dedicated to the Nihilist cause. The narrative unfolds as Vera learns of her brother Dmitri's imprisonment and vows to seek revenge against the oppressive regime. Although it was Wilde's first play and initially performed in New York in 1883, it was not successful and is rarely staged today.
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“The very essence of romance is uncertainty.””
— Oscar Wilde
“I have always been of opinion that a man who desires to get married should know either everything or nothing.””
— Oscar Wilde
“It is awfully hard work doing nothing. However, I don't mind hard work where there is no definite object of any kind. -Algernon””
— Oscar Wilde
“Ignorance is like a delicate exotic fruit; touch it and the bloom is gone.””
— Oscar Wilde
“Miss Prism: Do not speak slightingly of the three-volume novel, Cecily. I wrote one myself in earlier days. Cecily: Did you really, Miss Prism? How wonderfully clever you are! I hope it did not end happily? I don't like novels that end happily. They depress me so much. Miss Prism: The good ended happily, and the bad unhappily. That is what fiction means.””
— Oscar Wilde
“there are moments when one has to choose between living one's own life, fully, entirely, completely - or dragging out some false, shallow, degrading existence that the world in its hypocrisy demands.””
— Oscar Wilde
“Well, I don't like your clothes. You look perfectly ridiculous in them. Why on earth don't you go up and change? It's perfectly childish to be in mourning for a man who is actually staying a whole week with you in your house as a guest. I call it grotesque.””
— Oscar Wilde
“Do you really keep a diary? I'd give anything to look at it. May I?Oh, no. You see, it is simply a very young girl's record of her own thoughts and impressions, and consequently meant for publication. When it appears in volume form I hope you will order a copy.””
— Oscar Wilde
“Good heavens! Lane! Why are there no cucumber sandwiches? I ordered them specially. Lane. [Gravely.] There were no cucumbers in the market this morning, sir. I went down twice. Algernon. No cucumbers! Lane. No, sir. Not even for ready money.””
— Oscar Wilde
