Overview:
The Picture of Dorian Gray is a novel by Oscar Wilde that explores the themes of beauty, morality, and the corrupting influence of hedonism. The story revolves around Dorian Gray, a young man of extraordinary beauty who becomes enthralled by the philosophy of Lord Henry Wotton, a charismatic and cynical aristocrat. Wotton introduces Dorian to a life of pleasure and self-indulgence, urging him to embrace his youth and live for the moment. Dorian, consumed by the desire for eternal youth, makes a wish that the portrait painted by his friend Basil Hallward will age and bear the marks of his sins, while he remains eternally youthful.
As Dorian succumbs to the temptations of the world, his soul becomes increasingly corrupted, and the portrait reflects the dark transformation within him. The novel follows Dorian’s descent into a life of vice and crime, highlighting the consequences of his actions on both his soul and his relationships. As the portrait ages and decays, Dorian’s youthful appearance remains unchanged, creating a stark contrast between his inner and outer selves.
Key Findings:
- The corrupting influence of hedonism: The novel explores the destructive nature of a life solely focused on pleasure and self-gratification. Dorian’s pursuit of hedonistic desires leads him down a path of moral decay and ultimately to ruin.
- The power of beauty: Wilde examines the allure of beauty and its role in shaping perceptions and influencing behavior. Dorian’s obsession with his own beauty fuels his pursuit of pleasure and ultimately leads to his downfall.
- The nature of the soul: The novel delves into the complexities of the human soul, its capacity for both good and evil, and the consequences of moral choices. The portrait serves as a tangible representation of Dorian’s inner state, revealing the true nature of his soul.
- The duality of man: The contrast between Dorian’s youthful exterior and the aging, corrupted portrait highlights the duality of human nature. The novel suggests that the external appearance can be deceiving, and that true beauty lies within.
Learning:
- The seductive nature of sin: The novel shows how easily one can become consumed by the allure of pleasure and indulgence. Dorian’s descent into a life of vice exemplifies the dangers of unchecked desires.
- The importance of inner beauty: The novel emphasizes the significance of inner beauty and the consequences of prioritizing outward appearances. The aging portrait serves as a stark reminder that true beauty comes from within.
- The responsibility of our actions: The novel demonstrates the interconnectedness of actions and consequences. Dorian’s choices have a profound impact on his soul and the people around him.
- The enduring power of art: The portrait serves as a powerful metaphor for the enduring power of art, its ability to reveal and reflect truth, and its capacity to challenge societal norms.
Historical Context:
The Picture of Dorian Gray was written in 1890, during a period of significant social and cultural change in England. The Victorian era, with its emphasis on moral uprightness and traditional values, was giving way to a more decadent and aesthetically focused society. The novel reflects this shift, exploring themes of aestheticism, hedonism, and the growing questioning of traditional morality.
Facts:
- Dorian Gray’s mother was a Devereux. She was a beautiful woman known for her romantic nature and her tragic life.
- Dorian’s grandfather was Lord Kelso. He hated Dorian and never treated him kindly.
- Dorian’s mother ran away with a subaltern in a foot regiment. He was killed in a duel a few months after their marriage.
- Dorian’s mother died within a year of her husband’s death.
- Dorian’s mother inherited the Selby property. This made him a wealthy young man.
- Lord Henry Wotton is married to a woman who is “very good at deception”. They tell each other absurd stories and never know what the other is doing.
- Lord Henry Wotton believes that all influence is immoral. He argues that it forces people to live a life that is not their own.
- Dorian Gray’s portrait is painted by his friend Basil Hallward. The portrait becomes the central object in the novel, symbolizing Dorian’s soul and the consequences of his choices.
- Dorian Gray falls in love with an actress named Sibyl Vane. She is a talented young woman who lives a life of poverty with her mother.
- Dorian Gray becomes obsessed with Sibyl Vane’s acting ability. He sees her as a manifestation of the great heroines of literature.
- Dorian Gray is “terrified” by Lord Henry Wotton’s views on life. Wotton’s cynicism and hedonistic philosophy have a profound impact on Dorian.
- Dorian Gray believes that “the only thing worth loving is an actress.” He is captivated by their ability to transform themselves and create new worlds.
- Sibyl Vane’s acting deteriorates after she falls in love with Dorian Gray. She can no longer distinguish between reality and fantasy.
- Dorian Gray breaks off his engagement with Sibyl Vane after she fails to act well. He is deeply disappointed by her loss of talent and her inability to live up to his expectations.
- Sibyl Vane commits suicide by drinking a poisonous substance. She is unable to cope with Dorian’s rejection and the loss of her artistic identity.
- Basil Hallward is shocked by Dorian Gray’s indifference to Sibyl Vane’s death. He questions Dorian’s character and believes he has been corrupted by Lord Henry Wotton’s influence.
- Dorian Gray is horrified by the changes in his portrait. The portrait reveals the true nature of his soul, becoming a physical embodiment of his sins and corruption.
- Dorian Gray hides the portrait in a locked room. He fears that the world will see his secret and judge him.
- Dorian Gray’s hedonistic lifestyle leads to a life of vice and crime. He becomes involved with theft, murder, and other criminal activities.
- Dorian Gray’s youthful appearance remains unchanged throughout the novel. He is eternally youthful, but his soul becomes increasingly corrupted and aged.
Statistics:
- Lord Henry Wotton has at least 18 photographs of Dorian Gray.
- Dorian Gray pays a guinea for a stage box at the theatre. This is a significant amount of money in the 19th century, showcasing his wealth and willingness to indulge.
- Sibyl Vane is bound to Mr. Isaacs, a theatrical manager, for two years and eight months. This demonstrates the power of contracts and the exploitation that can occur in the entertainment industry.
- Lord Henry Wotton buys a piece of old brocade for hours. This highlights his appreciation for fine objects and his willingness to spend money on luxurious items.
- Dorian Gray is engaged to Sibyl Vane for a week. The engagement is a whirlwind romance, showcasing the intensity of his feelings and his desire for instant gratification.
- Sibyl Vane is seventeen years old at the time of her death. She is a young woman who dies tragically due to her love for Dorian.
- Dorian Gray has nine large-paper copies of the first edition of a novel that influences him deeply. This reflects his love of fine literature and his desire to own rare objects.
- Dorian Gray throws a party every Wednesday during the season. He is a socialite who entertains the elite of London.
- Dorian Gray’s house is decorated with exotic flowers, embroidered cloths, and antique gold and silver plate. This illustrates his pursuit of luxury and his exquisite taste.
- Dorian Gray owns three emeralds of “extraordinary size and richness of color”. He is a collector of valuable jewels, showcasing his wealth and his interest in beautiful things.
- Dorian Gray wears a costume covered with 560 pearls to a costume ball. This demonstrates his love of extravagance and his ability to create a spectacle of himself.
- Dorian Gray has a special passion for ecclesiastical vestments. He collects rare and beautiful pieces of church attire, showcasing his interest in the beauty and symbolism of religion.
- The portrait of Dorian Gray is hidden in a room that has not been opened for five years. This emphasizes the secrecy and isolation of the portrait, and the lengths Dorian goes to protect his secret.
- Basil Hallward travels to Paris by the midnight train with only a Gladstone bag and an ulster. This illustrates the simplicity of his lifestyle in contrast to Dorian’s extravagance.
- Basil Hallward claims he has not seen Dorian Gray for “ages”. This emphasizes the distance that has grown between them, highlighting the impact of Dorian’s changed life.
- The inquest on Sibyl Vane is held at the Bell Tavern, Hoxton Road. This reflects the poverty and hardship of her life.
- Dorian Gray is nearly blackballed at a West End club. This shows the social consequences of his actions and the rumors circulating about him.
- Dorian Gray’s country house is described as “gorgeous in its pomp and decoration”. This showcases his wealth and the luxurious lifestyle he has cultivated.
- Dorian Gray travels to various locations, including Trouville, Algiers, and his country house in Nottinghamshire. This highlights his restless nature and his desire for new experiences.
- Dorian Gray is 38 years old at the time of his encounter with Basil Hallward. He is no longer a young man, despite his youthful appearance.
Terms:
- Hedonism: The pursuit of pleasure and self-indulgence as the primary goal of life.
- Aestheticism: A philosophy that emphasizes the importance of beauty and artistic expression.
- Dandyism: A mode of life characterized by elegance, refinement, and an emphasis on personal appearance.
- Cynicism: A distrust of human nature and motives, often characterized by skepticism and a negative view of the world.
- Egotism: Excessive preoccupation with oneself and one’s own interests.
- Incarnation: A person who embodies or represents a particular idea or concept.
- Philistine: A person who is uncultured or insensitive to art and beauty.
- Anglomania: A strong enthusiasm for English culture and fashion.
- Hypocrite: A person who pretends to be better or more virtuous than they actually are.
- Blasphemy: An act or utterance that shows disrespect or contempt for God or sacred things.
Examples:
- Lord Henry Wotton’s influence on Dorian Gray: Wotton introduces Dorian to a life of hedonism and teaches him to prioritize pleasure and self-indulgence. He encourages Dorian to explore his senses and live for the moment, leading him down a path of moral corruption.
- Sibyl Vane’s acting: Sibyl is a talented actress who embodies the characters she plays. However, after falling in love with Dorian Gray, she loses her ability to separate reality from fantasy and her acting deteriorates.
- The portrait of Dorian Gray: The portrait serves as a powerful symbol of Dorian’s soul and the consequences of his choices. As Dorian becomes increasingly corrupted, the portrait reflects the dark transformation within him.
- Dorian Gray’s life of vice: Dorian becomes involved in theft, murder, and other criminal activities, showcasing the corrupting influence of his hedonistic lifestyle.
- Dorian Gray’s pursuit of beauty: Dorian becomes obsessed with his own beauty, seeking to preserve his youthful appearance at all costs. He is captivated by the beauty of art, jewels, and sensory experiences.
- Dorian Gray’s relationships: Dorian’s relationships with Basil Hallward and Lord Henry Wotton are deeply affected by his pursuit of pleasure and his corruption.
- Basil Hallward’s devotion to Dorian Gray: Hallward is deeply devoted to Dorian, seeing him as an artistic ideal. His love for Dorian is both passionate and tragic, as he witnesses Dorian’s descent into darkness.
- The rumors and scandals surrounding Dorian Gray: The rumors spread about Dorian’s lifestyle create an aura of mystery and danger around him. They reflect the fear and fascination that he inspires in others.
- Dorian Gray’s fascination with the past: Dorian is captivated by the history of sin and corruption, finding inspiration in the lives of historical figures who have succumbed to vice.
- Dorian Gray’s relationship with Sibyl Vane: Sibyl is a symbol of innocence and beauty. Dorian’s love for her is passionate, but ultimately destructive, as he is unable to accept her as she truly is.
Conclusion:
The Picture of Dorian Gray is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked hedonism and the corrupting influence of beauty. Dorian Gray’s pursuit of pleasure and his refusal to face the consequences of his actions lead to his moral downfall and the destruction of his soul. The novel serves as a reminder that true beauty comes from within and that a life solely focused on outward appearances can be empty and destructive. Through Dorian’s journey, Wilde explores the complexities of human nature, the enduring power of art, and the importance of living a life that is both beautiful and meaningful.