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. Central to the story is the character Dorian Gray, who remains eternally youthful while his portrait ages and bears the scars of his immoral actions. This juxtaposition serves as a powerful commentary on the relationship between beauty, desire, and the darker aspects of human nature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dorian Gray's character symbolizes the dangers of vanity and the pursuit of superficial beauty, ultimately leading to his moral decay.
2. The portrait acts as a physical representation of Dorian's conscience, reflecting his inner turmoil as he indulges in increasingly corrupt behaviors.
3. Wilde uses the relationship between Dorian and Lord Henry Wotton to explore themes of influence and the impact of external philosophies on personal ethics.
4. The novel raises questions about the nature of art and its ability to reflect reality, particularly through Dorian's transformation and its effects on his soul.
5. Dorian's eventual downfall highlights the consequences of a life lived solely for pleasure, serving as a cautionary tale about the intersection of art, morality, and desire.

Review Questions

• How does Dorian Gray's relationship with his portrait illustrate the concept of duality in human nature?
  • Dorian Gray's relationship with his portrait showcases duality by contrasting his outward beauty with his inner moral decay. While he appears youthful and innocent to society, his portrait reveals the true effects of his hedonistic lifestyle and corrupt choices. This tension between appearance and reality reflects the broader theme of duality in human nature, where individuals often present one face to the world while hiding their darker impulses.
• In what ways does Oscar Wilde use aestheticism in 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' to critique society's obsession with beauty?
  • Oscar Wilde employs aestheticism in 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' to critique society's obsession with beauty by illustrating how this fixation can lead to moral corruption. Through Dorian's pursuit of pleasure and youth, Wilde reveals the emptiness of a life dedicated solely to aesthetics. The deterioration of Dorian's portrait serves as a metaphor for the consequences of valuing beauty above all else, ultimately questioning whether art should serve merely to please or also provoke deeper reflection.
• Evaluate how 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' addresses themes of homoerotic desire within its narrative framework and character dynamics.
  • 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' addresses themes of homoerotic desire primarily through the interactions between Dorian Gray and Lord Henry Wotton. Their intense friendship hints at an underlying romantic tension, reflecting Wilde's own experiences with desire during a time when such expressions were taboo. Additionally, Lord Henry’s influence over Dorian raises questions about sexual identity and societal norms, suggesting that personal fulfillment often clashes with social expectations. This exploration complicates traditional understandings of love and desire in Victorian society, positioning the novel as both a critique and an embodiment of homoeroticism.

Related terms

Aestheticism: A movement that prioritizes beauty and sensory experience over moral or social themes in art and literature.

Hedonism: A philosophical doctrine that considers pleasure as the highest good and ultimate aim of human life.

Duality: The concept of two opposing forces or aspects existing within a single entity, highlighting contrasts in behavior, morality, or personality.