On The Integration Of Aestheticism And Morality In The Picture Of Dorian Gray

Oscar Wilde, as one of the leading figures of the British Aesthetic Movement in the nineteenth century, has always been a controversial writer. Among his numerous works, The Picture of Dorian Gray is the only and recognized representative novel of his aestheticism. However, it has been labeled as"immoral"ever since the day it was published.Based theoretically on Wilde's aesthetic thought, this thesis analyzes the major characters and major plots in The Picture of Dorian Gray. Through analysis, this thesis indicates that via the characterization and the plot arrangements, Wilde presents his aesthetic thought of"The Supremacy of Art"and"Life's Imitation of Art". Meanwhile, his sympathy towards the weak, his condemnation towards crime, and the alarming function of morality showed by the changes of the picture, all demonstrate his respect to traditional morality. Therefore, as an aesthete, although constantly stressing the separation of art and morality and the irrelevance of aestheticism and morality, Wilde doesn't give up his moral stand in daily life. It can be concluded that The Picture of Dorian Gray embodies the integration of aestheticism and morality, and Oscar Wilde is not just an aesthete, but an aesthete who adheres to traditional moral values.