The Picture Of Dorian Gray - A Philosophical Speculation

"There is no such thing as a moral or an immoral book. Books are well written, or badly written. That is all." - Oscar Wilde

Written in the style of Gothic Fiction, ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ stands as a controversial masterpiece of Oscar Wilde. It remains his one and only published Novel. The publisher of the monthly magazine was in fear that the work would be perceived by the public as indecent and thus he censored 500 words of it without Wilde’s knowledge. Published in 1890,  the book soon became famous and a subject to fiery harsh criticism for the media and public weren't yet ready to the unconventional themes and ideas that were the crux of the book. It took years, probably half a century for the book to seep into people’s minds, during the mid 19th century the book gained its reputation and since then it climbed to the top and still remains there as an Evergreen Classic Literature book. But other than just a book of literature, the book offers so much more, to say the least, it questions the philosophical aspect of the world, incepts profound and radical notions inside the reader’s mind thereby committing a big change in the reader’s behaviour. 

The opening lines place us in the ripe morning time of London, set in the dazzling Victorian age. The further pages introduce us to a painter by the name of ‘Basil’, who has apparently been enchanted by the beauty & handsomeness of our central character, Dorian Gray. Then appears our Philosophically acute character, ‘Lord Henry’ or simply ‘Harry’. We won't be detailing the plot of the story here but only represent its vague idea, for we are more interested in the metaphysics of it. 

Major Themes :

Throughout the book you will come across the themes of art and beauty, hence the book offers a deep sense into the aesthetic feel of life, it’s importance and how it succeeds in hiding the deep cruelties of the world. The second major theme that the book portrays is the supreme commanding power of youth along with beauty, the youth denote an active change and a man in his youth is so much more than in old age. Lastly, the book touches on the superficial impact of the society, the falsehood of public, mockery and lamentation of the average dull class and the influence of negative notions.

Quotes for speculation :

“Every portrait that is painted with feeling is a portrait of the artist, not of the sitter.” 

A line from the theme of aesthetic feeling, profound in its sense and pretty true. It is often observed that the portrait offers a large deal of secrecy of the artist itself rather than that of the person whose portrait is painted.

“There is a luxury in self-reproach. When we blame ourselves, we feel that no one else has a right to blame us. It is the confession, not the priest, that gives us absolution.”

Acceptance! The only true way to get rid of those of resentments and regrets is to confess and accept it.

“Always! That is a dreadful word. It makes me shudder when I hear it. Women are so fond of using it. They spoil every romance by trying to make it last forever. It is a meaningless word, too. The only difference between a caprice and a life-long passion is that the caprice lasts a little longer.” 

This wonderful paragraph sums up all of Victorian Romance at once. Once you understand the non- permanent nature of things then only one can ensure the complete pleasure in enjoying the same thing.

“It is only shallow people who require years to get rid of an emotion. A man who is master of himself can end a sorrow as easily as he can invent a pleasure. I don't want to be at the mercy of my emotions. I want to use them, to enjoy them, and to dominate them.” 

This seems a powerful thought, of course it is easier said than done. But it really questions the binding of human souls to emotions.

“Beauty is a form of Genius--is higher, indeed, than Genius, as it needs no explanation. It is one of the great facts of the world, like sunlight, or springtime, or the reflection in the dark waters of that silver shell we call the moon. It cannot be questioned. It has divine right of sovereignty. It makes princes of those who have it.” 

The first line itself seems so striking and appealing, indeed beauty can be perceived without prior knowledge and it is a more general thing than intellect, anyone can appreciate it.

“I never approve, or disapprove, of anything now. It is an absurd attitude to take towards life. We are not sent into the world to air our moral prejudices. I never take any notice of what common people say, and I never interfere with what charming people do. If a personality fascinates me, whatever mode of expression that personality selects is absolutely delightful to me.” 

An advanced level of maturity is portrayed in this quote. The ability to accept all without judging it with conventions and traditions marks the sign of rapidly progressing society and a higher sense of maturity. 

“If one doesn't talk about a thing, it has never happened. It is simply expression that gives reality to things.” 

Talking, speaking, expressing a thought, gives it power. It gives thought or an idea an existence. This small piece of quote simply outlines the power of expressing.

Further thought provoking quotes front ‘The Picture Of Dorian Gray’ :

“People say sometimes that Beauty is superficial. That may be so. But at least it is not so superficial as Thought is. To me, Beauty is the wonder of wonders. It is only shallow people who do not judge by appearances. The true mystery of the world is the visible, not the invisible.” 

“An artist should create beautiful things, but should put nothing of his own life into them.” 

“Life is not governed by will or intention. Life is a question of nerves, and fibres, and slowly built-up cells in which thought hides itself and passion has its dreams.” 

“It has been said that the great events of the world take place in the brain. It is in the brain, and the brain only, that the great sins of the world take place also.” 

“One's days were too brief to take the burden of another's errors on one's shoulders. Each man lived his own life and paid his own price for living it.” 

“Pleasure is Nature's test, her sign of approval.” 

“What nonsense people talk about happy marriages!" exclaimed Lord Henry. " A man can be happy with any woman, as long as he does not love her.” 

“Words!

Mere words! How terrible they were! How clear, and vivid, and cruel! One could not

escape from them. And yet what a subtle magic there was in them!”

-Authored by Abhiraj Mengade