Gothic Characterism In Oscar Wilde's The Picture Of Dorian Gray

The Gothic is one of the most well known genres in literature, not for the reason that it has been around for centuries, but because of the psychological impact that comes along with it. Gothic literature is one of the few that deals with as stated, the “awful obscurity that haunted eighteenth century rationality and morality (Botting).” However, what is not known is most authors who write Gothic literature may feel like a large portion of science fiction and interest in the futurism, but many pieces also stem from their own personal lives. Oscar Wilde, writer of The Picture of Dorian Gray, is one notable author who holds subtle boundaries between his personal life and his works.

Oscar Fingal O’Flahertie Wills Wilde was born on October 16,

The novel depicts the protagonist, Dorian Gray, coming to realization of how everything in the world is not permanent, including his beauty due to a painting from Basil Hallward and a lecture of life from Lord Henry Wotton. In response, Gray sells his soul to the painting for eternal beauty, and that the painting should take his sins.Gray is content, even purposefully using trial and error on the emotions of people around him. Yet, the past comes back to haunt him, and Gray has to come to terms with time passing even if it is against his

Throught Dracula, the antagonist Count Dracula often resides in London to seek refuge among those who want revenge. Dracula, along with other characters, portray London as a safe haven for those who wish to be saved.

On the other hand, in The Picture of Dorian Gray Wilde presents London as a dystopia. Through the senses of Dorian Gray, the reader travels through the surface of London as if the observers are tourists. The surface depicts the adoration of London, such as the park full of flowers, the sociable beings, and the warm weather. However, as we travel with Gray deeper into the story, we see the repulse of London, such as the opium den, the cold and foggy weather, and the death of Sibyl Vane. Wilde presents these kinds of horrid images only in the night, as to warn of the dangers that will be cleaned by morning.

The gothic literature is only a prime example of how our work reflects us in life, or in this instance the case of Oscar Wilde. In this case, whether conscience of the decision, Wilde has placed himself into the novel as Dorian Gray, and replicated the same decisions as he took in life that led each to the same fate. The use of gothic also portrays the same idealistic rules presented, if not spoken in those who create work for the gothic. Although many artists and authors grow in different background and learn different styles, what is presented in their works will always show similar