Exploring the Themes of Aestheticism and Morality in Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’

Introduction

Oscar Wilde’s novel, “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” is a profound exploration of the interplay between aestheticism and morality, delving into the complexities of human desire and the consequences of unbridled hedonism. The narrative centers around Dorian Gray, a young man whose wish for eternal youth leads to a life of indulgence and moral decay, while his portrait bears the scars of his actions. The purpose of this paper is to examine how Wilde articulates the themes of aestheticism and morality throughout the text, analyzing how these concepts interact and ultimately shape the characters’ destinies. Through an exploration of Dorian’s journey and the philosophical underpinnings of aestheticism, the discussion will highlight the inherent tension between the pursuit of beauty and the moral implications of that pursuit.

Aestheticism in “The Picture of Dorian Gray”

Aestheticism, a movement that emphasizes the p