The Picture of Dorian Gray: A Gothic Tale of Beauty and Decay
The Picture of Dorian Gray Study Guide
Oscar Wilde
Welcome to the Class with Mason study guide on Oscar Wilde's novel The Picture of Dorian Gray. Crafted by Mason for literature enthusiasts.
At a Glance
- Full Title: The Picture of Dorian Gray
- Author: Oscar Wilde
- Type of Work: Novel
- Genre: Gothic, Philosophical, Comedy of Manners
- Language: English
- Time and Place Written: 1890, London
- Date of First Publication: 1890 (Lippincott's Monthly Magazine), 1891 (Complete Edition)
- Publisher: Ward, Lock & Company (1891)
Unveiling the Novel
- Narrator: An anonymous, all-knowing observer (omniscient third person).
- Point of View: The narrator follows both the external events and the internal thoughts and feelings of the characters. There's a brief section where Wilde himself seems to take the reins.
- Tones: The story blends gothic elements (darkness, supernatural) with sardonic wit and even comedic moments.
- Tense: Past tense
- Setting: Victorian Era London (1890s)
Characters and Conflict
- Protagonist: Dorian Gray, a man who sacrifices his soul for eternal youth.
- Major Conflict: Dorian grapples with the consequences of his wish. While he maintains a youthful appearance, his portrait reflects the moral decay of his actions.
Plot Points
Rising Action
After a failed relationship, Dorian notices his portrait taking on the burden of his misdeeds. He embraces a life of hedonism, widening the gap between his outward beauty and inner darkness.
Climax
Dorian murders his friend Basil Hallward, who discovers his secret.
Falling Action
Dorian spirals further, seeking solace in opium dens. He attempts to change his ways but fails. In a desperate act, he attacks his portrait, leading to his own demise.
Thematic Depths
- The Purpose of Art: Wilde explores the role of art, questioning if beauty is its sole purpose or if it serves a deeper function.
- The Obsession with Youth: The novel criticizes society's obsession with youth and beauty, highlighting their fleeting nature.
- Superficiality and Morality: The story exposes the hypocrisy of Victorian society, where appearances hold more weight than true morals.
- The Power of Influence: The negative influence of Lord Henry on Dorian's life showcases the dangers of succumbing to corrupting ideas.
Symbols and Foreshadowing
- The Color White: White, often associated with purity, takes on a more complex meaning in the novel.
- The Picture: Dorian's portrait serves as a physical manifestation of his moral corruption.
- Homoerotic Relationships: The text hints at homoerotic undercurrents in certain relationships.
- The Opium Den: This dark and dangerous place symbolizes Dorian's descent into vice.
- James Vane: Sibyl's brother foreshadows the consequences of Dorian's actions.
- The Yellow Book: This mysterious book fuels Dorian's hedonistic desires.
- Sibyl's Performance: Sibyl's portrayal of a doomed character in Shakespeare's play foreshadows her own tragic fate.
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