The Aesthetics of Oscar Wilde and The Picture of Dorian Gray
| Autor: | Mei-hui Sung, 宋美慧 |
|---|---|
| Rok vydání: | 2004 |
| Druh dokumentu: | 學位論文 ; thesis |
| Popis: | 92 Oscar Wilde shows a true talent for extensive use of literary genres, and he is considered as one of the most prominent aesthetes. However, in 1895 he is labeled as a public figure of notoriety. Today, his seemingly “inappropriate” comments and conducts are no more eccentricity but justification of individualism. Wilde proves to the world that he is a victim to hypocrisy and a pioneer of modern trends. In light of Wilde’s peculiar philosophy of art and legendary lifestyle, this thesis aims to mainly discuss the long unsettled relationship between art and morality, to explicate the conflict of ideas between Wilde and his adversaries, and to explore how these problems are dealt with in Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray. This thesis is divided into four chapters. Chapter One delivers a general introduction to different views on the thin line between art and morality. A number of scholars had paid attention to the study of aesthetics. Among them, my main concern falls on Plato, John Keats and Oscar Wilde. The differences and similarities between their artistic theories will be discussed. Chapter Two elaborates on the formation of Oscar Wilde’s aestheticism. His aestheticism is explicitly expounded in Intentions, “The Critic as Artist,” and “The Decay of Lying.” He not only applies his philosophy of art and beauty to his works but also adopts his aesthetic theory in life. Wilde’s peculiarity brings on his incompatibility with the Victorian period. The third chapter focuses on the battle between Oscar Wilde and the late 19th -century. He is unfitted to his society in terms of religion, marriage and gender inequity. Moreover, his tour to America in 1882, his encounter with Lord Alfred Douglas in 1891, the publication of The Picture of Dorian Gray─all of which─project Wilde’s eccentricity and result in his exile and exclusion from the society. Chapter Four analyzes the conflict between ethics and aesthetics in The Picture of Dorian Gray. Basil Hallward, Lord Henry Wotton and Dorian Gray are three leading characters, and each of them stands for Wilde’s distinctive media to present the conflict between beauty and morality. The inner struggle of Dorian Gray not only parallels the real condition of Wilde’s dilemma but also prophesizes his fate. Wilde has the nerve to try out what is deemed offensive and illegal─homosexual activity, queer clothing, provocative remarks─during the Victorian period. He might be a “criminal” in his time, but he is indeed a man of vision to future generations. |
| Databáze: | Networked Digital Library of Theses & Dissertations |
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