Exploring Aestheticism and Morality: In-Depth
Study Notes on 'The Picture of Dorian Gray'
(15 Minutes Journey)
Prepared by Andy Masis Professional RMG-Net Team
Introduction
The study notes on "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde will be helpful to students who
are studying for exams, students who are reading the book for the first time, as well as
lecturers and scholars. These study notes provide a comprehensive analysis of key themes in
the novel, such as homoeroticism, the portrayal of art, the motif of time, and the concept of
eternal youth.
Page 1
,For students studying for exams, these study notes can serve as a concise and organized
summary of the novel's major themes, providing a clear understanding of the key concepts and
ideas presented in the book. They can also help students identify important quotes, examples,
and literary techniques that can be used in essays or exam responses to demonstrate their
understanding of the novel and its themes.
For students reading the book for the first time, these study notes can serve as a guide to help
them navigate the complex themes and motifs in the novel. They can provide insights and
explanations that may not be immediately apparent to a first-time reader, enhancing their
understanding and appreciation of the book.
For lecturers and scholars, these study notes can serve as a valuable resource for preparing
lectures or discussions on "The Picture of Dorian Gray." They provide a thorough analysis of key
themes, characters, and literary techniques, offering insights that can enrich classroom
discussions and scholarly analysis of the novel.
It is important for lecturers and scholars to read these prepared study notes before exams to
ensure they have a comprehensive understanding of the novel's key themes and can effectively
guide and evaluate students' understanding of the material. These study notes can provide a
solid foundation for lecturers and scholars to develop their own insights and interpretations of
the novel, enhancing their teaching and scholarly analysis.
In conclusion, the study notes on "The Picture of Dorian Gray" are a valuable resource for
students studying for exams, first-time readers of the novel, as well as lecturers and scholars.
They provide a concise and comprehensive analysis of key themes in the novel, aiding in
understanding, interpretation, and analysis of the material.
Let's get started!!!
Overview of "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar
Wilde
"The Picture of Dorian Gray" is a novel written by Oscar Wilde, first published as a serial in
Lippincott's Monthly Magazine in 1890 and later as a full-length novel in 1891. It is a classic
work of Gothic fiction that tells the story of a young man named Dorian Gray and his descent
into corruption and debauchery in Victorian-era London. The novel is known for its exploration
of aestheticism, morality, and the consequences of hedonistic pursuits, as well as Wilde's wit,
satire, and social commentary.
Page 2
,The novel begins with the introduction of Dorian Gray, a young and handsome man who is the
subject of a portrait painted by the artist Basil Hallward. Basil becomes infatuated with Dorian's
beauty and purity, and Dorian is introduced to Lord Henry Wotton, a witty and hedonistic
aristocrat who influences him to embrace a life of pleasure-seeking and self-indulgence. Lord
Henry convinces Dorian that beauty and youth are the only things worth pursuing, and that
morality and conscience are outdated concepts that only hinder one's enjoyment of life.
As Dorian indulges in a life of excess and sin, he realizes that his portrait ages and becomes
more grotesque while he remains young and unchanged. He realizes that the portrait bears the
marks of his immoral actions and becomes a reflection of his inner corruption. Dorian is initially
horrified by the portrait, but instead of repenting, he hides it in his attic and continues his
debauchery, leading to a downward spiral of deceit, betrayal, and murder.
As the novel progresses, Dorian's immoral behavior affects those around him. He ruins the lives
of those who care for him, including Basil and the innocent actress Sibyl Vane, whom he had
loved and callously abandoned. Dorian's conscience is tormented by the portrait, and he
becomes increasingly paranoid and disturbed by its hideous transformation. He tries to destroy
the portrait, but each attempt only results in his own physical injuries.
Ultimately, Dorian's decadent lifestyle catches up with him, and he can no longer bear the guilt
and ugliness that his portrait represents. In a fit of rage and desperation, he stabs the portrait,
causing his own death and restoring the portrait to its original state of youth and beauty, while
his own body ages and withers.
"The Picture of Dorian Gray" is not only a tale of moral decay and the consequences of
hedonism, but also a critique of Victorian society and its obsession with appearances,
superficiality, and the pursuit of pleasure. Wilde uses vivid and often witty language to explore
the themes of art, beauty, morality, and the duality of human nature. He challenges
conventional notions of morality and questions the hypocrisy and shallowness of the society in
which he lived.
One of the key characters in the novel is Lord Henry Wotton, who serves as a mouthpiece for
Wilde's own views on aestheticism and the philosophy of "art for art's sake." Lord Henry's
cynical and hedonistic beliefs are seen as destructive, leading Dorian astray and ultimately
causing his downfall. Basil, on the other hand, represents a more traditional view of art and
morality, advocating for the pursuit of beauty and purity.
"The Picture of Dorian Gray" was met with controversy and criticism upon its initial publication,
as its themes of homosexuality, decadence, and moral ambiguity were considered scandalous
for the time. Wilde himself faced legal challenges and social ostracism due to his homosexuality,
Page 3
, and the novel is often interpreted as a reflection of his own struggles with societal norms and
personal demons.
Despite its controversial nature, "The Picture of Dorian Gray" has become a timeless classic of
English literature, known for its rich language, complex characters, and themes that continue to
be relevant today. It has been studied, analyzed, and interpreted by scholars, and has been
adapted into numerous plays, films, and other works of art.
One of the novel's enduring messages is the idea that the pursuit of hedonistic pleasures
without regard for morality or consequences can lead to spiritual decay and destruction.
Wilde's exploration of the duality of human nature, the conflict between the physical and the
moral, and the consequences of living a life solely focused on aesthetics and pleasure,
resonates with readers even today.
Another significant theme in the novel is the power of art and the idea that art can reveal the
truth of the soul. The portrait of Dorian Gray serves as a metaphor for the soul, reflecting the
inner corruption and decay that Dorian tries to hide from the world. This portrayal of the
portrait as a representation of the true self and the consequences of one's actions has become
an iconic image in literature and has sparked discussions about the nature of art, beauty, and
the human condition.
In conclusion, "The Picture of Dorian Gray" is a thought-provoking novel that challenges societal
norms, explores the pursuit of pleasure versus morality, and delves into the power of art and its
relationship with the human soul. Wilde's witty prose, memorable characters, and incisive
social commentary make it a classic work of literature that continues to captivate readers today.
It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of indulging in a purely hedonistic and
superficial lifestyle, and reminds us of the importance of morality, conscience, and the
consequences of our actions.
Character Analyses of "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by
Oscar Wilde
Dorian Gray - The protagonist of the novel, Dorian Gray is a young man who is initially pure and
innocent, but ultimately succumbs to the temptations of hedonistic pursuits. He is described as
exceptionally handsome, which becomes his defining characteristic. Dorian is influenced by
Lord Henry Wotton's cynical views on life and beauty, and he embarks on a journey of
debauchery and moral decay, indulging in a life of excess and sin. Over time, Dorian's soul
becomes corrupt, and he becomes consumed by guilt and paranoia as he realizes the
Page 4
Study Notes on 'The Picture of Dorian Gray'
(15 Minutes Journey)
Prepared by Andy Masis Professional RMG-Net Team
Introduction
The study notes on "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde will be helpful to students who
are studying for exams, students who are reading the book for the first time, as well as
lecturers and scholars. These study notes provide a comprehensive analysis of key themes in
the novel, such as homoeroticism, the portrayal of art, the motif of time, and the concept of
eternal youth.
Page 1
,For students studying for exams, these study notes can serve as a concise and organized
summary of the novel's major themes, providing a clear understanding of the key concepts and
ideas presented in the book. They can also help students identify important quotes, examples,
and literary techniques that can be used in essays or exam responses to demonstrate their
understanding of the novel and its themes.
For students reading the book for the first time, these study notes can serve as a guide to help
them navigate the complex themes and motifs in the novel. They can provide insights and
explanations that may not be immediately apparent to a first-time reader, enhancing their
understanding and appreciation of the book.
For lecturers and scholars, these study notes can serve as a valuable resource for preparing
lectures or discussions on "The Picture of Dorian Gray." They provide a thorough analysis of key
themes, characters, and literary techniques, offering insights that can enrich classroom
discussions and scholarly analysis of the novel.
It is important for lecturers and scholars to read these prepared study notes before exams to
ensure they have a comprehensive understanding of the novel's key themes and can effectively
guide and evaluate students' understanding of the material. These study notes can provide a
solid foundation for lecturers and scholars to develop their own insights and interpretations of
the novel, enhancing their teaching and scholarly analysis.
In conclusion, the study notes on "The Picture of Dorian Gray" are a valuable resource for
students studying for exams, first-time readers of the novel, as well as lecturers and scholars.
They provide a concise and comprehensive analysis of key themes in the novel, aiding in
understanding, interpretation, and analysis of the material.
Let's get started!!!
Overview of "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar
Wilde
"The Picture of Dorian Gray" is a novel written by Oscar Wilde, first published as a serial in
Lippincott's Monthly Magazine in 1890 and later as a full-length novel in 1891. It is a classic
work of Gothic fiction that tells the story of a young man named Dorian Gray and his descent
into corruption and debauchery in Victorian-era London. The novel is known for its exploration
of aestheticism, morality, and the consequences of hedonistic pursuits, as well as Wilde's wit,
satire, and social commentary.
Page 2
,The novel begins with the introduction of Dorian Gray, a young and handsome man who is the
subject of a portrait painted by the artist Basil Hallward. Basil becomes infatuated with Dorian's
beauty and purity, and Dorian is introduced to Lord Henry Wotton, a witty and hedonistic
aristocrat who influences him to embrace a life of pleasure-seeking and self-indulgence. Lord
Henry convinces Dorian that beauty and youth are the only things worth pursuing, and that
morality and conscience are outdated concepts that only hinder one's enjoyment of life.
As Dorian indulges in a life of excess and sin, he realizes that his portrait ages and becomes
more grotesque while he remains young and unchanged. He realizes that the portrait bears the
marks of his immoral actions and becomes a reflection of his inner corruption. Dorian is initially
horrified by the portrait, but instead of repenting, he hides it in his attic and continues his
debauchery, leading to a downward spiral of deceit, betrayal, and murder.
As the novel progresses, Dorian's immoral behavior affects those around him. He ruins the lives
of those who care for him, including Basil and the innocent actress Sibyl Vane, whom he had
loved and callously abandoned. Dorian's conscience is tormented by the portrait, and he
becomes increasingly paranoid and disturbed by its hideous transformation. He tries to destroy
the portrait, but each attempt only results in his own physical injuries.
Ultimately, Dorian's decadent lifestyle catches up with him, and he can no longer bear the guilt
and ugliness that his portrait represents. In a fit of rage and desperation, he stabs the portrait,
causing his own death and restoring the portrait to its original state of youth and beauty, while
his own body ages and withers.
"The Picture of Dorian Gray" is not only a tale of moral decay and the consequences of
hedonism, but also a critique of Victorian society and its obsession with appearances,
superficiality, and the pursuit of pleasure. Wilde uses vivid and often witty language to explore
the themes of art, beauty, morality, and the duality of human nature. He challenges
conventional notions of morality and questions the hypocrisy and shallowness of the society in
which he lived.
One of the key characters in the novel is Lord Henry Wotton, who serves as a mouthpiece for
Wilde's own views on aestheticism and the philosophy of "art for art's sake." Lord Henry's
cynical and hedonistic beliefs are seen as destructive, leading Dorian astray and ultimately
causing his downfall. Basil, on the other hand, represents a more traditional view of art and
morality, advocating for the pursuit of beauty and purity.
"The Picture of Dorian Gray" was met with controversy and criticism upon its initial publication,
as its themes of homosexuality, decadence, and moral ambiguity were considered scandalous
for the time. Wilde himself faced legal challenges and social ostracism due to his homosexuality,
Page 3
, and the novel is often interpreted as a reflection of his own struggles with societal norms and
personal demons.
Despite its controversial nature, "The Picture of Dorian Gray" has become a timeless classic of
English literature, known for its rich language, complex characters, and themes that continue to
be relevant today. It has been studied, analyzed, and interpreted by scholars, and has been
adapted into numerous plays, films, and other works of art.
One of the novel's enduring messages is the idea that the pursuit of hedonistic pleasures
without regard for morality or consequences can lead to spiritual decay and destruction.
Wilde's exploration of the duality of human nature, the conflict between the physical and the
moral, and the consequences of living a life solely focused on aesthetics and pleasure,
resonates with readers even today.
Another significant theme in the novel is the power of art and the idea that art can reveal the
truth of the soul. The portrait of Dorian Gray serves as a metaphor for the soul, reflecting the
inner corruption and decay that Dorian tries to hide from the world. This portrayal of the
portrait as a representation of the true self and the consequences of one's actions has become
an iconic image in literature and has sparked discussions about the nature of art, beauty, and
the human condition.
In conclusion, "The Picture of Dorian Gray" is a thought-provoking novel that challenges societal
norms, explores the pursuit of pleasure versus morality, and delves into the power of art and its
relationship with the human soul. Wilde's witty prose, memorable characters, and incisive
social commentary make it a classic work of literature that continues to captivate readers today.
It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of indulging in a purely hedonistic and
superficial lifestyle, and reminds us of the importance of morality, conscience, and the
consequences of our actions.
Character Analyses of "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by
Oscar Wilde
Dorian Gray - The protagonist of the novel, Dorian Gray is a young man who is initially pure and
innocent, but ultimately succumbs to the temptations of hedonistic pursuits. He is described as
exceptionally handsome, which becomes his defining characteristic. Dorian is influenced by
Lord Henry Wotton's cynical views on life and beauty, and he embarks on a journey of
debauchery and moral decay, indulging in a life of excess and sin. Over time, Dorian's soul
becomes corrupt, and he becomes consumed by guilt and paranoia as he realizes the
Page 4
