Introduction
“I speak the truth of tomorrow”i Lord Henry says on being asked to defend his “throne” as Prince Paradox. Although one of his usually witty answers in high society conversation, this indubitably self-confident statement leads to a general question: The “New Hedonism” as presented in Oscar Wilde’s novel The Picture
of Dorian Gray, does it anticipate developments and structures of our modern society? To find an adequate answer to the question is the task of this research paper. Starting with an analysis of the theory presented by Lord Henry Wotton, there follows an overall view of the philosophy’s intellectual background.
Afterwards, the look at Dorian’s life under the influence of the hedonistic model shall give first impressions of its practical effects. These three chapters therefore deal with the “New Hedonism” directly related to the novel itself and to its author Oscar Wilde.
The second part of the paper then centres around the present situation. After introductory clarifications to the term “Erlebnisgesellschaft” and to general social changes, it scrutinises modern society for parallels to the outstanding pillars of the
hedonistic programme. These are on the one hand self-realisation and the motive to be always seeking sensations, and on the other hand the cult of youth and beauty mania. Eventually, the findings of that examination end up in a conclusion which shall also serve as an outlook.
Concerning the research done in this special field, it astonishes that there was only one work to be found which explicitly dealt with the relation between the “New Hedonism” in The Picture of Dorian Gray and modern society, namely a chapter of Norbert Kohl’s Oscar Wilde biography. Due to this circumstance, the literature
consulted is clearly divided into two sectors: literary science and sociology. For the latter, it was the study “Die Erlebnis-gesellschaft” by Gerhard Schulze which was used as a main reference. Thus, syntactic fusion of German and English might be excused.
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Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. The New Hedonism
- 2.1. “A fresh impulse of joy” - the theory itself
- 2.2. The background - the theory as philosophical heritage
- 2.3. Learning by doing – the theory in practical test
- 3. A "Dorian-Gray-Society"?
- 3.1. Live your life – a sensation project
- 3.2. A very demanding ideal: youthfulness and beauty
- 4. The truth of tomorrow? - The problem of today!
- 5. Works consulted
- 6. Notes
Objectives and Key Themes
This research paper examines the "New Hedonism" presented in Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray and explores its relevance to modern society. It analyzes Lord Henry Wotton's hedonistic philosophy, its historical context, and its practical implications as demonstrated in Dorian Gray's life. The paper then compares the tenets of this philosophy to aspects of contemporary society, focusing on parallels between the novel's themes and modern social trends.
- The "New Hedonism" as presented in The Picture of Dorian Gray
- The philosophical and historical background of hedonism
- The concept of the "experience society" ("Erlebnisgesellschaft")
- The cult of youth and beauty
- The pursuit of self-realization and new sensations
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the research question: Does the "New Hedonism" in Wilde's novel anticipate aspects of modern society? It outlines the paper's structure, beginning with an analysis of Lord Henry Wotton's hedonistic philosophy and its historical roots, followed by an examination of its practical effects in Dorian Gray's life. The second part shifts focus to contemporary society, exploring parallels between the novel's themes and modern social trends. The chapter also acknowledges a scarcity of existing research explicitly connecting Wilde's hedonism to modern society, mentioning Norbert Kohl's work as a key exception.
2. The New Hedonism: This chapter delves into the core tenets of the "New Hedonism" as articulated by Lord Henry Wotton. It highlights the philosophy's emphasis on self-development, the pursuit of intense experiences and sensations, and the paramount importance of physical beauty, particularly youthful beauty. Wilde's philosophy advocates for a rejection of self-denial and societal constraints in favor of uninhibited self-expression and the exploration of all desires. The chapter lays the groundwork for understanding Dorian Gray's actions and the consequences of embracing this philosophy.
3. A "Dorian-Gray-Society"? This chapter moves beyond the novel itself to examine the parallels between the hedonistic ideals and contemporary society. It explores the concept of the "experience society" and its emphasis on self-realization and the constant search for new sensations. The chapter also analyzes the pervasive cult of youth and beauty in modern society and compares it to the emphasis on beauty presented in the novel. By comparing the novel's ideals to current societal trends, this section paves the way for the concluding chapter’s reflection.
Keywords
New Hedonism, Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray, self-realization, sensation-seeking, youth, beauty, experience society ("Erlebnisgesellschaft"), moral philosophy, aestheticism.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Research Paper on New Hedonism in Oscar Wilde's *The Picture of Dorian Gray*
What is the overall topic of this research paper?
This research paper examines the concept of "New Hedonism" as portrayed in Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray and analyzes its relevance to contemporary society. It explores Lord Henry Wotton's hedonistic philosophy, its historical context, and its practical implications as seen in Dorian Gray's life. The paper also draws comparisons between the novel's themes and modern social trends.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The key themes include the "New Hedonism" as presented in The Picture of Dorian Gray; the philosophical and historical background of hedonism; the concept of the "experience society" ("Erlebnisgesellschaft"); the cult of youth and beauty; and the pursuit of self-realization and new sensations.
What is the structure of the research paper?
The paper is structured into several chapters. It begins with an introduction that sets the research question and outlines the paper's structure. Subsequent chapters delve into the core tenets of the "New Hedonism," its historical context, and then analyze its parallels in modern society, focusing on the "experience society" and the cult of youth and beauty. The paper concludes with a reflection on the implications of the comparison between Wilde's philosophy and contemporary society. A bibliography and notes are also included.
What is covered in Chapter 2 ("The New Hedonism")?
Chapter 2 focuses on the central principles of the "New Hedonism" as presented by Lord Henry Wotton. It highlights the philosophy's emphasis on self-development, the pursuit of intense experiences and sensations, and the prioritization of physical beauty, particularly youthful beauty. It explains Wilde's advocacy for rejecting self-denial and societal constraints in favor of unrestrained self-expression and exploration of desires. This chapter forms the foundation for understanding Dorian Gray's actions and the repercussions of embracing this philosophy.
What does Chapter 3 ("A 'Dorian-Gray-Society'?") examine?
Chapter 3 shifts the focus from the novel to the contemporary world. It explores the parallels between the hedonistic ideals of the novel and modern society. Specifically, it investigates the "experience society" and its emphasis on self-realization and the continuous search for new experiences. It also analyzes the pervasive cult of youth and beauty in modern society and compares it to the emphasis on beauty in Wilde's novel. This chapter prepares the way for the final reflections.
What are the key takeaways or conclusions of the paper?
While not explicitly stated in the provided summary, the overall conclusion would likely involve an assessment of the extent to which the "New Hedonism" in Wilde's novel anticipates or reflects aspects of modern society. The analysis of the parallels and differences between the novel's themes and contemporary social trends would form the basis of the final conclusions.
What are the keywords associated with this research paper?
The keywords are: New Hedonism, Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray, self-realization, sensation-seeking, youth, beauty, experience society ("Erlebnisgesellschaft"), moral philosophy, and aestheticism.
- Quote paper
- Geoffrey Schöning (Author), 2000, Oscar Wilde: The Picture of Dorian Gray - Youth Cult and Illusion of Beauty. The new Hedonism in Light of our Society of Experience, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/3151
