The Judas Kiss [Paperback]

David Hare (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1998

Portraying the two critical moments in Oscar Wilde’s late life –– when he decides to stay in England and face imprisonment and the night after his release, two years later –– David Hare’s The Judas Kiss presents the consequences of taking an uncompromisingly moral position in a world defined by fear, expedience, and conformity.

Product Details

• Paperback: 115 pages
• Publisher: Grove Press (January 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802135722
• ISBN-13: 978-0802135728
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #974,218 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #99 in Books > Gay & Lesbian > Literature & Fiction > Drama > Gay

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another small masterpiece from David Hare!, March 24, 2000

By 

"zara_azari" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Judas Kiss (Paperback)

I have read quite a few books about Oscar Wilde, both biographical and fictional. But, I must say that "Judas Kiss", written by a very talented David Hare, seems to be the best among the plays. The minute I started reading this book, I felt better about not having a chance to see the play on Broadway, with an incredible Liam Neeson as late Oscar Wilde. Hare's playwriting ability is so powerful, that I was able to re-create theater stage, the story happening on it, and even Liam Neeson himself. In terms of its narrrative, "Judas Kiss" takes somewhat non-traditional look at the last few months of Oscar Wilde's life in Italy. It is well-documented that prison changed him greatly in spirit and in body, and that he came out physically and spiritually weaker than ever. But, wait and see what Hare has to say about this as well as about Bosie's presence in Wilde's life after prison, among other things.

5.0 out of 5 stars A complex exploration of Wilde at his most vulnerable points, June 5, 2011

By 

C. B Collins Jr. (Atlanta, GA United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Judas Kiss (Paperback)

David Hare is an exceptional dramatist, complex and challenging. This is certainly the case with The Judas Kiss, a rather long play. I think that Hare tired to accomplish several goals with this play including giving the viewer an appreciation for the dense complexity of Wilde's personality as well as exploring the relationship that certainly was a primary catalyst in his destruction.

Oscar Wilde, as developed by Hare, was aware of the sweep of history and the power of the social structures that uphold our civilization. Thus he sees that these forces of history, classicism, nationalism, moralism, religiosity, and heterosexual centered conceptions of love relationships were dominant forces and those who oppose these forces begins to play a role, possibly a role separate from their inner self conception, and there is no escaping the role once the role has been assumed. Wilde has assumed this role and wide eyed he sees that the only choice he has is how he plays his role in this sweeping narrative.

Wisely, Hare builds motives upon motives, for we are also lead to think that Wilde has been manipulated into assuming this role by his young lover, Bosie, as a juvenile attempt to seek revenge on his overbearing father. But we learn that Wilde is not easily manipulated and if he appears to have been manipulated, the truth lies deep and remains a wonderful mystery in the play.

The character of Wilde is the subject of this play even though his relationships, his friendships, his marriage, his trial, his imprisonment, and his exile build the armature on which Hare explores Wilde at his most vulnerable and complex. This is a rewarding play.