In this paper I will first give an account of the aesthetic movement in England, from origin to decline, which I will then oppose to the character of Dorian Gray in Oscar Wilde′s The Picture of Dorian Gray. The comparison of the different stages in the development of both aestheticism and its incarnated representative Dorian Gray is intended to outline the fact that, even before the decline of aestheticism sets in in the 1890s, Oscar Wilde has anticipated the danger that lies in leading a life that is exclusively based on aesthetic values and pursuing its doctrines too persistently. Through the ruin of Dorian Gray, Wilde reveals the tragedy of the aesthetic movement and thus shows that it is eventually inevitably condemned to fail. Dorian is the epitome of an aesthete who in the end becomes the martyr of a movement which has preached, taught and understood its philosophy too narrow-mindedly. Of course this is a deficiency of narrow-mindedness in general and thus The Picture of Dorian Gray does not only represent the undoing of the epoch it was written in but also of any other theory or philosophy that takes itself too seriously.
I will support this statement with an assertion of Lord Henry Wootton′s, who is obviously a polemic on general principles but therefore mostly not less right.
"Humanity takes itself too seriously. It′s the world′s original sin. If the caveman had known how to laugh, History would have been different." (p.50 )1
Table of Contents
I Introduction
II What is Aestheticism ? (two different philosophies)
1. Aestheticism as a philosophy of life
2. Aestheticism as a philosophy of art
III The History of Aestheticism
1. The origin
2. The development
3. The decline
IV The Development of Dorian Gray as compared to Aestheticism in general
1. The infection
2. The advanced stage
3. Transgression of the last frontier
4. The Fall of Dorian
V The End
Objectives and Core Themes
This paper examines the rise and decline of the aesthetic movement in England and contrasts it with the character development of Dorian Gray in Oscar Wilde's novel. It aims to demonstrate that a life built exclusively on aesthetic doctrines is inherently tragic and bound to fail, serving as a warning against taking such philosophies to their extreme consequences.
- The origin, development, and decline of the English aesthetic movement.
- The philosophy of "art for art's sake" and its impact on personal morality.
- The parallel between Dorian Gray’s moral decay and the historical trajectory of aestheticism.
- Critical analysis of the influence of Lord Henry Wootton on the protagonist.
- The role of "New Hedonism" and its dangers within Victorian society.
Excerpt from the Book
3. Transgression of the last frontier
Dorian Gray also falls down and disappears. To this last stage of his development I will come now. After he has tried and indulged in everything that promised to grant him any beautiful sensation, he has come to a deadlock in his life. At this point, his ‘creator’ once again lends him a helping hand and sends him The Yellow Book. The influence of this book launches the last period on his constant way towards disaster. “For years, Dorian Gray could not free himself from the influence of this book.” (p.147) Dorian now plunges into the chasm of his soul and remembers and carries out what Lord Henry had told him once:
“Life has everything in store for you, Dorian. There is nothing that you, with your extraordinary good looks, will not be able to do.” (p.121)
This stage of Dorian’s life is described in such an overwhelming and impressing manner that I shall describe Dorian’s state of mind with Wilde’s own words in order to keep their charm and expressiveness. These admittedly rather many quotations are not supposed to overwhelm but to emphasise and explain:
“He grew more and more enamoured of his own beauty, more and more interested in the corruption of his own soul.” (p.148)
Summary of Chapters
I Introduction: The author outlines the scope of the paper, aiming to contrast the history of the aesthetic movement with the tragic fate of Dorian Gray.
II What is Aestheticism ? (two different philosophies): This chapter differentiates between aestheticism as a personal philosophy of life and its function as a philosophy of art.
III The History of Aestheticism: This section traces the movement from its origins in France to its emergence in England, its climax, and its eventual decline during the 1890s.
IV The Development of Dorian Gray as compared to Aestheticism in general: The author analyzes the stages of Dorian’s corruption, comparing his moral downfall to the ideological path of the aesthetic movement.
V The End: The final chapter reflects on Wilde’s work as a timeless masterpiece that reveals human flaws and the dangers of extreme philosophical stances.
Keywords
Aestheticism, Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Decadence, Art for art's sake, New Hedonism, Lord Henry Wootton, Victorian Literature, Morality, Sensation, Corruption, Beauty, Philosophy of Life, Self-development, Tragedy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental subject of this paper?
The paper explores the aesthetic movement in England and analyzes how the philosophy of aestheticism is reflected in the character and ultimate ruin of Oscar Wilde’s Dorian Gray.
What are the primary themes discussed?
The core themes include the definition of aestheticism, the transition from Romanticism to the Decadence period, the influence of philosophical mentors, and the moral consequences of living for pure sensation.
What is the central research aim?
The aim is to show that Oscar Wilde anticipated the dangers of aestheticism through the character of Dorian Gray, proving that a life based solely on aesthetic values is inevitably destined to fail.
Which methodology does the author employ?
The author uses a literary analysis approach, comparing historical trends of the aesthetic movement with specific events and quotations from "The Picture of Dorian Gray".
What does the main body cover?
It covers the philosophy of life and art, the historical timeline of the movement, and a detailed stage-by-stage analysis of Dorian Gray's development under Lord Henry's influence.
Which keywords best characterize this study?
Key terms include Aestheticism, Decadence, New Hedonism, Art for art's sake, and moral corruption.
How does the author characterize the influence of "The Yellow Book" on Dorian?
The author identifies "The Yellow Book" as a catalyst for the final, most destructive stage of Dorian’s life, pushing him further into the "chasm of his soul" and moral corruption.
What role does Lord Henry play according to the author?
Lord Henry is depicted as the "trigger" or the "gardener" who manipulates Dorian’s development, serving as the source of the polemic and "poisonous" ideologies that lead to the protagonist's downfall.
- Quote paper
- Benjamin Foitzik (Author), 1999, Dorian Gray and Aestheticism, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/12126
