The Picture of Dorian Gray

Is a novel written by Oscar Wilde, first published in 1890. It’s a classic work of literature that explores themes of vanity, morality, and the consequences of living a hedonistic life. Here’s a detailed commentary and critical analysis of the novel:

1. Aestheticism and Hedonism: The novel is a prime example of the aesthetic movement of the late 19th century, which valued beauty and art for their own sake. Dorian Gray, the protagonist, becomes the embodiment of this philosophy, as he seeks to live life to the fullest, pursuing pleasure and beauty above all else.

2. The Portrait: The central plot device of the portrait that ages and shows the moral decay of Dorian while he remains youthful and unspoiled is a brilliant symbol of the duality between one’s public image and inner reality.

3. Corruption and Consequences: The novel delves into the moral consequences of a hedonistic lifestyle. As Dorian engages in increasingly immoral and unethical behavior, his portrait reflects his moral degradation while he remains physically untouched. This highlights the idea that one’s actions have consequences, even if they are not immediately visible.

4. Influence of Lord Henry: Lord Henry, a charismatic and cynical character, plays a pivotal role in Dorian’s corruption. He promotes the idea of living life without restraint, encouraging Dorian to pursue his desires without consideration for the consequences. This reflects the power of influence on an individual’s moral choices.

5. Wilde’s Wit and Satire: Wilde’s signature wit and satire are evident throughout the novel. He uses clever dialogue and paradoxical statements to critique the superficiality and hypocrisy of Victorian society.

6. Social Critique: Wilde also critiques the Victorian upper-class society and its obsession with appearances. The characters in the novel are often more concerned with how they are perceived by others than with their true selves.

7. Tragic Ending: The novel’s conclusion is tragic, as Dorian’s realization of the consequences of his actions leads to his downfall. This ending serves as a moral lesson, emphasizing the importance of ethics and the dangers of pursuing a life solely focused on external beauty and pleasure.

8. Sexuality and Repression: Wilde, who himself experienced the societal repression of his own homosexuality, subtly addresses issues of sexuality and repression in the novel. Dorian’s fear of his own portrait being discovered can be seen as a metaphor for the concealment of his true self.

9. Art and Artist: The novel blurs the line between art and life. Dorian’s portrait can be seen as a representation of the artist’s creation and the impact of art on society.

10. Literary Style: Wilde’s prose is rich and full of clever epigrams and aphorisms. His style is often ornate and poetic, contributing to the novel’s enduring appeal.

In conclusion, “The Picture of Dorian Gray” is a complex and thought-provoking work that continues to be relevant today. It offers a critical exploration of moral values, the consequences of one’s actions, and the tension between society’s expectations and individual desires.