Characters and Narrative Techniques in The Picture of Dorian Gray

Oscar Wilde's "Il ritratto di Dorian Gray" is notable not only for its plot and themes but also for its complex characters and innovative narrative techniques. The novel's characters reveal themselves primarily through dialogue and the perceptions of others, a technique more commonly associated with drama.

Dorian Gray, the protagonist, represents the ideal of youth, beauty, and innocence. Initially introduced through the words of the painter Basil Hallward, Dorian is portrayed as an immature but pure individual. As the story progresses, we see his transformation under the influence of Lord Henry Wotton.

Quote: "You have a wonderfully beautiful face, Mr. Gray. Don't frown. You have. And Beauty is a form of Genius—is higher, indeed, than Genius, as it needs no explanation." - Basil Hallward to Dorian Gray

Lord Henry Wotton serves as the catalyst for Dorian's moral decline. He introduces Dorian to hedonistic philosophy, encouraging him to pursue a life of pleasure and sensation. Dorian's speech begins to mimic Lord Henry's style, indicating the profound influence of this character.

Vocabulary: Hedonism - The pursuit of pleasure as a way of life and the belief that pleasure is the highest good.

Basil Hallward, the artist who paints Dorian's portrait, represents the intellectual who falls in love with Dorian's beauty and innocence. His murder at Dorian's hands symbolizes the destruction of art and innocence by corrupted beauty.

Highlight: The dynamic between Dorian, Lord Henry, and Basil forms a triangle that represents different aspects of Wilde's aesthetic philosophy.

The narrative is presented by an unobtrusive third-person narrator, allowing for a process of identification between the reader and the characters. This technique enables Wilde to present multiple perspectives and moral standpoints without overtly passing judgment.

Example: The narrator's description of Dorian's first encounter with his portrait: "The sense of his own beauty came on him like a revelation. He had never felt it before."

Wilde's vivid descriptions of settings appeal to the senses, creating a rich, atmospheric backdrop for the story. This sensory approach aligns with the aesthetic principles that Wilde championed, emphasizing the importance of beauty and sensation.

Definition: Aestheticism - A late 19th-century movement that advocated art for art's sake and emphasized aesthetic values over social or political themes in literature, fine art, and decorative arts.

In line with his aesthetic philosophy, Wilde rejected the didacticism that had characterized many Victorian novels. He believed that art should give pleasure rather than teach moral lessons. This stance is clearly articulated in the novel's famous preface.

Quote: "There is no such thing as a moral or an immoral book. Books are well written, or badly written. That is all." - From the preface to "The Picture of Dorian Gray"

The preface, originally published as an essay in a literary magazine, consists of a series of aphorisms that outline the basic principles of Aestheticism in England. It serves as both an introduction to the novel and a manifesto for Wilde's artistic philosophy.

Highlight: The preface to "Il ritratto di Dorian Gray" is often studied separately as a key text in understanding the principles of Aestheticism.

Through these characters and narrative techniques, Wilde created a novel that not only tells a compelling story but also serves as a vehicle for his ideas about art, beauty, and morality. "Il ritratto di Dorian Gray" remains a seminal text in the study of late Victorian literature and the Aesthetic movement.

Oscar Wilde: Early Life and Education

Oscar Wilde's formative years laid the foundation for his future literary success and controversial lifestyle. Born in Dublin in 1854, Wilde was the son of a surgeon and a literary woman, providing him with a rich cultural background from an early age.

Wilde's academic journey was marked by excellence. He attended Trinity College in Dublin before being sent to Oxford University. At Oxford, he achieved a first-class degree in classics, demonstrating his intellectual prowess and setting the stage for his future literary endeavors.

Highlight: Wilde's academic achievements at Oxford, particularly his first-class degree in classics, were instrumental in shaping his literary career.

During his time at Oxford, Wilde was significantly influenced by two key figures: John Ruskin, the renowned art critic, and Walter Pater. It was under Pater's influence that Wilde embraced the theory of "Art for Art's sake," a principle that would become central to his aesthetic philosophy.

Definition: "Art for Art's sake" is a slogan associated with the Aesthetic movement, emphasizing that art should be valued for its beauty alone, rather than any moral or didactic purpose.

After graduating, Wilde moved to London, where he quickly established himself as a celebrity. His extraordinary wit and dandyish style of dress made him a notable figure in London society. This period marked the beginning of Wilde's public persona as a flamboyant and provocative character.

Vocabulary: Dandy - A man who places particular importance on physical appearance, refined language, and leisurely hobbies.

In 1881, Wilde published his first collection of poems, simply titled "Poems." This publication led to an invitation to undertake a speaking tour in the United States, where he further expounded on his aesthetic theories.

Quote: During his American tour, Wilde famously told reporters, "Aestheticism was a search for the beautiful."

Wilde's presence in social circles became an event in itself, with his remarks frequently appearing in London's most fashionable magazines. This period of his life set the stage for his later literary successes and his eventual downfall.