Aestheticism and hedonism in The Picture of Dorian Gray
Aestheticism is an art movement that developed during the romanticism. Oscar Wilde was one of the biggest driving forces behind this ideology. Aestheticism, in short, argues that the aesthetic values (beauty of art) are more important than the political themes present in art. To simplify, it means that art should be appreciated for its beauty and it’s beauty only. This is one of the central themes in Oscar Wilde’s novel The Picture of Dorian Gray. The theme becomes apparent already in the novels main plot. Dorian Gray sells his soul in order to keep his eternal youth and beauty.
Hedonism is an idea that man’s purpose in life is solely to seek pleasure. Hedonism is believed to have been started by Aristippus, a pupil of Socrates. Hedonism and aestheticism are pretty closely tied to each other. During that time, one way to enjoy yourself and escape from reality was by looking at art and in that way achieving hedonism by watching aesthetic values.
In the novel Lord Henry is a clear-cut hedonist who only seeks pleasure in life. Lord Henry is the one who encourages Dorian Gray to pursue his thought that his youth and beauty are the most important things he has. This leads Dorian Gray to sell his soul for eternal beauty and what eventually will lead to his demise. So in the book Dorian Gray uses his aesthetic properties of himself (his beauty and youth) in order to live a hedonistic life full of pleasure. As the novel rages on however, he soon notices that the portraits fade away and he feels that his soul becomes emptier. This leads to the question if Oscar Wilde actually fully supports the hedonistic and aesthetic values that many seem convinced that he proposes. The Picture of Dorian Gray can rather be seen as a warning of the consequences of ignoring your moral and following your impulses thoughtlessly, two things hedonism and aestheticism indirectly supports.
References:
http://www.bu.edu/writingprogram/journal/past-issues/issue-1/duggan/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aestheticism
Jakob Wedenborn
Hedonism is an idea that man’s purpose in life is solely to seek pleasure. Hedonism is believed to have been started by Aristippus, a pupil of Socrates. Hedonism and aestheticism are pretty closely tied to each other. During that time, one way to enjoy yourself and escape from reality was by looking at art and in that way achieving hedonism by watching aesthetic values.
In the novel Lord Henry is a clear-cut hedonist who only seeks pleasure in life. Lord Henry is the one who encourages Dorian Gray to pursue his thought that his youth and beauty are the most important things he has. This leads Dorian Gray to sell his soul for eternal beauty and what eventually will lead to his demise. So in the book Dorian Gray uses his aesthetic properties of himself (his beauty and youth) in order to live a hedonistic life full of pleasure. As the novel rages on however, he soon notices that the portraits fade away and he feels that his soul becomes emptier. This leads to the question if Oscar Wilde actually fully supports the hedonistic and aesthetic values that many seem convinced that he proposes. The Picture of Dorian Gray can rather be seen as a warning of the consequences of ignoring your moral and following your impulses thoughtlessly, two things hedonism and aestheticism indirectly supports.
References:
http://www.bu.edu/writingprogram/journal/past-issues/issue-1/duggan/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aestheticism
Jakob Wedenborn
The Gothic in Literature
Gothic literature is a genre that stems from Romanticism and gives expression to a darker side of storytelling. The essence of this genre is thus the prominent combination of horror, mystery and romance, infused by both sublime and supernatural events. It originated in England and branches out into several subgenres, one of which is the Urban Gothic. Revolving around a morbid obsession with mortality, particular fascination for ethical degeneration and questioning of our social structures; Oscar Wilde’s novel The Picture of Dorian Gray embodies Urban Gothic immaculately. The highlighted breakthrough of gothic literature was nevertheless Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Further contributions provided the archetype of our Byronic hero, for instance featured by the demonic Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. However, it was in the work of the Romantic poets that the genre truly developed a natural path to the human mind.
Inspired by the Middle Ages gothic literature has common denominators such as the characterizing metonymy of gloom and horror; suggested by howling winds, moans, or doors grating on rusty hinges. Together with an artful vocabulary and the medieval scenery of an old castle or uncanny mansion, the atmosphere of mystery and suspense is substantially enhanced. Ancient prophecies, omens, visions and women in distress are not uncommon themes either. However, in Oscar Wilde’s novel The Picture of Dorian Gray one of the most striking devices is the supernatural atmosphere that surrounds the novel. Dorian Gray’s bargain with the devil and the eerie effect that later appear on his portrait is the most important gothic element; thus profusely illustrated by an inanimate object undergoing inexplicable changes. “There were no signs of any change when he looked into the actual painting, and yet there was no doubt that the whole expression had altered. It was not a mere fancy of his own. The thing was horribly apparent. /…/ He had uttered a mad wish that he himself might remain young, and the portrait grow old /…/ Surely his wish had not been fulfilled? Such things were impossible. It seemed monstrous even to think of them. And yet, there was the picture before him, with the touch of cruelty in the mouth” (p. 73).
As suggested by this quote the purpose of Dorian’s portrait might be to reflect his inner self and thus enhance our understanding for the protagonist’s inner struggles. Perhaps it might also serve as a general reflection, depicting the nature of our lives and the conflict between morality and decadence. Anyhow, it illuminates the gothic conflict between art and life perfectly. In some works, the supernatural events are ultimately given a natural explanation, while in others they remain truly supernatural. The outcome in The Picture of Dorian Gray we cannot predict, nevertheless a thick mist of gothic awareness encloses our minds while reading the novel.
References:
Harris Robert, 2011. Elements of the Gothic Novel. [online] November 22. Available at: http://www.virtualsalt.com/gothic.htm (Accessed 20 Mars 2013).
Lad Kashmira, 2013. Gothic Literature. [online] January 10. Available at: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/gothic-literature.html (Accessed 20 Mars 2013).
Wikipedia, 2013. Gothic fiction. [online] March 17. Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gothic_fiction (Accessed 20 Mars 2013).
Cecilia Wickman
Inspired by the Middle Ages gothic literature has common denominators such as the characterizing metonymy of gloom and horror; suggested by howling winds, moans, or doors grating on rusty hinges. Together with an artful vocabulary and the medieval scenery of an old castle or uncanny mansion, the atmosphere of mystery and suspense is substantially enhanced. Ancient prophecies, omens, visions and women in distress are not uncommon themes either. However, in Oscar Wilde’s novel The Picture of Dorian Gray one of the most striking devices is the supernatural atmosphere that surrounds the novel. Dorian Gray’s bargain with the devil and the eerie effect that later appear on his portrait is the most important gothic element; thus profusely illustrated by an inanimate object undergoing inexplicable changes. “There were no signs of any change when he looked into the actual painting, and yet there was no doubt that the whole expression had altered. It was not a mere fancy of his own. The thing was horribly apparent. /…/ He had uttered a mad wish that he himself might remain young, and the portrait grow old /…/ Surely his wish had not been fulfilled? Such things were impossible. It seemed monstrous even to think of them. And yet, there was the picture before him, with the touch of cruelty in the mouth” (p. 73).
As suggested by this quote the purpose of Dorian’s portrait might be to reflect his inner self and thus enhance our understanding for the protagonist’s inner struggles. Perhaps it might also serve as a general reflection, depicting the nature of our lives and the conflict between morality and decadence. Anyhow, it illuminates the gothic conflict between art and life perfectly. In some works, the supernatural events are ultimately given a natural explanation, while in others they remain truly supernatural. The outcome in The Picture of Dorian Gray we cannot predict, nevertheless a thick mist of gothic awareness encloses our minds while reading the novel.
References:
Harris Robert, 2011. Elements of the Gothic Novel. [online] November 22. Available at: http://www.virtualsalt.com/gothic.htm (Accessed 20 Mars 2013).
Lad Kashmira, 2013. Gothic Literature. [online] January 10. Available at: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/gothic-literature.html (Accessed 20 Mars 2013).
Wikipedia, 2013. Gothic fiction. [online] March 17. Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gothic_fiction (Accessed 20 Mars 2013).
Cecilia Wickman
The Life of Oscar Wilde
Oscar Fingal O’Flahertie Wills Wilde took his first breath October 16, 1854. His family lived in a large home on Merrion Square in Dublin, one of the most elegant houses by one of the fanciest squares. The two persons that shaped his future the most was his colorful parents Sir William Wilde and Lady Jane Francesca Wilde. His father was a typical Victorian and a highly appreciated ear and eye surgeon, who also published books on archaeology and folklore. His mother wrote under the name Speranza and was a revolutionary poet. Already from young age, Oscar was allowed to sit and witness his mother’s grand gatherings and she taught him that when you tried to entertain an audience, the truth wasn’t that important, as long as you had a good story to tell.
His father’s career and Oscar’s scholarships enabled the young man to attain an impressive college education; Trinity College in Dublin and then Magdalen College in Oxford. During the last four years he distinguished himself as a classical scholar, a poseur and a wit, but also as a poet by winning a prize for his poem Ravenna. During his studies, Wilde also became a devotee of the school of aestheticism[1], easy putted it means; the belief of art for the sake of art. He finished his studies in 1878 and moved to London where he established himself in social and artistic circles by his wit and ability to entertain. He made an attempt in writing two plays, Vera and The Duchess of Padua, which both ended in tragically fiascos. In 1882 Wilde went to USA and Canada to give lectures about his aesthetics beliefs, after a year he returned to London to lecture about his impression of America.
Already during young age, it went rumors about Wilde being homosexual, but in 1884 he married Constance Lloyd and they got two sons together; Cyril and Vyvyan. Lloyd was the daughter of a prominent Irish barrister and thanks to his wealth; Wilde was now able to afford a very expensive lifestyle. Around this time, Wilde began spending a lot of time with the considerable younger gentleman Lord Alfred Douglas. In the beginning of their relationship, Wilde offered him a lot of expensive gifts and as the time went on, Wilde began living more and more often in hotels with his friend. The early 1890’s was his most productive time of his career. In 1891 he produced his only novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, but his greatest success came with his critical claimed comedies about the Victorian society e.g.: Lady Windermere’s Fan, Salomé, A Woman of No Importance, An Ideal Husband and The Importance of Being Earnest. The dialogues in his last play was so beautiful written that it became the most quoted British play after Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
Oscar Wilde was now on the top of is carrier, but his fall came with Lord Alfred Douglas and his disapproving father, the Marquis of Queensberry. Queensberry made clear that he did not approve on the relationship between the two men and publicly accused Wilde of Sodom. In response, Wilde decided to sue the Marquis for criminal libel. The trial began well for Wilde, who presented beautiful and cleverly written speeches. Wilde was then tricked into talking about his homosexual life, which lead to that he lost the case and a couple of days later were arrested on the charge of “gross indecency". In May 1895, Wilde was given the sentence of 2 years hard labor, mostly served at Reading Goal, and as a result to his arrestment all his plays were withdrawn and his reputation destroyed.
After serving his time, he was alone, bankrupt and his reputation was completely destroyed. He moved to France where he lived on different hotels, hoping to in some way reinstate his career. The 30th of November 1900, three years after his release, the 46 years old Oscar Wilde dies of an ear infection after an operation, on his hotel room in Paris. One of the few friends that Wilde had left during his last years was Robbie Ross, who after Wilde’s death helped to reestablish his reputation of his works. A biography about Oscar Wilde’s life tells us that “By 1920, Europeans were reading Oscar Wilde more than any English writer, except Shakespeare. The man who had been crucified by society was once again celebrated. By 1960 he was studied in universities and 1970 hailed as a hero by the gay rights movement.”[2] Oscar Wilde lived a pacey and colorful life, which unhesitatingly as inspired many of his works. Even if the works were written over a decade ago, many of the problems and perspectives which they present are still accurate in today’s society.
References:
http://www.biography.com/people/oscar-wilde-9531078/videos
http://plays.about.com/od/playwrights/a/oscarwilde.htm
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/643631/Oscar-Wilde
[1] the belief that art should be created for the sake of beauty and not as a lesson in ethics
[2] http://www.biography.com/people/oscar-wilde-9531078/videos
quoted from the video “Oscar Wilde – A Place in History”
Alice Engström
His father’s career and Oscar’s scholarships enabled the young man to attain an impressive college education; Trinity College in Dublin and then Magdalen College in Oxford. During the last four years he distinguished himself as a classical scholar, a poseur and a wit, but also as a poet by winning a prize for his poem Ravenna. During his studies, Wilde also became a devotee of the school of aestheticism[1], easy putted it means; the belief of art for the sake of art. He finished his studies in 1878 and moved to London where he established himself in social and artistic circles by his wit and ability to entertain. He made an attempt in writing two plays, Vera and The Duchess of Padua, which both ended in tragically fiascos. In 1882 Wilde went to USA and Canada to give lectures about his aesthetics beliefs, after a year he returned to London to lecture about his impression of America.
Already during young age, it went rumors about Wilde being homosexual, but in 1884 he married Constance Lloyd and they got two sons together; Cyril and Vyvyan. Lloyd was the daughter of a prominent Irish barrister and thanks to his wealth; Wilde was now able to afford a very expensive lifestyle. Around this time, Wilde began spending a lot of time with the considerable younger gentleman Lord Alfred Douglas. In the beginning of their relationship, Wilde offered him a lot of expensive gifts and as the time went on, Wilde began living more and more often in hotels with his friend. The early 1890’s was his most productive time of his career. In 1891 he produced his only novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, but his greatest success came with his critical claimed comedies about the Victorian society e.g.: Lady Windermere’s Fan, Salomé, A Woman of No Importance, An Ideal Husband and The Importance of Being Earnest. The dialogues in his last play was so beautiful written that it became the most quoted British play after Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
Oscar Wilde was now on the top of is carrier, but his fall came with Lord Alfred Douglas and his disapproving father, the Marquis of Queensberry. Queensberry made clear that he did not approve on the relationship between the two men and publicly accused Wilde of Sodom. In response, Wilde decided to sue the Marquis for criminal libel. The trial began well for Wilde, who presented beautiful and cleverly written speeches. Wilde was then tricked into talking about his homosexual life, which lead to that he lost the case and a couple of days later were arrested on the charge of “gross indecency". In May 1895, Wilde was given the sentence of 2 years hard labor, mostly served at Reading Goal, and as a result to his arrestment all his plays were withdrawn and his reputation destroyed.
After serving his time, he was alone, bankrupt and his reputation was completely destroyed. He moved to France where he lived on different hotels, hoping to in some way reinstate his career. The 30th of November 1900, three years after his release, the 46 years old Oscar Wilde dies of an ear infection after an operation, on his hotel room in Paris. One of the few friends that Wilde had left during his last years was Robbie Ross, who after Wilde’s death helped to reestablish his reputation of his works. A biography about Oscar Wilde’s life tells us that “By 1920, Europeans were reading Oscar Wilde more than any English writer, except Shakespeare. The man who had been crucified by society was once again celebrated. By 1960 he was studied in universities and 1970 hailed as a hero by the gay rights movement.”[2] Oscar Wilde lived a pacey and colorful life, which unhesitatingly as inspired many of his works. Even if the works were written over a decade ago, many of the problems and perspectives which they present are still accurate in today’s society.
References:
http://www.biography.com/people/oscar-wilde-9531078/videos
http://plays.about.com/od/playwrights/a/oscarwilde.htm
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/643631/Oscar-Wilde
[1] the belief that art should be created for the sake of beauty and not as a lesson in ethics
[2] http://www.biography.com/people/oscar-wilde-9531078/videos
quoted from the video “Oscar Wilde – A Place in History”
Alice Engström