Oscar Wilde Character Analysis - 1093 Words

Setting/Matter Observations Implications Set in London, England during the late 1800s to early 1900s Class system in society during the 1800s was very strict; materialism was greatly desired and people were very quick to judge others based on social status West vs. East Dorian’s mansion is on the west side of London where he is known to be a cultured aristocrat, yet some scenes are in the east, where Dorian skulks, seeking out opium dens The golden west side contrasting with the shady east side mirrors the difference between Dorian’s clean outer appearance and his tainted soul Classroom in Dorian’s mansion is where the portrait is hidden, eventually transitioning into the same place where Dorian becomes a murderer The classroom that†¦show more content†¦This turns when he sees it as a burden and blames Basil for creating the painting, the bane of Dorian’s suffering. Thus, Dorian kills Basil. Dorian, fueled by paranoia and guilt, destroys the painting to hide the evidence of his sins. The painting returned to Dorian’s charming 20 year old self, while the age and corruption all transferred to Dorian’s physical being before his death. Society poses almost no distinction between ethics and appearance, which is a problem Wilde proposes to his contemporary society Binary oppositions: Senses vs. soul, actions vs. perception, youthful body vs. painting, appearances vs. morality Dorian’s soul is connected to the painting and therefore the painting is continuously growing more wretched, whilst his senses are his youthful outward appearance. Neither soul nor senses are healed. Dorian goes insane with paranoia and guilt because he can’t handle his own corruption. His soul destroys his senses upon reunification, leaving behind the portrait and nothing else. Culminating questions: Does Dorian salvage his soul by destroying the painting as he hoped, or does he just reunite his soul and senses, leaving behind the original painting? 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