Chapter 18, Doomed Deferred Summary

Wilde's journey through the English legal system is not over. Because he admitted to breaking the law, a warrant is made out for his arrest, and he is brought to prison to await his trial. The judge sets no bail, because the English attitude places sodomy one step below murder. English society treats Oscar Wilde severely, more severely than the alleged crimes deserve because they are misdemeanors with a maximum sentence of 2 years. Wilde has several opportunities to leave London for Paris, but he refuses to run away from the society that he has so much criticized.

The first trial ends without a verdict, but Wilde has a moment of brilliance. He explains to the court what the "love that dare not speak its name" is, and his explanation rouses a burst of applause. It is not that he...