Hyprocrisy and Morality in Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’: A Critical Examination

Introduction

Oscar Wilde’s novel, “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” serves as a profound exploration of the themes of hypocrisy and morality in the context of Victorian society. The narrative revolves around Dorian Gray, a young man whose wish for eternal youth leads him down a path of moral degradation, while his portrait bears the consequences of his actions. The purpose of this paper is to critically examine how Wilde articulates the intrinsic hypocrisy prevalent in society, particularly concerning moral standards, and to analyze the implications of Dorian’s moral decline on both individual and societal levels. Through an exploration of key themes, characters, and Wilde’s use of symbolism, this report will reveal how the interplay between hypocrisy and morality not only shapes the characters’ lives but also reflects broader societal issues.

Main Body

At the outset, Wilde establishes Dorian Gray as an archetype of beauty and innocence, whose initial charm quickly becomes tainted by the corrupting influence of hedonism and the superficiality of societal values. The pivotal moment occurs when Dorian se