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The Picture of Dorian Gray

A novel by Oscar Wilde. The Picture of Dorian Gray. Novel Background. Published in 1890 Published initially in Lippincott’s Monthly Magazine Only novel by Oscar Wilde 1854-1900 Irish writer and poet Popular London playwright The Importance of Being Earnest. Aestheticism.

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The Picture of Dorian Gray

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  1. A novel by Oscar Wilde The Picture of Dorian Gray

  2. Novel Background • Published in 1890 • Published initially in Lippincott’s Monthly Magazine • Only novel by Oscar Wilde • 1854-1900 • Irish writer and poet • Popular London playwright • The Importance of Being Earnest

  3. Aestheticism • Focused on beauty • ‘Art for art’s sake’ • Meaning sacrificed for looks • Aesthetic values trump sociopolitical themes

  4. Hedonism • School of thought that argues pleasure is the only intrinsic good • People yearn for what they like rather than what is right • From the Greek word for ‘delight’ • Hedonists try to maximize net pleasure (pleasure – pain) • Lord Henry seeks beauty and fulfillment of the senses

  5. Characters • Dorian Gray – young, narcissistic man • Basil Hallward – painter who becomes obsessed with Dorian • Lord Henry Wotton – intrigued with Dorian’s beauty • Sibyl Vane – talented actress • James Vane – Sibyl’s brother; sailor • Alan Campbell – chemist • Lord Fermor – Lord Henry’s uncle • Victoria, Lady Wotton – Lord Henry’s wife

  6. Guiding Questions • How are good and evil portrayed? • What are the consequences of hedonism? • What is Wilde’s writing style? • What is the difference between fascination and actually caring for something? • Compare and contrast character motives. • How is aestheticism shown within the novel?

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