The Picture of Dorian Gray

Definition

The Picture of Dorian Gray is a novel by Oscar Wilde that explores themes of aestheticism, moral duplicity, and the consequences of a hedonistic lifestyle. The story follows Dorian Gray, a young man whose portrait ages while he remains youthful, reflecting the corruption of his soul due to indulgence in art and beauty. This concept intertwines with critical reflections on society, questioning moral standards and the superficial values of the time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The novel was first published in 1890 and later revised in 1891, facing significant criticism for its controversial themes.
2. Dorian Gray's character represents the dangers of vanity and the pursuit of eternal youth, ultimately leading to his tragic downfall.
3. Wilde uses the portrait as a symbol of Dorian's inner corruption, illustrating the duality between appearance and reality.
4. The story critiques Victorian society's obsession with beauty and status, highlighting the hypocrisy present in social norms.
5. Wilde's exploration of aestheticism is evident as he emphasizes 'art for art's sake,' challenging traditional moral values.

Review Questions

• How does Oscar Wilde's portrayal of Dorian Gray reflect the principles of aestheticism?
  • Wilde's portrayal of Dorian Gray embodies aestheticism by emphasizing beauty, art, and sensory experiences above all else. Dorian's initial fascination with his own youth and attractiveness leads him to embrace a life focused solely on pleasure. This pursuit ultimately reveals the destructive nature of aestheticism when divorced from morality, as Dorian's actions demonstrate that an obsession with beauty can lead to moral decay.
• Discuss how 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' serves as a social satire of Victorian values.
  • 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' acts as a social satire by exposing the superficiality and hypocrisy prevalent in Victorian society. Wilde critiques the era’s rigid moral standards, as characters often project a façade of respectability while indulging in vice behind closed doors. Through Dorian’s character arc, Wilde reveals the dangers of prioritizing appearance over genuine morality, illustrating how society often values reputation over virtue.
• Evaluate the implications of the relationship between art and morality as presented in 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' within the context of changing literary norms.
  • In 'The Picture of Dorian Gray,' Wilde challenges traditional literary norms by intertwining art with moral implications, suggesting that beauty can exist independently from ethical considerations. The novel provokes thought about whether art should be accountable for its influence on behavior, especially as Dorian’s portrait becomes a reflection of his corrupt soul. This tension between aesthetic pleasure and moral responsibility underscores a shift in literary exploration during this period, pushing boundaries and encouraging deeper discussions about the role of art in society.

Related terms

Aestheticism:

A late 19th-century movement that emphasized beauty and sensory experiences over moral or social themes in art and literature.

Hedonism: The philosophical belief that pleasure or happiness is the highest good, often leading to indulgence in physical and sensual pleasures.

Moral Corruption: The deterioration of moral values and ethical standards, often resulting from an overemphasis on personal pleasure and desire.