The Picture of Dorian Gray

Definition

The Picture of Dorian Gray is a novel by Oscar Wilde that tells the story of a young man named Dorian Gray who wishes for eternal youth and beauty. As he indulges in a life of hedonism and moral decay, his portrait ages and reflects the corruption of his soul, while he remains outwardly unchanged. This connection between the character's external appearance and internal moral state plays a significant role in themes of self-discovery and personal growth throughout the narrative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dorian Gray's wish to remain young and beautiful leads him down a path of excess and moral decline, showcasing the dangers of vanity and selfishness.
2. The portrait acts as a physical representation of Dorian's inner corruption, ultimately revealing the consequences of living a life devoid of accountability and morality.
3. As Dorian becomes increasingly detached from his humanity, he struggles with guilt and the effects of his choices, highlighting the conflict between external beauty and internal ugliness.
4. Wilde uses the character of Lord Henry Wotton to influence Dorian’s worldview, introducing ideas about art, beauty, and the pursuit of pleasure that contribute to Dorian's transformation.
5. The climax of Dorian's journey results in a profound moment of self-realization when he attempts to confront the reality of his actions, leading to tragic consequences.

Review Questions

• How does Dorian Gray's desire for eternal youth reflect his journey towards self-discovery throughout the novel?
  • Dorian Gray's desire for eternal youth drives him to seek pleasure without regard for morality, which ultimately leads to his personal downfall. As he indulges in a life filled with excesses and superficial experiences, he becomes increasingly disconnected from his true self. This journey reveals not only the emptiness of his pursuits but also highlights the struggle between his external façade and internal moral decay, pushing him toward moments of self-realization about the consequences of his choices.
• Analyze how Wilde uses the relationship between Dorian Gray and his portrait as a means to explore themes of identity and moral accountability.
  • Wilde intricately weaves Dorian's relationship with his portrait into the narrative to explore identity and moral accountability. The portrait serves as a mirror reflecting Dorian's inner turmoil and ethical deterioration while he remains outwardly pristine. This duality forces readers to consider how external appearances can mask internal realities, prompting questions about personal responsibility in one's actions and the cost of prioritizing aesthetic values over moral integrity.
• Evaluate the impact of societal values on Dorian Gray's character development and eventual downfall within the context of the novel.
  • Dorian Gray's character development is significantly shaped by the societal values surrounding beauty, pleasure, and excess in Victorian England. The influence of Lord Henry Wotton propagates a hedonistic worldview that glorifies aestheticism at the expense of ethical considerations. As Dorian embraces these values without restraint, he becomes ensnared in a cycle of moral decay that ultimately leads to his tragic end. Wilde critiques this societal obsession with superficiality, illustrating how it can corrupt one's soul and lead to devastating consequences.

Related terms

Hedonism: A philosophical belief that pleasure or happiness is the highest good and proper aim of human life.

Doppelgänger: A double or counterpart of a character, often representing their darker or hidden aspects.

Moral Decay: The decline in moral standards, often leading to corruption, vice, and ethical deterioration.