Corruption Duality Aestheticism/ New Hedonism (A/NH) Supernatural Women Beauty Relationships Morality
Quote P C Theme/ Character Analysis
Concepts
“Why my dear Basil, he 6 1 A/NH Lord Henry The reference to “narcissus” is telling - an allusion to Greek mythology whereby narcissus becomes
is a narcissus” Beauty about Dorian so infatuated with his own reflection, he dies staring at it. Therefore, by terming Dorian a “narcissus”
Lord Henry is suggesting that Dorian's beauty will ultimately lead him to destructive consequences.
Wilde here is thus offering a nuanced commentary on the dangers of both moral absolutism and
unchecked hedonism - criticizing the perspective that condemns vanity, using the figure of narcissus
to show that excessive self-love can lead to destruction.
“Dorian gray’s good 7 1 Beauty Lord Henry The modal verb, “shall” creates a sort of fatalism surrounding the suffering endured by Dorian at the
looks - we shall all A/NH about Dorian hands of Lord Henry. Furthermore, the repetition of “suffer terribly” amplifies the severity of Lord
suffer terrible for what Henry’s implications - the consequences of beauty are not just minor or superficial but profound and
the gods have given ultimately destructive. This is continued with the biblical reference to “gods” which speaks to the
us, suffer terribly” inevitability of suffering at the hands of god, implying that beauty is almost a divine curse that seeks to
impose its own burdens.
“The one charm of 8 1 Corruption Lord Henry The noun “deception” suggests that deceit is not just a minor part of marriage but a fundamental
marriage is that it Duality necessity for both parties, which is further exaggerated by the adverb “absolutely” - suggesting it is
Relationships
makes a life of the key to a successful marriage. This is exacerbated by the brevity of the statement, “the one charm
deception absolutely of marriage” - which suggests that the only positive feature of marriage is ironically the need for
necessary for both deception. Within this, Wilde can be seen to offer a sharp critique of the Victorian institute of
parties”` marriage: an institution rooted in morality, duty and social responsibility - however through this
statement Wilde critiques this notion highlighting the falseness he believes society inherently fosters.
“There is nothing that 16 1 A/NH Basil The absolute language suggests the unlimited capacity that art has. This sweeping, definitive
art cannot express” statement tends to the idea that art is in fact tradescendant - capable of expressing even the most
dangerous or taboo ideas. Wildes' assertion that art can express anything can be seen as a form of
rebellion against the moral and cultural codes of Victorian society, which during this time believed that
individuals and intellectuals were constrained by the notion that art must serve a moral or social
purpose. Thus, this quote aligns directly with Wilde's central tenet of aestheticism. This movement
rejected the notion that art should serve a moral, educational or political purpose. Wilde, instead,
believed the value of art was in its beauty and its ability to express the inexpressible, not any other
societal or didactic function
, Corruption Duality Aestheticism/ New Hedonism (A/NH) Supernatural Women Beauty Relationships Morality
“And beauty is a form 32 2 Beauty Lord Henry Thus, by comparing beauty to a type of genius, challenges the conventional hierarchies of value -
of genius - isd higher A/NH proactively asserting beauty as not superficial but intrinsic and valuable. By elevating beauty above
indeed, than genius, as genius, Wilde critiques a society obsessed with superficial appearances foreshadowing Dorian's arc
it needs no of moral degradation. Furthermore, the use of religious imagery, having a “divine right” of
explanation… It cannot “sovereignty” Wilde once again links beauty to the monarchic concept of ruling by God's will -
be questioned. It has a suggesting its authority is almost unquestionable and thus imbuing it with a sacred, almost
divine right of untouchable power. This is accentuated by the superlative, “higher” which further heightens the
sovereignty” notion of beauty’s supremacy, reinforcing the aesthetics prioritisation of beauty above all else.
Ultimately, by elevating beauty above genius, Wilde critiques a society obsessed with superficial
appearances. This foreshadows Dorian's tragic arc, where his external beauty masks his moral
degradation
“Then had come Lord 37 2 Relationships Dorian about The noun “panegyric” suggests an almost ceremonial reference of youth elevating it to a divine or
Henry Wotton, with his Corruption Lord Henry idealised state. This celebratory nature of panegyric juxtaposed harshly with the “terrible warning of
strange panegyric on brevity” by Lord Henry, highlighting the destructive consequences of his philosophy. Specifically within
youth his terrible this, the adjective, “terrible” emphasises the fear that Lord Henry instills in Dorian, which ultimately
warning of brevity” causes 2 meanings: both dreadful in its implication and awe inspiring in its profound ability. Thus,
through this wilde critiques the excess of aestheticism and thus the seductive nature of Lord Henry’s
"panegyric" to reflect how persuasive and dangerous such philosophies can be when untempered
with moral responsibilities.
“He would try to 53 3 Corruption Lord Henry The repetition of the future conditional “would” and the reflected “had already” creates a sense of
dominate him- has inevitability as if Lord Henry’s influence and dominance is both already present in reality and an
already, indeed, half unfolding process. Continued through the quotes' fragmented structure, Wilde emphasises the
inevitability of Lord Henry’s influence. The parenthetical, ‘indeed’ adds to this, portraying a self
done so. He would
assured, almost smug tone to reveal Lord Henry's confidence in his ability to control Dorian. Most
make that wonderful importantly though, is the inclusion of the powerful verb, “dominate” - connoting power and control
spirit his own” and suggesting Lord Henry’s manipulative nature - placing him as a ‘Svengali-like’ figure who preys
on Dorian’s youth and naivety’.
“Dorian gray never 59 4 Corruption Dorian
took his gaze off him, Relationships The simile, “like one under a spell” likens Dorian to an almost unconscious enchantment by Lord
Supernatural
but sat like one under a Henry and his ideas of youth. Additionally, the comparison that he was “under a spell” has further
spell, smiles chasing negative connotations, with links to witchcraft (While the formal Witchcraft Act of 1735 had repealed
each other over his lips laws against witchcraft, beliefs in witchcraft and magic persisted in Victorian England, particularly in
and wonder growing rural areas. While witchcraft wasn't prosecuted under the law, alleged witches were still often
grave in his eyes” subjected to violence, abuse). Additionally, the idea of “darkening eyes” is symbolic, with eyes in
Victorian literature seen as symbolic, known as gateways to the soul. Therefore, their inherent
darkening suggests a shift towards Dorian's corruption at the mercy of Lord Henry's influence. This
Quote P C Theme/ Character Analysis
Concepts
“Why my dear Basil, he 6 1 A/NH Lord Henry The reference to “narcissus” is telling - an allusion to Greek mythology whereby narcissus becomes
is a narcissus” Beauty about Dorian so infatuated with his own reflection, he dies staring at it. Therefore, by terming Dorian a “narcissus”
Lord Henry is suggesting that Dorian's beauty will ultimately lead him to destructive consequences.
Wilde here is thus offering a nuanced commentary on the dangers of both moral absolutism and
unchecked hedonism - criticizing the perspective that condemns vanity, using the figure of narcissus
to show that excessive self-love can lead to destruction.
“Dorian gray’s good 7 1 Beauty Lord Henry The modal verb, “shall” creates a sort of fatalism surrounding the suffering endured by Dorian at the
looks - we shall all A/NH about Dorian hands of Lord Henry. Furthermore, the repetition of “suffer terribly” amplifies the severity of Lord
suffer terrible for what Henry’s implications - the consequences of beauty are not just minor or superficial but profound and
the gods have given ultimately destructive. This is continued with the biblical reference to “gods” which speaks to the
us, suffer terribly” inevitability of suffering at the hands of god, implying that beauty is almost a divine curse that seeks to
impose its own burdens.
“The one charm of 8 1 Corruption Lord Henry The noun “deception” suggests that deceit is not just a minor part of marriage but a fundamental
marriage is that it Duality necessity for both parties, which is further exaggerated by the adverb “absolutely” - suggesting it is
Relationships
makes a life of the key to a successful marriage. This is exacerbated by the brevity of the statement, “the one charm
deception absolutely of marriage” - which suggests that the only positive feature of marriage is ironically the need for
necessary for both deception. Within this, Wilde can be seen to offer a sharp critique of the Victorian institute of
parties”` marriage: an institution rooted in morality, duty and social responsibility - however through this
statement Wilde critiques this notion highlighting the falseness he believes society inherently fosters.
“There is nothing that 16 1 A/NH Basil The absolute language suggests the unlimited capacity that art has. This sweeping, definitive
art cannot express” statement tends to the idea that art is in fact tradescendant - capable of expressing even the most
dangerous or taboo ideas. Wildes' assertion that art can express anything can be seen as a form of
rebellion against the moral and cultural codes of Victorian society, which during this time believed that
individuals and intellectuals were constrained by the notion that art must serve a moral or social
purpose. Thus, this quote aligns directly with Wilde's central tenet of aestheticism. This movement
rejected the notion that art should serve a moral, educational or political purpose. Wilde, instead,
believed the value of art was in its beauty and its ability to express the inexpressible, not any other
societal or didactic function
, Corruption Duality Aestheticism/ New Hedonism (A/NH) Supernatural Women Beauty Relationships Morality
“And beauty is a form 32 2 Beauty Lord Henry Thus, by comparing beauty to a type of genius, challenges the conventional hierarchies of value -
of genius - isd higher A/NH proactively asserting beauty as not superficial but intrinsic and valuable. By elevating beauty above
indeed, than genius, as genius, Wilde critiques a society obsessed with superficial appearances foreshadowing Dorian's arc
it needs no of moral degradation. Furthermore, the use of religious imagery, having a “divine right” of
explanation… It cannot “sovereignty” Wilde once again links beauty to the monarchic concept of ruling by God's will -
be questioned. It has a suggesting its authority is almost unquestionable and thus imbuing it with a sacred, almost
divine right of untouchable power. This is accentuated by the superlative, “higher” which further heightens the
sovereignty” notion of beauty’s supremacy, reinforcing the aesthetics prioritisation of beauty above all else.
Ultimately, by elevating beauty above genius, Wilde critiques a society obsessed with superficial
appearances. This foreshadows Dorian's tragic arc, where his external beauty masks his moral
degradation
“Then had come Lord 37 2 Relationships Dorian about The noun “panegyric” suggests an almost ceremonial reference of youth elevating it to a divine or
Henry Wotton, with his Corruption Lord Henry idealised state. This celebratory nature of panegyric juxtaposed harshly with the “terrible warning of
strange panegyric on brevity” by Lord Henry, highlighting the destructive consequences of his philosophy. Specifically within
youth his terrible this, the adjective, “terrible” emphasises the fear that Lord Henry instills in Dorian, which ultimately
warning of brevity” causes 2 meanings: both dreadful in its implication and awe inspiring in its profound ability. Thus,
through this wilde critiques the excess of aestheticism and thus the seductive nature of Lord Henry’s
"panegyric" to reflect how persuasive and dangerous such philosophies can be when untempered
with moral responsibilities.
“He would try to 53 3 Corruption Lord Henry The repetition of the future conditional “would” and the reflected “had already” creates a sense of
dominate him- has inevitability as if Lord Henry’s influence and dominance is both already present in reality and an
already, indeed, half unfolding process. Continued through the quotes' fragmented structure, Wilde emphasises the
inevitability of Lord Henry’s influence. The parenthetical, ‘indeed’ adds to this, portraying a self
done so. He would
assured, almost smug tone to reveal Lord Henry's confidence in his ability to control Dorian. Most
make that wonderful importantly though, is the inclusion of the powerful verb, “dominate” - connoting power and control
spirit his own” and suggesting Lord Henry’s manipulative nature - placing him as a ‘Svengali-like’ figure who preys
on Dorian’s youth and naivety’.
“Dorian gray never 59 4 Corruption Dorian
took his gaze off him, Relationships The simile, “like one under a spell” likens Dorian to an almost unconscious enchantment by Lord
Supernatural
but sat like one under a Henry and his ideas of youth. Additionally, the comparison that he was “under a spell” has further
spell, smiles chasing negative connotations, with links to witchcraft (While the formal Witchcraft Act of 1735 had repealed
each other over his lips laws against witchcraft, beliefs in witchcraft and magic persisted in Victorian England, particularly in
and wonder growing rural areas. While witchcraft wasn't prosecuted under the law, alleged witches were still often
grave in his eyes” subjected to violence, abuse). Additionally, the idea of “darkening eyes” is symbolic, with eyes in
Victorian literature seen as symbolic, known as gateways to the soul. Therefore, their inherent
darkening suggests a shift towards Dorian's corruption at the mercy of Lord Henry's influence. This
