The concept of beauty is subjective and varies from person to person. The saying “Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder” illustrates this notion, as individuals have different opinions about what they consider attractive. Furthermore, personal likes and dislikes influence how one perceives beauty since everyone has their own unique definition based on their preferences and dislikes.
The perception of individuals greatly influences the impact that beauty has on their decisions and actions. Consequently, beauty can have both positive and negative consequences in life. Oscar Wilde’s novel, “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” examines aestheticism as a significant theme during the Gothic Victorian era, illustrating this concept. Wilde delves into the subjective interpretation of beauty through his story’s main characters.
Summary of the Novel
The main characters meet for the first time at Lady Brandon’s elegant London residence. Basil Hallward, a renowned artist, is immediately captivated by a man named Dorian Gray. Dorian Gray stands out due to his exceptional beauty and also possesses wealth and refinement. Basil Hallward’s artistic imagination is instantly captivated by Dorian Gray, and he convinces him to sit for multiple portraits. Basil idolizes his model, often comparing him to ancient Greek heroes and mythological figures.
At the start of the novel, Basil Hallward completes his initial portrait of Dorian Gray. During this moment, Lord Henry Wotton is already present and Basil Hallward expresses his disappointment with the painting, as it reveals a great deal of his personal feelings towards the model. Conversely, Lord Henry disagrees with Basil Hallward’s viewpoint, considering it to be the artist’s masterpiece. Lord Henry is known for shocking and scandalizing his friends through his belief in celebrating youth, beauty, and pursuing selfish pleasures. While Basil Hallward and Lord Henry discuss the portrait, Dorian Gray enters the studio. Basil Hallward reluctantly introduces Dorian Gray to Lord Henry, fearing that the latter may influence Dorian’s worldly perspective on life (Wilde).
The concerns expressed by Basil are justified, as Lord Henry has already discussed with Dorian the fleeting nature of beauty and youth, also known as the new hedonism. This conversation greatly impacts Dorian, as he sees his youth and beauty as his most valuable traits, which are diminishing over time. Consequently, Dorian becomes extremely dissatisfied with his portrait, as he believes it will only serve as a reminder of his lost beauty and youth. In a moment of distress and frustration, he makes a pact in which he exchanges his soul for eternal youth, burdening his painting with the effects of aging and infamy (Wilde).
Lord Henry’s influence on Dorian intensified as weeks passed. Dorian embraced the “new Hedonism” and devoted himself to the pursuit of pleasure. He fell in love with Sibyl Vane, a talented young actress. However, Sibyl’s love for acting waned as she experienced real love with Dorian, causing her to lose her acting skills. Dorian ended his engagement with her, as he realized she only loved him for his acting skills, which had now disappeared. Returning home, Dorian noticed the changes in his portrait, confirming that his pact had come true. He pondered his treatment of Sibyl and the burden placed on his portrait for his sinful actions. Hoping to prevent further harm, he sought to reconcile with Sibyl, only to discover that she had taken her own life (Wilde).
Lord Henry convinces Dorian that the situation with Sibyl is not his fault and suggests he view it as a personified tragedy and move on. Dorian continues to pursue pleasure, especially after receiving a book from Lord Henry detailing the wicked exploits of a Frenchman from the 19th century. This leads Dorian to commit more sins, living a life of corruption and disregarding social morality. Basil becomes extremely worried about Dorian’s reputation and is horrified when he sees the grotesque portrait of him. Basil urges Dorian to repent, but Dorian believes it is too late for forgiveness and, consumed by anger, kills Basil (Wilde).
Dorian managed to take care of Basil’s body by coercing his doctor friend into assisting him. Following the murder, he visited the opium den where he encountered James Vane, Sibyl’s brother. James vowed to avenge his sister by killing Dorian, but he was ultimately killed in a shootout. Although Dorian desires to change his behavior, he believes that doing so would amount to mere hypocrisy upon seeing his portrait. Consequently, he decided to stab his portrait in the chest with a knife. Later, Dorian was discovered dead in his room, appearing old and incredibly ugly, while his portrait reverted back to its youthful and beautiful state (Wilde).
Dorian Gray
According to the summary, Dorian Gray values beauty above all else. He believes that his physical appearance and youthful appearance are what make him valuable. This is evident from the beginning of the novel when Dorian is highly concerned with his exceptional beauty, as it causes others to notice and admire him. The truth of this is confirmed by Basil Hallward, who asks Dorian to model for him and creates numerous portraits.
Dorian Gray’s infatuation with his beauty and youth intensifies when he encounters Lord Henry, who convinces him that in order to lead a fulfilling and joyful life, he must relentlessly pursue all forms of pleasure. Lord Henry’s persuasion effortlessly taps into Dorian’s preexisting desire, amplifying it further. Consequently, living a life centered on the pursuit of pleasure becomes second nature to Dorian, as evidenced by his choice to embrace the principles of new Hedonism. Dorian unmistakably places greater importance on his physical appearance and youthful charm above all else.
During his relationship with Sibyl Vane, Dorian tested his perspective of beauty. He ended the relationship when Sibyl lost her exceptional acting abilities, revealing that his perception of beauty revolves solely around her talent. Despite feeling guilty and considering repentance, Dorian’s concept of beauty, defined by his own attractiveness and youth, remains dominant. He continues to pursue pleasure, disregarding his moral compass. These incidents illustrate Dorian’s belief that physical appearance, youth, and skills are the most valuable characteristics of an individual.
Basil Hallward
Contrary to Dorian Gray’s perspective on beauty, which focuses primarily on physical attractiveness and youth, Basil Hallward views beauty in a different light. For Basil, beauty is influenced by its effect on an individual. This can be seen in his admiration for Dorian Gray. When they first meet, Basil is inexplicably drawn to Dorian because of his extraordinary beauty. However, it is not just Dorian’s looks that captivate Basil; it is the impact he has on him. Witnessing Dorian enhances Basil’s artistic senses and inspires him to create exceptional works of art, such as the portrait of Dorian.
Basil expresses fear and disappointment regarding his portrait of Dorian. He believes that the portrait reveals too much about his feelings of admiration for Dorian. This causes fear because it exposes Basil’s personal side to those who view the painting, which goes against the idea that art should be seen as a mere work without any deeper meaning (Wilde xiii). Dorian’s influence on Basil’s work and life is significant, suggesting a connection that goes beyond a typical painter-model relationship. Basil often describes Dorian as a Greek god or mythological figure, further highlighting his deep emotions towards him. When Basil tries to persuade Dorian to repent, it becomes apparent that he is willing to sacrifice his own life for him.
Basil Hallward differs from Dorian Gray in that instead of succumbing to sin and immorality, beauty tends to inspire him. Although Basil may feel apprehensive about the emotions that Dorian elicits in him, it is because these feelings are genuine. Basil has the ability to connect with his artistic and emotional inclinations. The beauty he observes in Dorian also enables him to demonstrate concern for another person, evident in his worry for Dorian’s well-being. In this way, it could be argued that Basil’s interpretation of beauty enables him to acknowledge a more profound aspect of himself.
Lord Henry Wotton
Lord Henry Wotton’s perspective on beauty shares both similarities and differences with the viewpoints of the other main characters. Lord Henry defines beauty as the pursuit of various forms of pleasure, not limited to mere physical beauty and youth. He embraces unconventional ways that often challenge social norms and morality. In this regard, Lord Henry and Dorian share a similar belief that beauty can be found through the pursuit of pleasure. However, they differ in that Dorian places greater emphasis on his physical attractiveness and youth.
Lord Henry’s interpretation of beauty may appear to be very worldly, but it also serves as a catalyst for his unique way of thinking. He has transformed his pursuit of pleasure into a philosophy that can be applied to life. This can be observed in his discussions with Dorian, where Lord Henry articulates his beliefs. Although others may perceive Lord Henry’s perspective on beauty as an impractical way of life, it is still admirable that he has cultivated such a mindset. In this regard, both Lord Henry and Basil Hallward share a similar appreciation for beauty, as it inspires them to create art in Basil’s case and develop a distinct ideology in Lord Henry’s.
Lord Henry’s perspective on beauty may be seen as shallow by some. However, his candidness in embracing the pleasures of life is a type of honesty that contrasts with Dorian’s double life. Lord Henry openly and boldly embraces his lifestyle, despite the disapproval of many. This behavior also serves as a critique of those who pretend to be morally upright while leading immoral lives behind closed doors.
The discussions above indicate that the primary characters in Wilde’s novel possess both similarities and differences in their viewpoints on beauty. This implies that beauty is subjective, not just in terms of individuals’ comprehension and utilization of it but also in its impact on them.
Works Cited
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde was published in 1999 by Tom Doherty Associates.
