The Aestheticism In The Picture Of Dorian Gray By Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde is often regarded as the most notorious writers of the Victorian-era and one of the most famous writers of all time through his controversial works. His writing has inspired and influenced many through his commentary on his society and the shallow nature of people, while also being considered a martyr for the homosexual movement. His most notorious work, The Picture of Dorian Gray, is often regarded as a reflection of his life, homosexuality, and his religious upbringing. Wilde used the novel and its characters to mock Victorian ideals of art and society and its need for a purpose. Wilde also exaggerated the consequences of his homosexuality and sin he faced during this era, as he was sentenced to prison for it. Wilde created a …show more content…
In Victorian society, art was regarded as to having a societal purpose or value, most commonly of religious purpose. Wilde, disagreeing with this idea, responded by becoming a major figure in the aestheticism movement, a movement in response to the idea that all art needs to have a purpose. The aestheticism movement is very prominent in The Picture of Dorian Gray, as Wilde used it to expose society for its lack of freedom and “art for art's sake” (The Picture of Dorian Gray, 152). Basil is inspired to paint Dorian solely due to his beauty, and only serves the purpose of aesthetic. Wilde believed strongly in the art having an aesthetic purpose, as it is “independent of and/or superior to other kinds of value” (Ridley), instead of a moral purpose. It is only until Lord Henry, a major influence on the development of Dorian, gives Dorian a purpose for the painting. Lord Henry exemplifies the aestheticism movement the most through his idea of hedonism or