Dorian Gray Speech (English Extension 1)
Question: How have the key concerns of The Picture of Dorian Gray been shaped by
Wildes adaption of and reference to key texts from the past and by the values and attitudes of
late 19th Century English Society?
There is no such thing as a moral or immoral book. Books are well written, or badly written.
That is all.
The critical study of Oscar Wildes novel The Picture of Dorian Gray allows the audience
refine their understanding of how the central concerns of the text have been altered by
Wildes reference to significant past texts, as well as mirroring the morals and attitudes of
society in late Victorian England. Wilde cumulates a series of concepts in relation to the
main characters crusade for ultimate youth and beauty, as well as the ability of the
conscience to punish individuals for their sins. These concerns directly mirror the historical
context of late 19th century England in correlation to the values society had regarding
aesthetic beauty.
In the text, Wilde relies on his adaption and reference of major past texts to communicate a
didactic warning to his audience about the detrimental influence of youth and beauty on
society. The protagonist Dorian is clearly inspired by Narcissus, a man in ancient Greek
mythology who fell in love with his own reflection and died by staring at it. This is evident
in the simile, The sense of his own beauty came onto him like a revelation, highlighting
Dorians first appreciation for his beauty in Basils painting of himself. There is evidence of
reference to the Faustian Legend, a man who exchanges his soul for knowledge and power
but is continuously tricked by the devil as Dorian wishes If it were I who was always young,
and the picture that was to grow old! I Would sell my soul for that! and his desperate tone
symbolizes a similarity between him and the Faust man. Wilde relies on references and
adaptions of the Faustian Legend and the Narcissus myth to warn the readers of the influence
eternal youth has humankind.
Furthermore, Wilde clearly reflects aspects and values of late Victorian England through the
shaping of his characters and their actions. The aesthetic movement, a movement centred
around outer beauty. Dorian tells Sybil, his fianc, in the metaphor Without your art, you are
nothing in which he only defines his love for her through her acting, and after her suicide he
claims It seems to me to be simply like a wonderful ending to a wonderful play. It has all the
terrible beauty of a Greek tragedy, a tragedy in which I took a great part In which Wilde
criticizes that even in times of death, Dorian, who is representation of Victorian English
society, manages to glory something tragic in order to maintain an Aesthetic lifestyle. The
influence of the Aesthetic movement and its harmful influence on ones self is clearly
conveyed through Wildes characterisation of the protagonist Dorian.
In addition, Wilde explores the ability of the conscience to punish individuals for their
wrongdoings as well as the ability for a person to repent their sins. The painting of Dorian
is a Motif in the text which Wilde uses to compare Dorian to the Faust as he is unable to live
the guiltless life he envisioned. The painting becomes disfigured, representing his conscience.
The uses of diction in It had made him conscious how unjust, how cruel, he had been to
Sibyl Vane symbolizes his change of attitude and attempt to reclaim his conscience. The
Faustian Legend and The Narcissus myth are both evident in the final scene, as he is
described as withered, wrinkled and loathsome of visage, which he both dies similarly to
Narcissus due to his reflection as he could not continue to live a life of sin, like Faust. The
power of the conscience to punish an individual for their sins is clearly shaped through
Wildes reference to The Narcissus Myth and The Faust Legend
Furthermore, Wilde relies on his reference to the Aesthetic movement to further shape the
overall plot of the text. The use of future tense in Dorians thought It would kill the past, and
when that was dead he would be free signifies his hope for a future without sin, but
unknowingly cannot while the devil still owns his soul. Wilde uses this to criticize Victorian
English society and obsession for outer beauty, despite ironically Wilde being an aesthete
himself, as he quotes Art for Arts sake, expressing his only appreciation for art for its
beauty. Wilde also uses this to promote a a didactic message on how one should trust God in
times of doubt through the character Basil, who begs Dorian through repetition Pray, Dorian
Pray. Dorians refusal further encourages Wildes message that refusing Gods help will
morally corrupt ones conscience. Wildes reference to the Aesthetic movement and religious
values of Victorian England shaped an overall didactic message about the dangers of leading
a sinful life.
Wilde in his novel The Picture of Dorian Gray was clearly influenced by significant past
texts and aspects of late Victorian England society in his shaping of characters and plot. His
reference to the Narcissus Myth and the Faustian legend and criticising of the Aesthetic
movement allowed him shape his key concerns about the detrimental influence of youth and
beauty on society and the power of the conscience to punish an individual for their sins,
which overall allows an individual to refine their knowledge of late 19th Century England and
Wildes context.
