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Symbolism in the picture of dorian gray
Essay symbolism in the picture of dorian gray
Literary tendencies of the Victorian age
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The literature that occurred during the Victorian era was another main factor during that time. In this period of time, Gothic literature had become very popular and the novel was seen to be a gothic novel (“The Picture of Dorian Gray; A mirror of the Victorian era, era of Hypocrisy” 1). Gothic literature is portrayed as showing the darkest features in human nature that reveals his or her dark passions, like many of the characters features in the novel (“The Picture of Dorian Gray; A mirror of the Victorian era, era of Hypocrisy” 1). Furthermore, many of the notable gentleman became obsessed with their reputation (“The Picture of Dorian Gray; A mirror of the Victorian era, era of Hypocrisy” 1). For example, they began to hide their
The three main literary devices that are used in this novel are symbolism, diction, and references. The diction that Wilde uses throughout the novel, allows the readers to have a more understanding of what the characters beliefs and traits are and allow them to enjoy the novel more. Symbolism gives the readers a visualization of what the self-portrait, yellow book, and the opium dens represent.
The way Wilde words the diction in the novel, allows the reader to have an opinion on what he or she thinks the writing style is. In the novel and other pieces of work, Wilde was known for intentionally confusing the diction and phrases(Reader 453). He felt as though he should not tell the reader what to think, but let the reader come up with his or her own ethical code (Ross 6). In one part of the novel, Wilde compares Lord Henry’s words to music, which relates to many of Walter Pater’s writings (Reader 457). Also, Lord Henry’s diction was what brought Dorian to make the wish that he did in the beginning. The diction used throughout the novel is what gives the readers a visualization of who the characters really
The id does not get affected by its surroundings, it functions within the part of the mind that is unconscious. It also functions on the pleasure principle, which is the idea that every desirous impulse must be satisfied, no matter the consequences. The ego is the representation of compromising to try to bypass the consequences (“Id, Ego and Superego” 1). The superego includes the values and morals from both of one’s parents and from other individuals(“Id, Ego and Superego” 2). The three main male characters are able to be incorporated into the three parts of the human
“Symbols are objects, characters, figures, or colors used by the author to represent abstract ideas or concepts.” Symbolism in literature is the depth and hidden meaning in any piece of work. The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a powerful and evocative novel laced with symbolism. The most obvious is the symbol of the scarlet letter itself, representing Hester’s sin of adultery. Hawthorne’s other symbols are less obvious and are very often obscured in the novel.
The term “gothic” comes from the name of the Germanic tribes “the Goths”, who were seen as barbarians, uncivilized, savage human beings. Later, the term was used to describe an architectural style that appeared in the Twelfth Century in Western Europe , and also to illustrate a new type of novel issued in Romanticism, in the second part of the Eighteenth Century.
Within The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde depicts two characters that follow the philosophy of Walter Pater. These two characters are Dorian Gray and Henry Wotton. They both embody Pater’s ideal of placing as much enjoyment in one’s short life as possible. While Dorian learns of Pater’s philosophy from Henry he soon exceeds his teacher and becomes invested within the philosophy of living life to the fullest. Dorian exceeds Henry in Pater’s philosophy through his active experimentation and desire for beauty, but Dorian fails to live up to all of Pater’s expectations due to his inability to separate morality for art.
words, he models his life after a work of art. The fact that Dorian's one female
Often in novels writers use symbolism as a device to make their themes and ideas come across clearly to the reader. In the novel The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne uses many forms of symbolism. People and objects are symbolic of events and thoughts of hawthorn throughout the course of the book. The Scarlet letter itself is a symbol he uses to contradict the puritanical society of the story. Nathaniel Hawthorne uses Pearl both as a symbol in the novel, and to work on the consciences of Hester and Dimmesdale.
If you can get past most of the superficial and unlikeable characters in The Picture of Dorian Gray, this story does indeed have its place in the horror genre. While I understand the setting and the characters were a reflection of the actual class distinctions during the Victorian time period, I found the shallowness and narcissism of Dorian Gray and his circle of acquaintances tedious. "Fops" came to mind more than once along with "don't these people have a purpose other than to dine out and indulge themselves?" Even the women were for the most part portrayed as imbeciles. It almost hurt to read the section in chapter four where Lord Henry's wife appears for the first and only time: "She was usually in love with somebody, and, as her passion was never returned, she had kept all her illusions. She tried to look picturesque, but only succeeded in being untidy. Her name was Victoria, and she had a perfect mania for going to church" (Wilde 41). The only likeable main character is Basil Hallward who seems to have a conscience, and although it proves his undoing, he is the only one that tries to save Dorian.
I think this because as I was reading the book I could see that Lord
Obsession in its nature is toxic; it turns people into gods, and leaves no room for their actual selves. Celebrities are the idols of the modern world, where ever they go, a fan follows them dying to get their attention. Dorian Gray, who was loved by nearly all of London for his charm and beauty, who’s biggest fan, Basil, worship of him lead to bitterness. The theme of obsession in The Picture of Dorian Gray is seen through both those who worship Dorian Gray, and the portrait, which is the object of Dorian's obsession. Although Wilde displays obsession through Basil's worship of Dorian, and even Dorian's obsession with himself and his youth, the modern day celebrity is a parallel to Dorian, who is worshipped by many at first for their beauty, wealth or fame, but the nature of the worship eventually leads to chaos.
Although Wilde halts short of stating that Basil and Lord Henry have sexual feelings for Dorian , the language he uses to describe their devotion for Dorian is unmistakably the language of deep, romantic intimacy. “Tell me more about Mr. Dorian Gray. How often do you see him?”. “Every day. I couldn’t be happy if I didn’t see him everyday. He is absolutely necessary to me”. This common motif of homoerotic bonds between men plays a large role in structuring the novel. Basils painting is born from his adoration of Dorians beauty , comparatively Lord Henry is overcome with desire to seduce Dorian. This sense of camaraderie between men fits into Wildes aesthetic values, for it returns him to his past where the philosophy of beauty was not only the basis of society but fundamental to culture. As a homosexual living in an intolerant society, Wilde asserted this philosophy in order to justify his own lifestyle.
McLeod, Saul. "Id, Ego and Superego." Id Ego Superego. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2013. .
In society, there has constantly been the question as to whether people can change or not. Author Oscar Wilde proves in his novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, that one can. The question he poses to his readers is “What kind of transformation is shown by the protagonist Dorian Gray: good or bad?” It is possible to think that Dorian Gray has become a better person, not for others, but for himself since he lives in the pursuit of pleasure and always achieves it. However, as it is demonstrated by the portrait, the damnation of the lives of others can provoke damage to one’s conscience and soul. Dorian’s soul is ruined gradually by his hedonistic adventures, eventually failing to redeem his actions, but not before he leaves a devastating path of destruction and experiences self-inflicted destruction.
After years of "developing" or “molding” Dorian's personality, Lord Henry feels as though he's manipulated him into being the perfect human being. He admires Dorian profoundly, but more importantly he admires himself for influencing Dorian thus, turning him into a egomaniac because of his astounding negative influence. Of all the
Henry, being a part of the Victorian Society, values beauty too much. To him, beauty acts a sensory pleasure. Henry’s strong views and preference towards beauty greatly influence Dorian throughout the novel. About his friendships and enmities, Henry mentions that he “chooses [his] friends for their good looks, acquaintances for their good characters, and enemies for their good intellects” (Wilde ...
Though Wilde wrote in the preface to this book that " To reveal art and conceal the artist is art's aim", we can still trace the shadow of the author himself in all of the three major characters.
The ego struggle to keep the id happy. The ego meets with obstacles in the world. It occasionally with objects that actually assists it in attaining it goals. The ego keeps a record of the obstacles and aides. It also keeps a record of punishments and rewards administered out by the two must influential objects in the world of a child, its mom and dad. This record of things to avoid and strategies to take becomes the superego. As stated earlier the primary function of the id is to satisfy its immediate instincts, drive and urges it superego that links the mind to society and reality. As Freud (1960) states \"superego is however, not simply a residue of the earliest choices of the id; it also represents an energetic reaction formation against those choices\" (p.24).