Dorian Gray Religion

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1. “The Picture of Dorian Gray” displays the Victorian Period by having a prevalent terminology of a proper naming system, indicating the social class of certain important figures. Another theme that is hidden throughout the story is the homosexuality of Basil, and the disapproval it would have generated in Victorian society. The events that take place in the story also describe a setting that was proper and exquisite. “The Picture of Dorian Gray” also intermixes works of art into the landscape while keeping social norms in the spotlight (Wilde 17, 41).
3. The author of the work is Oscar Wilde, a well cultured author, who attempted to use his understanding of Victorian Culture to critique its underlying faults. The main theme that can be associated …show more content…

There are several clues into the mindset of Oscar Wilde. In many ways, the characters he describes are versions of himself that lead the reader on into believing that Oscar Wilde was psychologically homophobic, self-conscious, often sickened, and over aware. It can be seen that his early admiration of Dorian is similar to his self-admiration. Wilde also writes with a sexual undertone that undermines women and explores a darker side of experimentation, shown in Lord Henry (Wilde 6, 81).
21. Lord Henry- The Devil- (pg. 48) Lord Henry portrays the devil because he is constantly interfering with Dorian’s thought process and tempting him to commit evil doings. Lord Henry entices Dorian into a negative spiritual path, similarly to how the devil proceeds in his acts of sin.
Basil Hallward- The Originator- (pg. 12) Without the original idea of creating a painting of Dorian Gray, this entire plot sequence would never have occurred. Although indirectly, Basil started the problem which ended up causing the death of Dorian Gray. The motivation behind the painting is unclear. However, it was Basil who started the sequence of events that …show more content…

96) To Dorian, the Duchess is a complete beauty. Wilde even makes a reference to her being Artemis. Dorian is clearly in awe by her beauty but does never involve with her because of his sinful actions of the past.
Francis- The Sage - (pg. 80) Francis is not the typical sage, but should be understood as an acquaintance or helper. Francis helps Dorian get a required job done. Although Francis is wise, the thing that throws his character off is his lack of trustworthiness.
Lord George Fermor- The Devil’s Advocate-(pg. 16) Lord Femor gave valuable information to Lord Henry (the devil) and was of help to his sinister vision for Dorian. Femor helped, in part, to make Dorian the sickening person he was. Indirectly or directly, the motivation for his duties was not specified directly by Wilde.
22. The work presents several faucets of myth, folklore and tradition, including the Myth of Narcissus which debates tradition and innovation through the impact of beauty. Wilde also includes several references to Shakespearean characters and Roman gods. This power can be seen after the death of Sibyl in a comparison to a Greek tragedy. The most important of them all is at the beginning when Dorian asks for the painting to keep him youthful (Wilde 13, 36,