Comparing Dorian Gray And Animal Farm

The changing idealistic images and socio-political pressures perpetuated by society provoke a sense of nonconformity expressed through literature. This is explored effectively in both The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde (1890), and Animal Farm, George Orwell (1945), with their respective social contexts greatly influencing their writing. The Victorian era perpetuated sexual repression and was strict in its control of social morality; citizens were expected to conduct themselves with earnest and prudence. During the Victorian era, aestheticism was an emerging philosophy. Similarly, in the 20th century, there was the authoritative oppression of any political beliefs which challenged the ideals of Russian totalitarianism. In both social contexts, despite the outward appearance of conformity, society transgressed moral codes in secret. Aestheticism supported a hierarchal class system and propaganda perpetuated Soviet communism, targeting the naïveté of the working class.

Wilde denied the connection between himself and his art, stating “Each man sees his own sin in Dorian Gray. What Dorian Gray’s sins are no one knows. He who finds them has brought them.”. He could make this statement due to the nature of fiction; as it is usually considered as false or imagined. This was also the intent of Orwell; using his allegorical novella to push his anti-communist views to highlight the clear manipulation in the class system. Composers can explore taboo topics behind the shield of fiction in literature; allowing them to protect their duality whilst having a mode of expression. Wilde was frustrated with the authoritative suppression of his sexuality and Orwell frustrated with the societal infiltration of Russian propaganda. Literature provided an influential method to express their condemned desires whilst protecting their image. It is in this way that literature is a powerful tool in challenging the status