OSCAR WILDE’S THE PICTURE OF DORIAN

GRAY

• End of 19th century, England; Victorian era• Era of industrial revolution and European

imperialism• Population doubled during this century thanks to

advancing medical care; London’s population grew by almost 6 million

• Introduction of railroads• Slavery was greatly reduced by the century’s end• Last “undiscovered” landmasses were explored

and mapped*• Liberalism was favoured

THE CONTEXT

• Concept of aestheticism: art possesses an intrinsic value – it is beautiful and therefore has worth; it needs to service no other purpose (moral, political, intellectual…)

• Art of the time was classified as Romanticism: strong emotions as an authentic source of aesthetic experience, with new emphasis on such emotions as trepidation, horror, terror, and awe; reactionary movement

• van Gogh and Monet• Beethoven and Brahms• The Bronte sisters, Jane Austen, Mark Twain,

Charles Dickens, and Bram Stoker

THE VICTORIAN ERA

• Born 1854 in Dublin; Died 1900 in Paris• Mother was a famous writer who wrote under a

pen-name• Considered an international celebrity even

before he was a famous writer; known best for his appraisal of society’s pursuit for beauty

• A bit of a narcissist• A homosexual, and was jailed for “gross indecency”; believed to be catalyst of his downfall• A bit of a sexist/misogynist• Controversial

THE AUTHOR:OSCAR WILDE

"There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about. "

OSCAR WILDE

• Originally published in 1890, re-published in 1891• Widely celebrated (eventually)• Critically reflected the social attitudes of the time• The only novel Wilde wrote• Setting: late 19th century• Reflection of human pride (specifically with

physical appearance), debauchery, and the corruption of innocence

• Themes and concepts resonate with every generation, and every era

• Part gothic novel, part comedy of manners

THE NOVEL: THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY