The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is the story of
moral corruption by the means of aestheticism. In the novel,
the well meaning artist Basil Hallward presets young Dorian
Gray with a portrait of himself. After conversing with cynical
Lord Henry Wotton, Dorian makes a wish which dreadfully
affects his life forever. "If it were I who was to be always
young, and the picture that was to grow old! For that I
would give everything! Yes, there is nothing in the whole
world I would not give! I would give my soul for that"
(Wilde 109). As it turns out, the devil that Dorian sells his
soul to is Lord Henry Wotton, who exists not only as
something external to Dorian, but also as a voice within him
(Bloom 107). Dorian continues to lead a life of sensuality
which he learns about in a book given to him by Lord
Henry. Dorian’s unethical devotion to pleasure becomes his
way of life. The novel underscores its disapproval of
aestheticism which negatively impacts the main characters.
Each of the three primary characters is an aesthete and
meets some form of terrible personal doom. Basil Hallward’s
aestheticism is manifested in his dedication to his artistic
creations. He searches in the outside world for the perfect
manifestation of his own soul, when he finds this object, he
can create masterpieces by painting it (Bloom 109). He
refuses to display the portrait of Dorian Gray with the
explanation that, "I have put too much of myself into it"
(Wilde 106). He further demonstrates the extent to which he
holds this philosophy by later stating that, "only the artist is
truly reveled" (109). Lord Henry Wotton criticizes Basil
Hallward that, "An artist should create beautiful things but
should put nothing of his own life into them" (Wilde 25).
Ironically, the purpose of Basil Hallward’s existence is that
he is an aesthete striving to become one with his art (Eriksen
105). It is this very work of art which Basil refuses to
display that provides Dorian Gray with the idea that there
are no consequences to his actions. Dorian has this belief in
mind when he murders Basil. Here we see that the artist is
killed for his excessive love of physical beauty; the same art
that he wished to merge with is the cause of his mortal
downfall (Juan 64). Lord Henry Wotton, the most influential
man in Dorian’s life, is an aesthete of the mind. Basil is an
artist who uses a brush while Wotton is an artist who uses
words: There is no good, no evil, no morality and
immorality;there are modes of being. To live is to experiment
aesthetically in living to experiment all sensations, to know all
emotions, and to think all thoughts, in order that the self’s
every capacity may be imaginatively realized (West 5811).
Lord Henry believes that, "it is better to be beautiful than to
be good" (Wilde 215). Although he attests that aestheticism
is a mode of thought, he does not act on his beliefs. Basil
Hallward accuses him saying, "You never say a moral thing
and you never do a wrong thing" (5). However, Lord Henry
does take the immoral action of influencing Dorian. Although
Lord Henry states that, "all influence is immoral" (Wilde 18),
he nonetheless drastically changes Dorian Gray. As Dorian
acts on the beliefs of Lord Henry, the portrait’s beauty
becomes corrupted. "Lord Henry presents Dorian with the
tenants of his New Hedonism, whose basis is
self-development leading to the perfect realization of one’s
nature" (Eriksen 97). If Lord Henry’s aesthetic ideas have
validity ,Dorian Gray’s portrait should not become ugly, but
rather more beautiful. Since the picture becomes loathsome,
it is evident that Lord Henry’s beliefs are untrue (West
5811). Dorian becomes so disgusted with the horrible
portrait that he slashes the canvas, and the knife pierces his
own heart. Because Lord Henry is responsible for
influencing Dorian Gray, he is partly the cause of the death
of Dorian (5810). While Lord Henry is indirectly the cause
of Dorian’s death, he too causes his own downfall. Lord
Henry changes Dorian with the belief that morals have no
legitimate place in life. He gives Dorian a book about a man
who seeks beauty in evil sensations. Both Lord Henry’s
actions and thoughts prove ruinous, as his wife leaves him
and the remaining focus of his life, youthful Dorian Gray, kills
himself in an attempt to further the lifestyle suggested to him
by Lord Henry. Eventually, he is left destitute, without
Dorian, the art he so cherishes, because he tried to mold it,
as dictated by aestheticism. Of all the protagonists, Dorian’s
downfall is the most clearly recognized. A young man who
was pure at the beginning of the novel becomes depraved by
the influence of Lord Henry. "He grew more and more
enamored of his own beauty, more and more interested in
the corruption of his own soul" (Bloom 121). He begins to
lead a life of immorality, including the murder of his dear
friend Basil Hallward. "There were moments when he
looked on evil simply as a mode through which he could
realize his conception of beautiful" (Wilde 196). However,
there is still a spark of good left in Dorian. He lashes out at
his twisted mentor, Lord Henry, declaring, "I can’t bear this
Henry! You mock at everything, and then suggest the most
serious tragedies" (173). This trace of goodness is not
enough to save Dorian, for he has crossed too far towards
the perverted side of aestheticism and cannot escape it.
"Dorian experiments with himself and with men and women,
and watches the experiment recorded year by year in the
fouling and aging corruption of his portrait’s beauty" (West
5811). Dorian becomes so disgusted with this portrait of his
soul and his conscience, that he slashes the canvas, killing
himself. For Dorian, this is the ultimate evil act, the desire to
rid himself of all moral sense. Having failed the attempt to
escape through good actions, he decides to escape by
committing the most terrible of crimes. Aestheticism has
claimed its final victim. "Basil Hallward is what I think I am:
Lord Henry what the world thinks of me: Dorian Gray what
I would like to be – in other ages, perhaps" (Hart-Davis
352). Because of the endings he creates for these
characters, Oscar Wilde proves that he does not envisions
himself in the immoral characters of this story nor is he
attempting to promote their lifestyles. Of all the characters
whom he creates, he sees himself as Basil, the good artist
who sacrifices himself to fight immorality. "It was his beauty
that had ruined him, his beauty and the youth that he had
prayed for" (Wilde 242). Contrary to Wilde’s claim in the
preface that, "there is no such thing as a moral or immoral
book" (vii), this novel has a deep and meaningful purpose.
"The moral is that an absence of spirituality, of faith, of
regard for human life, separates individuals like Wilde’s
Dorian Gray from humanity and makes monsters of them"
(West 5831). W.H. Auden feels that the story is specifically
structured to provide a moral. He compares the story to that
of a fairy tale, complete with a princess, a wicked witch, and
a fairy godmother. This leaves "room for a moral with which
good every fairy tale ends." Not only is the novel seen as
existing on the pure level of fairy tales, but it is claimed to
contain "ethical beauty" (Auden 146). The Picture of Dorian
Gray is a novel including a moral dialogue between
conscience and temptation that is powerfully conveyed.
Though it is made to seem an advocate for aestheticism on
the surface, the story ultimately undermines that entire
philosophy. Wilde brings the question of "to what extent are
we shaped by our actions" (26). He also demonstrates that
"art cannot be a substitute for life" (Eriksen 104). It is a
fantastic tale of hedonism with a moral to be learned and
remembered.
5b3
Auden, W.H. "In Defense of the
Tall Story." The New Yorker. 29 November 1969.
pp.205-206, 208-210. Bloom, Harold. Oscar Wilde. New
York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1985. Ellman, Richard.
Oscar Wilde. New york: Alfred A. Knopf Inc., 1987.
Eriksen, Donald. Oscar Wilde. Boston: Twayne Publishers,
1977. Hart-Davis, Rupert. The Letters of Oscar Wilde.
New York: Harcourt, Brace and World, 1962. Juan,
Efifanio. The Art of Oscar Wilde. New Jersey: Princetown
University Press, 1967. Wilde, Oscar. The Picture of Dorian
Gray. New York: Random House, Inc., 1992.
Другие работы по теме:
Migrant Mother Essay Research Paper The photograph
Migrant Mother Essay, Research Paper The photograph of Dorothea Lange?s migrant mother is a picture taken in 1936 during a period of the American depression. The photograph illustrates the hardship, which American families had to endure throughout this era. The photograph portrays a mother sitting down holding her baby and her two daughters standing next to her.
JP Getty Musuem Essay Research Paper The
JP Getty Musuem Essay, Research Paper The museum that I visited was the J. P. Getty. This museum as a whole is incredible. However, the photography exhibit did catch my eye. The first time that I went to the Getty, the Andy Warhol exhibit was up and I had a great dislike for his work. On the other hand, the exhibit by William Eggleston was awesome.
Certainty Essay Research Paper The mind which
Certainty Essay, Research Paper The mind, which has grasped a right theory of knowledge, and has experienced it, that mind is on the road to certainty–the only kind of certainty that is open to the consciousness soul because it has begun to cross the threshold between the objective and sujbective worlds.
Grass Essay Research Paper GrassI always like
Grass Essay, Research Paper Grass I always like to watch the grass grow, in summer is pretty green, but in winter is pretty ugly, and you could see really the difference, is because of the weather hot and cold. Now the grass is ugly is like brown, but in summer is very pretty and I al
Oscar Wilde
’s The Picture Of Dorian Gray Essay, Research Paper Main characters: Dorian Gray–> 20 years old at the beginning of the book and around 40 at the end. A very handsome young man. he stays young because he sold his soul to the devil.
The Use Of Symbols In Wilde
’s The Picture Of Dorian Gray Essay, Research Paper THE USE OF SYMBOLS IN OSCAR WILDE’S THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY What is a symbol? In the broadest sense of the word, a symbol can be anything that signifies something else (Peepre: 58). Swiss linguist Ferdinand de Saussure’s dyadic theory of signs can well be applied when talking of literary symbols; after all, symbols are signs and vice versa.
Lesson Plan Essay Research Paper Lesson Plan
Lesson Plan Essay, Research Paper Lesson Plan: Reading Grade Level:Fourth Grade Aim:To recall the sequence of events in a story, using a story pie. Behavioral Objective:Students recall the sequence of events in a story, using a story pie, with 80% accuracy.
Dorian Gray Essay Research Paper The influence
Dorian Gray Essay, Research Paper The influence of evil can take over a whole community. Not only can it take over a whole community, it can also take over the soul. In the short novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray,
The Destruction Of The Human Spirit In
Frankenstein And The Picture Of Dorian Grey Essay, Research Paper The human spirit is one of the most beautiful forces in the world, but it is also one of the most vulnerable.In the novels Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde, this idea of the human spirit is portrayed clearly.Both novels have similar aspects about the human spirit, but they also have their differences.Both novels have main characters who are influenced greatly by someone that they admire, and they are destroyed by that influence.The difference that these novels have is that in Frankenstein, the main character is influenced and destroyed by something he creates himself, while in The Picture of Dorian Grey, the main character is influenced and destroyed by his friend and mentor.Again, both novels portray the human spirit’s motivation and vulnerability.
Picure Of Dorian Grey Essay Research Paper
In London, England, the well-known artist Basil Hallward becomes obsessed with the beauty of a wealthy young gentleman, Dorian Gray. He paints Dorian’s portrait, and introduces him to Lord Henry Wotton, a clever nobleman who enjoys embracing the sensibilities of his friends by advocating selfishness, praising youth and beauty, and celebrating the pursuit of pleasure.
12 Angry Man Essay Research Paper Twelve
12 Angry Man Essay, Research Paper Twelve Angry Men Sometimes in life your professions reflect on your personalities. Twelve Angry Men is an example of where this occurs. Twelve men are brought together in
What America Means To Me Essay Research
Paper What America Means To Me To me, America is like a box of crayons. If we do not use them all, the picture is not complete. In case one of those crayons becomes worn down–just sharpen it.
Civil War Painting Essay Research Paper The
Civil War Painting Essay, Research Paper The civil war was one of the most astonishing and longest wars of all times, It spanned over eight years and had approximately more than a million casualties. People of all ages and generations lost their lives in this war. One thing that makes this war so unforgettable is the fact that it was the first war with photography available.
Dorian Gray Compared To The Elephant Man
Essay, Research Paper At the beginning of The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, Basil paints a portrait of Dorian Gray. Throughout the novel, Dorian is viewed and is treated by the world as art. As art, Dorian is constantly changed by the influences of his different artists. The most influential and main artist of Dorian is Lord Henry.
A Picture Of Dorian Gray By Oscar
Wilde Essay, Research Paper Oscar Wilde, author of The Picture of Dorian Gray, makes Basil’s life change drastically by having him paint a portrait of Dorian Gray and express too much of himself in it, which, in Wilde’s mind, is a troublesome obstacle to circumvent. Wilde believes that the artist should not portray any of himself in his work, so when Basil does this, it is he who creates his own downfall, not Dorian.
Picture Perfect Essay Research Paper I have
Picture Perfect Essay, Research Paper I have always found my good friend, Dustin, to be very attractive, but once I fell in love with him, his presence turned to perfection. I have tried, yet I cannot seem to find one single flaw. I know he is only human, but in my mind he will always be above any other. Love is not finding the perfect person, but seeing an imperfect person perfectly.
The Picture Of Dorian Grey Essay Research
Paper The Picture of Dorian Grey This story is about wanting to stay young and not knowing the consequences of such a desire. Everything starts out in Basil Hallward’s studio. Basil is a painter that is obsessed with Dorian Grey, a young beautiful gentleman that catches everyone’s eye. On this particular day, Basil is accompanied by Lord Henry, one of his close friends.
Dorian Grey Review Essay Research Paper In
Dorian Grey Review Essay, Research Paper In the novel The Picture of Dorian Grey homosexuality is an important aspect of the novel, and the book deserves credit as a pioneering depection of homosexual relationships in serious English fiction. The depection
The Three Faces Of Oscar Wilde Essay
, Research Paper In the book, The Picture Of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, there is a character named Lord Henry Wotton. He is the story s antagonist and whom critics often think most resembles Oscar Wilde. Wilde remarks Basil Hallward is what I think I am: Lord Henry what the world thinks of me: Dorian what I would like to be-in other ages perhaps.
The Picture Of Dorian Gray Evil Essay
, Research Paper The Picture of Dorian Gray: Evil The Picture Of Dorian Gray is yet another novel portraying evil. The theme is very much reflected by the book’s setting, plot structure and
A Picture Of Dorian Gray Essay Research
Paper Oscar Wilde, author of The Picture of Dorian Gray, makes Basil’s lifechangedrastically by having him paint a portrait of Dorian Gray and expresstoo much of himselfin it, which, in Wilde’s mind, is a troublesome obstacle to circumvent. Wilde believesthat the artist should not portray any of himself in his work, so whenBasil does this, it ishe who creates his own downfall, not Dorian.
Dorian Gray And The Lady Of Shallot
: Stepping Out Of The Shadows Essay, Research Paper During one?s life, one must step out into the real world and experience all of what the world has to offer. In order to attain a well-balanced life both mentally and socially, one may seek any way possible to live life to the fullest. We were put on this earth to live- not just simply by breathing in and out everyday, and making life the best it can possibly be.
Dorian Gray Essay Research Paper Throughout time
Dorian Gray Essay, Research Paper Throughout time, art has been cherished as a gateway to provoking thought from a hemisphere of the brain most people would otherwise rarely use. A person who has strength in both logic and creativity has always been praised as an enriched mind. Understanding art can bring about emotions and thoughts that can be both positive and harmful.
The Picture Of Dorian Gray Essay Research
Paper Dorian Gray and The Narcissus The myth of Narcissus is a good illustration of the damage that total self ? love can do to a person. There is a misconception about narcissistic people. This confusion is the belief that narcissistic people are in love with themselves, but according to the DSM ? lll criteria published in 1989, the narcissus is not in love with himself, but in fact in love with his reflection.
Movie The Fan Essay Research Paper Movie
Movie: The Fan Essay, Research Paper Movie: The Fan An extraordinary film that every movie ?guru’ should see is The Fan. Putting this picture on a pedestal would be the right thing to do. My counter-
Different Views Essay Research Paper Different Views
Different Views Essay, Research Paper Different Views in Everyday Use In the story of ?Everyday Use? by Alice Walker the narrator told the story in a wonderful way. She was simple and I feel she gave a fair and just description of each character in the story. Her words put picture perfect description of the character in the reader?s head.
Manifest Destiny Essay Research Paper Manifest DestinyWhat
Manifest Destiny Essay, Research Paper Manifest Destiny What does the painting Manifest Destiny represent? Does it show an image of hope, or one of despair? To answer a question like this one would have to understand what manifest destiny is.
When Legends Die Essay Research Paper Response
When Legends Die Essay, Research Paper Response to WLD Movie and Novel When the Legends die was very similar in the novel and in the motion picture. There were some differences, but most remained the same.
Bull Rider Essay Research Paper I can
Bull Rider Essay, Research Paper I can remember my first time to ride a bull All of the thoughts in my head were nice and full The sight of the beast below me was scary