Introduction
This essay is a contribution to a seminar in English Literature studies in detail a seminar about novels of the 19th century. It is assumed that the reader of this essay is familiar with the novel “the Picture of Dorian Gray” written by Oscar Wilde and first published in 1891. As basic knowledge the reader should consider the circumstances in Great Britain during the reign of Queen Victoria including the prevailing moral views. Some key words to describe the Victorian Age are prudish, repressed and old-fashioned. However, this age was also the time when reforms, innovations and revolutions took place or were about to begin. “Above all it was an age of paradox and power”
In this essay only some chosen aspects are taken into account for answering the topic question such as the character’s position in the Victorian Society, his violation of the code of conduct in that society and his resemblance of Lucifer.
There are two main parts in this essay the first deals with Dorian Gray as a rebel and the second and last takes a closer look on Dorian Gray’s develish features. In the end the reader has read many pro and contra arguments and finds a brief conclusion as an answer to the question of the title.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Dorian Gray as a rebel
2.1 Dorian Gray – a rebellish gentlemen?
2.2 The characters motivation for rebellism
2.3 Is he a rebel or not?
3. Dorian Gray as a devil
3.1 The charm of Dorian Gray
3.2 Is Dorian Gray in league with the devil?
4. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This essay explores the dual nature of Oscar Wilde's protagonist in "The Picture of Dorian Gray," specifically evaluating whether Dorian Gray functions as a social rebel or a diabolical figure within the context of the Victorian era. The study examines the character's defiance of social codes, his adherence to the philosophy of "New Hedonism," and the symbolic significance of his aging portrait.
- Analysis of Dorian Gray’s social position within Victorian aristocracy.
- Investigation into the motivations behind his rebellious and hedonistic lifestyle.
- Examination of the "New Hedonism" as an ethical alternative to puritanical values.
- Exploration of supernatural motifs, including narcissism, mesmerism, and the resemblance to Lucifer.
- Assessment of the moral conflict between traditional Christian morality and individualistic pleasure.
Excerpt from the Book
Dorian Gray – a rebellish gentlemen?
In the Victorian society the old hereditary aristocracy still existed and was fortified by the new gentry who owed their success to trade and industry. Together these two groups formed the so called upper class where women were ladies and men were gentlemen either by birth or by means of money. “Mr. Dorian Gray does not belong to Blue-books” which means in detail he is not an aristocratic. However, he was raised by his aristocratic grandfather, the last Lord of Kelso. Therefore, he obviously received an education appropriate for a gentleman of that time. The gentlemen in Victorian Society was expected to have certain characteristics and to follow a code of conduct. In fact no explicit rules or typical gentleman features existed which is shown by the following quotation from Lord Fermor, Lord Henry Wottons’s uncle and a true gentleman by birth: “If a man is a gentleman, he knows quite enough, and if he is not a gentleman, whatever he knows is bad for him.”
Despite the missing definition of a gentlemen, a person was accepted as a gentlemen if he had a public school education or the means of money to move in the upper classes. Dorian Gray inherited all the wealth of his grandfather and of his mother Lady Magret Devereux. He did not inherit a title because his mother married a subaltern, a junior officer in the British Army. As a result Dorian Gray is educated as a gentlemen and possesses the means to occupy a social position as part of the upper Victorian Society.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: This chapter establishes the historical context of the Victorian Age and introduces the central inquiry regarding whether Dorian Gray should be perceived as a rebel or a devil.
Dorian Gray as a rebel: This section analyzes Dorian's relationship with Victorian social conventions, arguing that he rebels against the status quo through his lifestyle and specific criminal acts.
Dorian Gray – a rebellish gentlemen?: This chapter investigates Dorian’s social standing as a member of the upper class and his failure to uphold the expected code of conduct for a gentleman.
The characters motivation for rebellism: This section explores how Dorian's narcissistic fixation on his own beauty and the influence of the "New Hedonism" drive his rebellious behavior.
Is he a rebel or not?: This chapter synthesizes the contemporary critical reception of the novel and confirms Dorian's status as a conflicted, non-political rebel.
Dorian Gray as a devil: This chapter examines the symbolic associations of Dorian with the devil, focusing on the supernatural elements of his portrait.
The charm of Dorian Gray: This section discusses the motif of "mesmerism" and Dorian's unnatural influence over others, questioning if this power is truly supernatural.
Is Dorian Gray in league with the devil?: This chapter links Dorian to the concept of Lucifer, ultimately concluding that his "devilish" traits are symbolic devices rather than proof of literal demonic pacts.
Conclusion: This final section summarizes that Dorian is a tragic figure torn between conflicting values, leading inevitably to his downfall.
Keywords
Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde, Victorian Society, Rebellion, Hedonism, Narcissism, Lucifer, Symbolism, Morality, Literature, Philosophy, Mesmerism, Identity, Social Class, Nineteenth Century
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this academic essay?
The essay analyzes the character of Dorian Gray in Oscar Wilde's novel to determine if he functions as a rebel against social norms or as a diabolical figure.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
The primary themes include social rebellion, the philosophy of "New Hedonism," narcissism, the conflict between Christian morality and individualistic pleasure, and the symbolic nature of the portrait.
What is the core research question?
The research seeks to answer the question: "Dorian Gray – Rebel or Devil?" through an analysis of his social interactions and personality traits.
Which scientific approach is utilized?
The author uses a literary analysis approach, drawing upon contemporary criticism, psychological definitions of authority, and historical context of the Victorian era.
What does the main body of the text examine?
The main body breaks down Dorian's rebellion against Victorian conventions and his alleged diabolical nature, linking both to his obsession with beauty and his philosophy of life.
Which keywords best characterize this study?
Key terms include Dorian Gray, Victorian Society, Rebellion, Hedonism, Narcissism, Lucifer, and Symbolism.
How does the author define Dorian's rebellion?
The author defines it not as a political or subversive movement, but as a personal, escapist lifestyle that violates the moral code of the Victorian upper class.
Is Dorian Gray considered a true supernatural devil in the analysis?
No, the analysis concludes that Dorian's "devilish" features are symbolic devices used to contrast Christian values with hedonistic alternatives, rather than implying he is a literal supernatural being.
- Quote paper
- Andrea Hermes (Author), 2005, Dorian Gray - devil or rebel?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/47101
