What Your Students Will Love About The Picture of Dorian Gray The wish is granted, and, as Dorian engages in a decadent, amoral lifestyle, the portrait reveals the corruption of his soul.Ĭontent Warning: The Picture of Dorian Gray contains violent imagery, mild sexuality, and some negative references to Jewish people. When Lord Henry warns Dorian that his beauty will fade, Dorian wishes to trade places with the picture, so that the painting ages while he maintains his youth. Through Basil, Dorian meets Lord Henry Wotton, who introduces him to hedonism and aestheticism. Length: 208 pages ( Literary Touchstone Classics edition)ĭorian Gray is the subject of a portrait by Basil Hallward, a painter who is enthralled by Dorian's youthful beauty.Publication Date: 1891 2005 ( Literary Touchstone Classics edition).Purchase the book Summary of The Picture of Dorian Gray And if the retail value of your order is at least $2,500, you'll save 35% on all your paperbacks. If the retail value of your order is at least $500, you'll save 30%. You'll always save at least 25% on any paperback you order. Faustus would pair well with this novel and could prompt discussion on how Wilde adapts the legend.Ĭontinue reading to learn everything you need to know about The Picture of Dorian Gray. Although the Faust legend is not directly referenced, Wilde's novel clearly shares the theme of sacrificing one's soul in an unholy pact. Students may be somewhat familiar with these references, but further explanation will help them understand the significance of the allusions and how they relate to the novel. Wilde also includes a number of allusions, most notably references to Shakespeare's plays and the Greek myth of Narcissus. While reading, the class can discuss how Wilde critiques the aristocratic lifestyle and emphasis on appearance over substance. Before beginning the novel, students should learn about Victorian morality and social classes. As in many of his works, Wilde satirizes Victorian society. An overview of the Aesthetic Movement and Gothic fiction will allow students to better identify elements from the philosophy and genre. Oscar Wilde's beautifully written novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, is a great way to introduce students to Aestheticism and the Gothic horror novel.
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