The lasting appeal of "The Picture of Dorian Gray". Character design, main themes and film adaptations

Pre-University Paper , 2014 , 16 Pages , Grade: 1,0

English Language and Literature Studies - Literature

It is the purpose of this paper to sum up the elements which contribute to the novel’s lasting appeal which also reflects itself in a variety of adaptations. This is intended to be done through an examination of the relations among the novel’s main characters and its main themes. The paper also shows a short comparison between the literary source and some selected film adaptations.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• The three main characters
• Main themes
• The relation between film and literature
• Film adaptations
• Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This paper aims to explore the enduring appeal of Oscar Wilde's novel 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by examining the relationships between its central characters and its main themes. These insights will then be compared to three film adaptations of the novel: Albert Lewin's 1945 film, the 1970 adaptation titled 'Dorian Gray,' and the 2009 film of the same name.

• The contrast between the moral values of the characters, particularly Basil, Henry, and Dorian
• The exploration of themes such as beauty, youth, sin, and the nature of morality
• The influence of Lord Henry Wotton's hedonistic philosophy on Dorian Gray's life
• The relationship between the novel and its various film adaptations
• The enduring relevance of the themes and characters in the novel to contemporary audiences

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Introduction: The introduction provides an overview of Oscar Wilde's novel 'The Picture of Dorian Gray,' its historical context, and its enduring appeal. It highlights the novel's exploration of moral and aesthetic themes and its influence on subsequent adaptations.
• The three main characters: This section delves into the personalities and motivations of the novel's main characters: Basil Hallward, Lord Henry Wotton, and Dorian Gray. It contrasts their moral values and examines the influence they exert on each other.
• Main themes: This section explores the central themes of the novel, including the nature of beauty, the allure of youth, the consequences of sin, and the conflict between morality and aesthetics. It examines how these themes are embodied in the characters' actions and interactions.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

Key terms and concepts explored in this paper include: 'The Picture of Dorian Gray,' Oscar Wilde, aesthetics, morality, hedonism, beauty, youth, sin, Lord Henry Wotton, Basil Hallward, Dorian Gray, film adaptations, literary source, character design, and the relationship between literature and film.

• Grade: 1,0
• Author: Frank Hormesch (Author)
• Publication Year: 2014
• Pages: 16
• Catalog Number: V286880
• ISBN (eBook): 9783656872696
• ISBN (Book): 9783656872702
• Language: English
• Tags: picture, dorian, gray, character