“This suspense is terrible. I hope it will last.”
- October 16, 1854 – November 30, 1900
- Irish
- Author, poet, playwright
- Written novels, plays, and poems such as “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” “The Importance of Being Earnest,” and “Salome,” he had a great influence on British literature in the late 19th century through his witty social criticism and humor.
Quote
“This suspense is terrible. I hope it will last.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde uses irony and humor to comment on the paradoxical enjoyment that can come from suspense and anticipation. Wilde admits that the suspense—the uncertainty or tension that comes with waiting for something—can be uncomfortable or even excruciating, yet he simultaneously expresses a hope that it will linger. This suggests that Wilde finds pleasure in the very discomfort of suspense, recognizing that the thrill of not knowing what will happen next is part of what makes the experience exciting and engaging.
The irony in this quote lies in the contradiction between discomfort and desire. While suspense is often seen as something that causes anxiety or unease, Wilde suggests that it can also be an experience that is intriguing and desirable in its own right. This highlights his tendency to embrace complex emotions and ambivalent feelings—recognizing the joy that can come from uncertainty and the delayed gratification of waiting.
In modern contexts, this quote can be interpreted as a reflection on the human fascination with uncertainty. Wilde’s words point to how suspense and tension, often seen as negative experiences, can enhance our engagement with stories, relationships, or life events. It encourages us to reflect on the way uncertainty can heighten the excitement of a situation, making the outcome more rewarding once it is revealed, and reminding us that sometimes, the journey itself—the suspense—can be just as captivating as the resolution.
