Aestheticism in The Picture of Dorian Gray

Abstract

This study contemplates Oscar Wilde’s view on aestheticism and the relation between this doctrine and social decadence as displayed in The Picture of Dorian Gray. The main goal of this paper is to demonstrate that Oscar Wilde’s intention was not to promote aestheticism in this novel, but to describe this philosophy and to draw attention on the dangers of embracing its radical theories. Therefore, as a starting point, I provide an overview on the Aesthetic Movement and its conception of beauty as the most important aspect of art and life. The influence exerted on Oscar Wilde by the theories of Walter Pater, one of the most important figures of this movement, is reviewed. Furthermore, I explore Wilde’s ideas on art and life expressed through the characters, Dorian Gray, Basil Hallward and Lord Henry Wotton. To achieve this, I stress the relevance of beauty, youth and ethics in the characters’ lives. Additionally, the relationship between aestheticism and the decadence of British society is commented through the examination of different passages from Wilde’s work. I especially highlight the anxiety of the affluent middle class and their dubious decency. As a conclusion, an interpretation of the overall message of The Picture of Dorian Gray is provided to disagree with the belief that Wilde’s work represents solely an adulation of aestheticism.