Mr. Oscar Wilde was Matthew Fairchild's pet puppy.
History[]
James found Oscar as a stray pup in the streets and thought to give it to Matthew as a birthday present.[1] Matthew named him after his favorite writer, Oscar Wilde.[1][2] Matthew treats the dog with love, and for it, the dog "loves Matthew so much that he is almost absurdly obedient."[1][3] He also likes Matthew's friends, especially James, and goes to them when he senses that they are in distress.[2]
Like most dogs, Oscar is extremely protective of his owner. When Matthew was thrown by a Khora demon in the gardens, Oscar came running to attack the demon before it could strike Matthew again; Oscar just barely missing being raked by its claws. Matthew curved to protect the dog after as James dispatched it but Oscar refused to leave when told as he clearly felt he had been victorious.[4]
In December 1903, Matthew moved out of the Fairchild house with Oscar into a new flat. When Matthew left for his trip to Paris with Cordelia Carstairs, he left Oscar in the care of a neighbor, Gus Huntley, whom Oscar seemed to get along with well.[5]
A few weeks later, Oscar became crucial in Matthew's friends' plans to save London. He expertly avoided capture when it was time to enter the Portal to Idris and delivered back a note letting the others know Anna Lightwood and Ari Bridgestock had found a path to the Silent City. He later received a medal from the Consul for his efforts; naming him a "hero dog".
In the summer of 1904, he and Matthew left on a trip to travel the world.[6]
Later on in his life, Oscar was often taken to Cirenworth where he was spoiled with affection and treats.[7] When he eventually died, his ghost returned to the home and befriended a later resident, Kit Herondale.[8]
Appearances[]
- Cast Long Shadows (first appearance)
- Chain of Gold
- Chain of Iron
- Chain of Thorns
- Secrets of Blackthorn Hall (alluded to)
Trivia[]
- Oscar is a golden retriever.[9][10]
- His breed was recommended by Cassie's friend and fellow author Sarah Rees Brennan.[10]
- At one point, Oscar was used by Brother Zachariah to help train James Herondale in controlling his ability. Jem riled him up and then released him upon a surprised James. After this incident, James began to question whether Jem was simply playing pranks on him.[4]
- He has a bejeweled collar.[5]
- Though he likes Alastair Carstairs, he growls at the sound of his name.[6]
- Oscar was meant to meet Church in The Last Hours and to be frightened of the cat.[11]
- He is the first known animal ghost in the series.[8][7]
- Cassandra Clare named one of her cats after him.[12]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 TLH questions — Cassandra Clare on Tumblr
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Oscar Wilde goes where Matthew's heart goes," Cassandra Clare on Tumblr
- ↑ Cast Long Shadows
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Chain of Gold
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Chain of Iron
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Chain of Thorns
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 The curious incident of the ghost dog at Cirenworth. Cassandra Clare on Instagram
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Secrets of Blackthorn Hall
- ↑ "Golden retriever!" Cassandra Clare on Tumblr
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Oscar Wilde Q&A" — Cassandra Clare on Tumblr
- ↑ "When Church enters the room, Oscar cries and slinks under Matthew’s chair." Cassandra Clare on Tumblr
- ↑ "I named Oscar after Matthew's dog!" Cassandra Clare on Instagram