Oscar Zeta Acosta

The idea of education through self-cultivation (Bildung) belongs to the era of modernity and of the self-realizing individual (Castle 665). The newly-formed individual returns from his journey as a master rhetorician, reconciling with his fractured self when he realizes his internalization of “fractured discourse in the world” (Castle 666). Wilde explores a world in which the protagonist reaches his ultimate goal effortlessly under the influence of others, effectively avoiding the arduous…

Oscar Wilde’s, The Picture of Dorian Gray, examines the concept of morality and how it may change through the influence of others. In several unique instances, the direct influence of another can change a person’s moral understandings and actions for this is most clearly notable in the relationship between Lord Henry Wotton and Dorian Gray. Ultimately, Lord Henry’s corruptive nature was responsible for the downfall of Dorian Gray by purposefully exposing Dorian towards a hedonistic and sinful…

In Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and Machiavelli’s The Prince, deception is a tool that one uses to gain a personal advantage. Despite the negative connotation that is typically associated with deception, Twelfth Night and The Prince demonstrate how deception can bring a positive outcome. If one employs a deceptive appearance under necessary circumstances, the end result must be justifiable, even when a majority of people are willingly deceived. Characterized by her beauty and resourcefulness,…

According to the online dictionary of Merriam Webster, vanity is described as: “The Quality of people who have too much pride in their own appearance, abilities, achievements (…) The Quality of being vain” and “Something (such a belief or a way of behaving) which shows that you have too much pride in yourself, your social status, etc.” In my opinion, these descriptions fit the corrupted Dorian Gray perfectly. Dorian was a pure, innocent boy, until he was corrupted by Lord Henry, which made him…

In the parable The Minister’s Black Veil, there are clearly signs of American Romanticism. The key aspect discussed in the parable is that everyone is so focused on the reason why the minister has a black veil on when they should be focused on their own veil. The central theme of the parable is focus on yourself before you judge others for who they are. The Minister is explained and illustrated with examples of american romanticism. The characteristics of an American romanticism character is…

Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray is a unique piece of literature. Set in late 19th century London, the novel centers around Dorian Gray and his friends- Lord Henry Wotton and Basil Hallward. Lord Henry and Basil Hallward share a close relationship with Dorian Gray, having great influence on his development. Both Lord Henry and Basil have completely different values and beliefs. Basil believes in the goodness of mankind and values art to the highest degree. Lord Henry cares little…

the brevity of life — it embodies, to many, the soul of its creator and grants the viewer insight to a single moment. However, in Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray, a portrait morphs into a catalyst of dual lives. Tempered through an impulsive desire, Dorian’s essence is divided between the seen and the discrete. Through the use of the portrait and opium motif, Oscar Wilde develops the theme of dual existence/true identity. Throughout Wilde’s novel, Dorian’s portrait and the narcotic…

Written by Moises Kaufman, the play “Gross Indecency” is a biography of the life of Oscar Wilde, that focuses on court trials where Wilde is accused of being homosexual. Kaufman spent two years writing the play and completed it in 1997. The production contains several roles, but a single actor can play multiple characters, as the case in Kaufman’s production. The play consists of twenty four characters, including eight narrators; however, this is not including parts entitled “others”. Most…

This Advertisement date in 2011 presenting Oscar Pistorius a gold medalist, he is knows to be the blade runner and has made history. Being a double amputee he made history last summer by competing in the olympic games for his country, becoming the first amputee sprinter to do so. I chose this advertisement because Nike has always been a major product that I used in my everyday life. I have always been interested in this product because of the things it does for my comfort and do the things I…

in this class to me is a piece that addresses “importance”, a now pressing issue on my mind, in a plethora of ways, essentially covering all of its bases whatever definition of “important” one may choose. The Importance of Being Earnest, a play by Oscar Wilde, is undeniably, indisputably an important…