Aestheticism in The Picture of Dorian Gray

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What societal values were emphasized in late Victorian society that contrasted with Aestheticism?

Narcissism and self-indulgence

Productivity and functionality (correct)

Immorality and decadence

Emancipation and freedom

In The Picture of Dorian Gray, which literary device is used to reflect the tension between the protagonist and Victorian society?

Irony

Symbolism

Foreshadowing

A frame narrative (correct)

What intertextual reference is made in The Picture of Dorian Gray that highlights the influence of Decadent ideology?

A Rebours (correct)

Frankenstein

Pride and Prejudice

The Yellow Book

How did late Victorian society generally view Aestheticism and Decadent ideologies?

As illicit and immoral Signup and view all the answers

What role does the corruptive book play in The Picture of Dorian Gray?

It illustrates the protagonist's struggle against societal norms Signup and view all the answers

What does Wilde's use of a meta-textual reference suggest about his novel's position in society?

It reveals the struggles of an emerging movement Signup and view all the answers

What theme is particularly explored through Dorian Gray's character in the context of Victorian society?

The conflict between aesthetics and morality Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the Decadent movement is symbolized by the Yellow Book referenced in The Picture of Dorian Gray?

Illicit behavior and rebellion Signup and view all the answers

What concept is central to the Victorian metanarrative influenced by Freud?

The idea of the divided self Signup and view all the answers

What literary device is used to illustrate Dorian's internal conflict with his identity?

Symbolism through mirrors Signup and view all the answers

How does Dorian Gray engage with the concept of viewing his own soul?

He finds joy in seeing his beauty without aging Signup and view all the answers

What does the lock and key metaphor primarily represent in the narrative?

The balance of freedom and entrapment Signup and view all the answers

What role does Bertha Mason play in the context of Gothic conventions?

An embodiment of the evil other Signup and view all the answers

Which earlier work is referenced to highlight the theme of secrecy in Victorian literature?

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson Signup and view all the answers

What does Wilde aim to expose through the Gothic conventions in Dorian Gray?

The dangers of unrestrained morality Signup and view all the answers

What does Dorian’s attitude towards knowledge reveal about his character?

He craves knowledge but is afraid of its consequences Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested by the portrayal of Dorian's character as a 'dark double'?

The pain of self-recognition Signup and view all the answers

How does Wilde illuminate the tension between the Decadent movement and Victorian morality in The Picture of Dorian Gray?

By placing characters in immoral settings. Signup and view all the answers

What does the geographical location of Dorian's actions symbolize in the novel?

The moral decay of society. Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the contrasting descriptions of Paris and London in the novel?

Dorian's dual nature is mirrored in the two cities. Signup and view all the answers

What literary device does Wilde use to enhance the reader's experience in The Picture of Dorian Gray?

Structured narrative alongside experimental descriptions. Signup and view all the answers

How does the character of Dorian Gray exemplify the ideals of the Aesthetic movement?

By exploring beauty and sensory experiences without moral constraints. Signup and view all the answers

What theme does Wilde explore through the protagonist's absences from society?

The existential crisis of the individual. Signup and view all the answers

What does the statement ‘Dorian’s dissolution is tied to the social and geographical divisions of the metropolis’ imply?

His moral decay is connected to the city’s physical structure. Signup and view all the answers

What literary critique does Jerusha McCormack provide regarding The Picture of Dorian Gray?

The novel is widely read despite misunderstandings of its plot. Signup and view all the answers

How does Wilde's use of sibilance in descriptions impact the narrative?

It creates a rhythmic allure that draws in a repressed audience. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase ‘fin de siècle’ relate to in The Picture of Dorian Gray?

A reflection on the decadence and degeneration of society. Signup and view all the answers

In which way does The Picture of Dorian Gray serve as a critique of Victorian society?

By illustrating the superficiality of social niceties. Signup and view all the answers

How is the theme of ennui depicted in Wilde's writing?

It is represented through Dorian’s excessive pursuits of pleasure. Signup and view all the answers

What does Wilde imply about the nature of civilization through Dorian's experiences?

Civilization contributes to the emergence of Gothic monsters. Signup and view all the answers

How does The Picture of Dorian Gray exemplify Decadent writing based on its structure?

Through an integration of playful linguistic features within a traditional format. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Aestheticism and Decadence in The Picture of Dorian Gray

Late Victorian society viewed Aestheticism and Decadence's promotion of homosexuality and the "New Woman" as immoral, contrasting with values of productivity and functionality.
Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray mirrors this tension between Victorian conventions and Decadent philosophies.
The novel uses intertextuality, referencing Joris-Karl Huysman's A Rebours and the Yellow Book.
This creates a narrative within a narrative, reflecting Decadence's impact on Victorian society.
The novel establishes a conflict between Dorian as a fictional "reader" and the Victorian "reality" it depicts.

Characters and Setting

Wilde's characters are positioned on the periphery of Victorian society, reflecting the eroding belief in purpose and divinely ordained systems.
Dorian's "escape" from societal conventions and his geographical displacement serve as symbolic representation of moral rejection of Victorian values.
The novel juxtaposes Paris's "wonder" and "romantic temperament" with London's negativity and rumours, metaphorically contrasting Decadence with the anxieties of Victorian thought.
London, the "darker dual self" of Paris, represents the insidious corruption Dorian experiences.

Symbolism and Gothic Elements

The novel employs Gothic conventions, exemplified by the mirror/portrait symbol, representing Dorian's divided self and the narrative's conflict.
Dorian's dual life is situated in the Docks, symbolizing vice and sin.
The "lock and key" motif represents secrecy, concealment, and Dorian's conflicting desires to conceal his painting (representing his hidden self) and disassociate himself from it.
The motif also connects to other Gothic texts of the era, such as Jane Eyre and The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, reflecting societal anxieties about fractured identity and morality.

Language and Structure

Wilde's language, employing repetition, varied descriptions, and striking imagery, captures the essence of Decadence and the Gothic.
The novel's use of sibilance creates an alluring yet unsettling atmosphere, appealing to a stifled Victorian audience.
Despite critics' concerns about Wilde's style, the novel remains accessible due to its intriguing, stimulating language, echoing modern interests.
The novel maintains a nineteenth-century structure while showcasing Decadent features, creating a significant tension between societal expectations and avant-garde movements.

Decadent Themes and Victorian Concerns

The novel embodies Decadent themes like ennui, the Fall of Man, and the concept of "degeneration," reflecting Victorian anxieties about the pinnacle of human development being reached.
This degeneration idea aligns with Darwinian concepts and intersects with Freud's psychological ideas, which challenged Victorian notions of national identity.
The novel's exploration of fragmented identity and concealment reflects the evolving conception of self during the late Victorian era, mirroring anxieties about society's rapidly changing landscape.
Wilde's text challenges Victorian moral frameworks, confronting the societal fears around "unnatural" desires and the limitations of Victorian morality.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the themes of Aestheticism and Decadence in Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray. This quiz delves into the tension between Victorian society and the philosophies represented in the novel, examining character motivations and intertextuality. Test your knowledge of how Wilde's work reflects broader societal changes of the time.