Since The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde was first published in 1890, it can be seen as a representation of the Victorian era; a period that lasted uncommonly long from 1837 till 1901. While the length of more than sixty years complicates the exact classification of typical Victorian literary movements, certain recurring ideas and literary approaches can be found in its literature. Especially the conception of art and aesthetics seemed to experience a time of change, reshaping the way in which art was received and the role of the artist in comparison to the spectator.
Still, as art seemed to be in a state of carination, the public reception of new artistic attempts was not always positive. Especially the representation of morality and sexuality caused ground for public discontent. A connection of morality, aesthetics and sexuality in The Picture of Dorian Gray that seems to be of high importance for the novel. This paper, therefore, is going to analyse the novel regarding these aspects and the way they influence each other, illuminating whether morality is really depicted as subordinate to an artistic effect or if it is needed in order for the story to advance.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Fin de Siècle and the Aesthetic Movement of the late 19th Century
- 3. Morality vs. Aestheticism in Dorian Gray
- 3.1 Gender Boundaries
- 3.2 Lord Henry Wotton
- 3.3 Basil Hallward
- 3.4 Sybil Vane
- 4. Sexuality in Dorian Gray
- 4.1 Homoeroticism
- 4.2 Possession
- 4.3 Vampirism
- 4.4 Secrecy & Omission
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper analyzes Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray, examining the interplay between morality, aesthetics, and sexuality within the novel. It explores how these elements influence each other and challenges the notion that morality is subordinate to artistic effect. The analysis investigates the context of the late 19th-century aesthetic movement and its impact on the novel's themes.
- The relationship between art and morality in the Victorian era
- The influence of the Aesthetic Movement on Wilde's writing
- The representation of sexuality and its social implications
- The exploration of gender boundaries and roles
- The impact of beauty and its consequences
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the context of Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray within the Victorian era, highlighting the evolving conceptions of art and aesthetics during that time. It discusses the changing role of the artist and the public reception of new artistic attempts, particularly concerning morality and sexuality. The chapter introduces the controversy surrounding the novel's publication and Wilde's subsequent trial, emphasizing the connection between morality, aesthetics, and sexuality as central themes. It sets the stage for an analysis of these interconnected aspects within the novel, questioning whether morality is truly subordinate to artistic effect.
2. Fin de Siècle and the Aesthetic Movement of the late 19th Century: This chapter delves into the British Aesthetic Movement of the late 19th century, often associated with the phrase "art for art's sake." It explores the movement's diverse manifestations across various art forms, from painting and literature to design and fashion. The chapter examines the increased autonomy of art during this period, freed from societal and religious constraints by Romanticism and photography's challenge to realism. It discusses the ambiguity of the term "Aestheticism" and its various interpretations, highlighting the movement's emphasis on the importance of art and the beauty of everyday life. The chapter connects Wilde and his work to the Aesthetic Movement, emphasizing the novel's central position within this artistic context. It also touches on the movement's association with sexuality and its portrayal as feminine or effeminate.
3. Morality vs. Aestheticism in Dorian Gray: This chapter examines the complex relationship between morality and aestheticism in Wilde's novel, focusing on Wilde's own pronouncements in the preface, particularly his assertion that "There is no such thing as a moral or an immoral book." It analyzes how Wilde's views on art's freedom from moral constraints are reflected in the novel. The chapter further explores the subtle moral aspects present in the narrative, despite Wilde's claims to the contrary. It utilizes the initial description of Dorian Gray's beauty and his subsequent encounters with Lord Henry Wotton as illustrative examples of how aesthetic considerations intertwine with moral implications throughout the unfolding of the story. The chapter lays the groundwork for a deeper understanding of the ethical implications of the novel's central themes.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Aestheticism, Morality, Sexuality, Victorian Era, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde, Art for Art's Sake, Gender, Decadence, Homoeroticism, Beauty.
Oscar Wilde's *The Picture of Dorian Gray*: A Comprehensive Guide - FAQ
What is this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of an academic paper analyzing Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray. It includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What are the main themes explored in the paper?
The paper examines the interplay between morality, aesthetics, and sexuality in Wilde's novel. It explores how these elements influence each other and challenges the notion that morality is subordinate to artistic effect. Key themes include the relationship between art and morality in the Victorian era, the influence of the Aesthetic Movement on Wilde's writing, the representation of sexuality and its social implications, the exploration of gender boundaries and roles, and the impact of beauty and its consequences.
What is covered in the Introduction chapter?
The introduction establishes the context of The Picture of Dorian Gray within the Victorian era, highlighting evolving conceptions of art and aesthetics. It discusses the changing role of the artist and public reception of new artistic attempts, especially regarding morality and sexuality. The chapter introduces the controversy surrounding the novel's publication and Wilde's trial, emphasizing the connection between morality, aesthetics, and sexuality as central themes.
What does the chapter on the Fin de Siècle and the Aesthetic Movement cover?
This chapter delves into the British Aesthetic Movement of the late 19th century ("art for art's sake"). It explores the movement's diverse manifestations across art forms, examining the increased autonomy of art during this period, freed from societal and religious constraints. It discusses the ambiguity of "Aestheticism" and its interpretations, highlighting the movement's emphasis on art and beauty. The chapter connects Wilde and his work to the Aesthetic Movement, touching on its association with sexuality.
How does the paper analyze Morality vs. Aestheticism in *Dorian Gray*?
This chapter examines the complex relationship between morality and aestheticism in the novel, focusing on Wilde's preface and his assertion that "There is no such thing as a moral or an immoral book." It analyzes how Wilde's views are reflected in the novel and explores subtle moral aspects. It uses Dorian Gray's beauty and encounters with Lord Henry Wotton to illustrate how aesthetic considerations intertwine with moral implications.
What are the key characters discussed in the paper?
The paper analyzes several key characters, including Dorian Gray, Lord Henry Wotton, Basil Hallward, and Sybil Vane, examining their roles in exploring the themes of morality, aesthetics, and sexuality.
What are the key words associated with the paper?
Key words include Aestheticism, Morality, Sexuality, Victorian Era, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde, Art for Art's Sake, Gender, Decadence, Homoeroticism, and Beauty.
What is the overall objective of the paper?
The paper aims to analyze The Picture of Dorian Gray, examining the interplay between morality, aesthetics, and sexuality within the novel. It investigates how these elements influence each other and challenges the notion that morality is subordinate to artistic effect, considering the context of the late 19th-century aesthetic movement.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper is structured with an introduction, chapters analyzing the Fin de Siècle and Aesthetic Movement, and Morality vs. Aestheticism in *Dorian Gray*. It also includes subsections focusing on specific characters and aspects of sexuality within the novel.
- Quote paper
- Mirja Quix (Author), 2016, Sexuality, Aesthetics and Morality in "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/428700
