Abstract Aestheticism in Oscar Wildes The Picture of...

19th century England was entrenched in the idea that art could be used as not only a method of expression, but also one of social advancement. With this idea at its forefront, art suddenly inundated places where art was never previously found, such as social education and morality. In contrast, Oscar Wilde was a key advocate of an idea known aestheticism, a concept that relied on art simply being art. Oscar Wilde played a major role in Victorian England, having a major influence through his writing. At its peak the movement had a disdain for any traditional, natural, political, or moral ideals; rather, the importance of nonconformist form and subject matter were fore grounded (Majer). Wilde suggested that art should hold no purpose in†¦show more content†¦To the aesthete, there is no distinction between moral and immoral acts, only between those that increase or decrease one’s happiness; yet, Dorian Gray refutes this idea, presenting a strong case for the inherent im morality of purely aesthetic lives (Duggan). When the reader is first introduced to Dorian Gray, he radiates the young naivetà © similar to that of a child, but Lord Henry completely alters Dorians personality. The Lord Henry that Wilde projects is, in accordance with Wilde’s expressed philosophy, the ultimate artist (Shuman). Dorian becomes Lord Henrys canvas, with each word acting as a brushstroke on Dorians life. Yes, he was certainly wonderfully handsome, with his finely curved scarlet lips, his frank blue eyes, his crisp gold hair. There was something in his face that made one trust him at once. (2354) Yet instantly Wilde introduces to the reader that Dorian is simply a representation of the true aesthete, personifying the philosophy that beauty is the only motivator in life. Dorian is both a figure representing the sacred virtues of art and also a hedonist, dedicated to gratifying his senses (Sanyal). Dorian becomes consumed in a materialistic lifestyle, surrounding hi mself with lavish objects for the sake of beauty and ultimate pleasure. Yet, Dorian remains unhappy because he is not able to separate himself from these objects and therefore remains an outsider to society itself.Show MoreRelatedThe Picture Of Dorian Gray Essay1460 Words   |  6 PagesAs seems to be the theme of Oscar Wilde’s book, The picture of Dorian Gray, art an beauty are both the same, yet they are different. But how can this be? Well, beauty and art are intertwined the moment art is used to capture a sliver of pure beauty, in order to make that moment last forever. According to Lord Henry, â€Å" Yes, Mr. Gray, the gods have been good to you. But what the goods give can easily be taken away. You only have a few years in which to live really, perfectly, and fully† (Wilde Pg.Read MoreExamples Of Aestheticism In The Picture Of Dorian Gray1284 Words   |  6 PagesOscar Wilde was one of the most famous writers in the history of England. He lived in the 19th cent ury and was one of the major contributors to the Aesthetic movement. He was a spokesperson for aestheticism. He tried his hand at various literary activities. He was an Irish playwright, novelist, essayist and poet. He refined his ideas about the importance of art in a series of dialogues and essays, and incorporated themes of duplicity, beauty and decadence. He incorporated all these vital characteristicsRead MoreOscar Wilde s The Picture Of Dorian Gray Essay1517 Words   |  7 Pagesin connection with Dorian demonstrates how he tries to live surrounded by exquisite sensations. 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