Psychological Elements of "The Picture of Dorian Gray&q
Psychological Elements of "The Picture of Dorian Gray"
Oscar Wilde was an egocentric author with strong morals and values. The picture of Dorian Gray is the only novel he wrote—Wilde is a play writer- and provoked controversy in the Victorian society. The novel critiques many things such as art for art’s sake and modernism issues. Wilde also explores the themes of rebellion against the true nature of things-in this case- aging and conventionalist view of the Victorian society. He combines it with a denouement classified as horror in a subtle and effective manner. The story can be separated in two parts, the psychology of rebellion and horror story. Wilde blends them together to present by proving that sin and rebellion bring horror.
In The Picture of Dorian Gray, Wilde explores many aspects of rebellion. Dorian refuses to see himself old, commits horrible crimes such as murdering his friend and blackmailing others, and breaks Victorian laws by having homosexual affairs. The first time Dorian meets Lord Henry Wotton, he admires his hedonistic views. The words of Lord Henry to Dorian during their first meeting changes Dorian’s life.
“We degenerate into hideous puppets, haunted by the memory of the passions of which we were too much afraid, and the exquisite temptations that we had not the courage to yield to. Youth! Youth! There is absolutely nothing in the world but youth!”(17)
These words are the spark to Dorian’ obsession with aging and staying beautiful, and therefore, allows him to commit sins to pursue a life consisting of pure pleasure. Dorian wants his face and body to stay beautiful throughout his entire lifetime His is rebelling against time and the natural flow of things. He makes a deal with the devil when he pronounces the words.
“I shall grow old, and horrible, and dreadful. But this picture will remain always young. It will never be older than this particular day of June...If it were only the other way! If it were I who was to be always young, and the picture that was to grow old! For that, I would give everything! (...) I would give my soul for that!”(19)
Dorian does give his soul and his portrait grows old and vicious for every year that passes and every sin Dorian commits. Wilde foreshadows Dorian’s death through Sybil Vane, a beautiful and talented actress, for whom Dorian is fond of for a few days. Dorian falls in...