Oscar Wilde The Picture of Dorian Gray The novel is an example of the late Victorian Gothic novel, set in the opulent yet morally complex world of Victorian London. The novel’s protagonist, Dorian Gray, is the latest portrait subject of the painter Basil Hallward. Dorian is a wealthy, young, and extremely handsome young man who makes a deep impression on Basil. However, Basil’s friend Lord Henry Wotton, a staunch advocate of hedonism, youth, beauty, and pleasure, warns that Basil is showing too much of Dorian’s qualities in the portrait.
Lord Henry’s influence on Dorian begins when he warns him that youth and beauty are fleeting. Dorian is troubled by these thoughts and begins to believe that “youth is the only thing worth having.” Therefore, he curses the portrait, hoping that it will age instead of him. This curse marks the beginning of Dorian’s descent into a life of sin and corruption under Lord Henry’s influence.
Fall into Sin
As the story progresses, Dorian’s life becomes a testimony to Lord Henry’s philosophy. He commits many immoral acts, including several murders, without any remorse. As he becomes more and more addicted to his life of sin, his once brilliant reputation plummets. Meanwhile, portraits begin to reflect the degradation of his soul, becoming uglier and uglier with each sin Dorian commits.
Dramatic Ending The Picture of Dorian Gray This is one of Wilde’s most masterful narrative devices. In a rage, Dorian attempts to destroy the portrait with the same knife that killed Basil. However, this action results in his own death. The servants discover Dorian’s body, old and withered, unrecognizable, while the portrait remains young and beautiful. This twist emphasizes the central theme: it is the portrait, not Dorian, who bears the burden of his corrupt life.
Art and Aesthetics
Portraiture The Picture of Dorian Gray More than a plot device, it is a central symbol of the intersection of art and literature. Initially described by Lord Henry as Basil’s “best work,” the portrait evolves into an eerie mirror of Dorian’s soul. By the end of the novel, it bears witness to the devastating effects of Dorian’s actions, as he himself succumbs to the ravages of time and sin.
Basil Hallward is an artist who is a key character whose talent and vision propel the story forward. His innovative approach to depicting Dorian, capturing him as he really is, rather than as a mythical or historical figure, sets the stage for the novel’s central conflict. Wilde writes in his preface to the novel: “The artist is the creator of beautiful things. To reveal the artist and to conceal the artist is the end of art,” foreshadowing the painting and Dorian’s ultimate fate.
Oscar Wilde’s Life and Legacy
There are inevitable parallels between Dorian Gray’s fate and the life of Oscar Wilde. Wilde was an Irish poet and playwright known for his lavish lifestyle, which often clashed with the strict norms of Victorian society. By the 1890s, Wilde had become a prominent figure in the Aestheticism movement, which advocated that art should focus on beauty rather than conveying a specific message.
In 1895, Wilde’s life took a dramatic turn when he was convicted of gross indecency for his homosexual relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas. The trial and subsequent two years of hard labor pitted Wilde’s alleged immorality against Dorian’s decadent behavior. Wilde’s downfall, like Dorian’s, was swift and brutal, culminating in his death in 1900 at the age of 46.
Vanity and Consequences
Vanity and aesthetics are The Picture of Dorian Grayintertwined with Wilde’s exploration of the purpose of art. Dorian’s obsession with his own image recalls the myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection. This theme is vividly reflected in Wilde’s prose, especially when Dorian discovers his own beauty and desires eternal youth.
The novel also delves into the concept of “art for art’s sake,” a core tenet of the Aesthetic Movement. Wilde’s assertion that “all art is useless” reflects the novel’s focus on beauty and appearance. However, Dorian’s vanity leads to dire consequences, as his quest for eternal youth leads to moral and physical decay.
finally, The Picture of Dorian Gray is a fascinating exploration of the intersection between art, literature, and morality. Wilde’s eloquent prose and intricate characterization create a timeless story that continues to resonate with readers. The novel’s enduring appeal lies in its profound examination of beauty, art, and the human condition, making it a masterpiece that transcends the era in which it was written.
Copy this article Dorian Gray’s photos, family, career and more
please put the source on the website svlsf.edu.vn
Categories: Biography
Source: svlsf.edu.vn