Throughout this study abroad, we have discussed place. In my blog posts, I have repeatedly mentioned place as a physical location. This connection is easy to make, especially given the fact that we are in Dublin, where many of our readings take place. Today, though, I would like to discuss place in terms of time. Oscar Wilde was ultimately executed because he had sexual relations with men. As discussed in class, sexuality was not linked to identity in Wilde’s time, but it was still demonized and stigmatized to the point where people were killed if they participated in any homosexual activities. This month is Pride month, and I think that this is an example of how far we have come from Wilde’s time (though we still have a long way to go). People can openly acknowledge their own sexual identity and celebrate other’s. So, in this case, place is closely related to time in a way that shows how society has changed over time. Today, we also visited Wilde’s statue in Merrion Square. It was situated between some trees, but the sun shown over most of the area. As the group walked away, I looked down a noticed a tiny little plaque. It was a memorial to members of the Irish lesbian and gay community who have died. It is implied that the plaque is further memorializing those that have died due to persecution because of their sexual orientation. It is very interesting to me that this plaque is situated right by Wilde’s statue. It is fitting, too. It acknowledges Wilde’s orientation and reason for death in a subtle way, which does not detract or diminish the light that shines upon him and his accomplishments.