Which one of the following essays holds that "As a method, realism is a complete failure"?

Correct option is B

Explanation:
Oscar Wilde, in his essay "The Decay of Lying" (1889), critiques realism as a flawed literary method. He argues that art should not imitate life but rather transcend it. Wilde advocates for creativity and imagination, claiming that realism, by focusing on mundane details, limits artistic expression. Wilde famously asserts, "Lying, the telling of beautiful untrue things, is the proper aim of Art."

Information Booster:
Oscar Wilde’s Philosophy on Art:
Wilde was a leading proponent of Aestheticism, which emphasized "art for art's sake."
The Decay of Lying takes the form of a dialogue between two characters, Vivian and Cyril, where Vivian expounds Wilde's artistic views.
Wilde denounced realism for portraying life as it is, rather than as it could be, which he believed stifled the imagination.
He emphasized the transformative power of art over mere replication of reality.
Wilde's essay aligns with the ideals of the Aesthetic Movement, which valued beauty and artistic autonomy over didacticism or moral purpose.
Famous Quote from the Essay:
"The moment you think you understand a great work of art, it's dead for you."

Additional Knowledge:
Virginia Woolf, "The Mark on the Wall":
This short story explores the inner workings of the mind through stream-of-consciousness. 
D.H. Lawrence, "Why the Novel Matters":
In this essay, Lawrence celebrates the novel as a living form of art, he praises the novel's ability to encompass all aspects of life.
Mary McCarthy, "My Confession":
This essay is autobiographical, reflecting McCarthy's experiences and ideological shifts.