Quinn Bohrer

Ms. Gardner 2
Honors English 10
November 14, 2014

The Appreciation of The Picture of Dorian Gray

Burt, Daniel S. "Wilde, Oscar." The Literary 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Novelists,
Playwrights, and Poets of All Time, Revised Edition. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2008.
Bloom's Literature. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 13 Nov. 2014

Daniel S. Burt explores Oscar Wildes influence on the aestheticism movement and art
itself. Wildes outrageous personality and bold views fitted perfectly with the movement of
enjoying pleasure for oneself. Oscar Wilde was an audacious man who loved all things related to
pleasure and rebellion of the Victorian Society. Wilde boldly declares, Truth in Art is the unity
of a thing with itselfthe outward rendered expressive of the inward. He believed that art was
only meant to be beautiful, not political. His views on this movement are a recurring theme in
most of his literary work.

This biography educates readers on Wildes love and importance for aestheticism and art.
Burt organized the article in a clear understanding for anyone who is curious about Wildes life.
He supplies numerous quotes to prove his claim, yet he keeps the information refreshing and
interesting. Burts claim is relevant frequently in this book.

Fox, Paul. "Innocence and Experience in The Picture of Dorian Gray." McClinton-Temple,
Jennifer ed. Encyclopedia of Themes in Literature. New York: Infobase Publishing, 2011.
Bloom's Literature. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 13 Nov. 2014

Paul Fox examines Dorian Grays change of innocence throughout the novel The Picture
of Dorian Gray. Dorian begins the novel as an innocent young man who has never done anything
truly for himself, however, the influence of Henry Wotton soon turns Gray into a hedonistic,
cynical man.

Fox delivers the reader insightful content on Dorians character development. He supplies
the reader with a simple yet sophisticated information on the transition of Grays morals and new
experiences. His message is apparent and delivered very clearly throughout the article.
Dorians character development is apparent throughout The Picture of Dorian Gray.

Sanyal, Arundhati. "Taboo in The Picture of Dorian Gray." Quoted as "Taboo in The Picture of
Dorian Gray" in Bloom, Harold, ed. The Taboo, Bloom's Literary Themes. New York: Chelsea
House Publishing, 2010. Bloom's Literature. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 28 Oct. 2014

Arundhati Sanyal examines the relationship between the artist and the art and Grays
taboo actions in The Picture of Dorian Gray. Sanyal explains that as Dorian becomes the
subject of Basils art and life he has also become the subject of hedonism. He begins to explore
experiences without regard to anyone else, which contributes to Dorians downfall. Basils love
for Dorian is the cause of death by his subject.

Sanyal ideas are shown distinctly throughout the whole article, and never lose their
power. By allowing the reader to know these critiques, they can now have a deeper knowledge of
the story and its themes.

Riquelme, John Paul. "Oscar Wilde's Aesthetic Gothic: Walter Pater, Dark Enlightenment, and
The Picture Of Dorian Gray." Modern Fiction Studies vol. 46, no. 3 (Fall 2000): 60931. Quoted
as "Oscar Wilde's Aesthetic Gothic: Walter Pater, Dark Enlightenment, and The Picture Of
Dorian Gray" in Bloom, Harold ed.Oscar Wilde, New Edition, Bloom's Modern Critical Views..
New York: Chelsea House Publishing, 2010. Bloom's Literature. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 28 Oct.
2014

John Paul Riquelme suggests that Oscar Wildes book was influenced by Walter Pater,
who was part of the aestheticism movement . He says that Paters views were portrayed in the
cynical character Henry Wotton and in the books gothic aestheticism. Henry Wotton is a very
cynical and pretentious character who reflects the attributes of the movement. His desire of
pleasure leads him to be an immoral man, yet his position in society still keeps him popular
despite his views.

Riquelmes use of sophisticated diction and strong parallel structure makes it easy for the
reader to grasp his ideas. He uses strong quotes to support his claim. This article really points out
the influence Pater has on the story, making the reader realize how abundant the aestheticism
movement had influenced Wilde and his stories.

Smith, Nicole. "The Picture of Dorian Gray and The House of Mirth : A Comparison Analysis of
Gender Roles." Article Myriad. 6 Dec. 2011. Web. 14 Nov. 2014.

Nicole Smith analyzes the gender roles that are found in The Picture of Dorian Gray in
her article; she claims that the three main characters, Basil, Dorian, and Henry, have assigned
themselves differents types of masculinity. The societal expectations of the 19th century were
strict and biased; although, rebellion of these rules resulted in discrimination from the rest of
society.

Smiths thoughtful analysis invokes thought about gender roles. Her use of strong diction
and sentence variety help make the article concise. Her idea and opinions about gender roles in
The Picture of Dorian Gray are apparent, Neither Dorian nor Basil, nor even Lord Henry, ever
truly realize the fullness of their identity, as constrained as they are by the roles that they have
assigned themselves. Her thought that gender roles in any society can hold back any one
individual is shown in Wildes book.

Snodgrass, Mary Ellen. "Wilde, Oscar." Encyclopedia of Gothic Literature. New York: Facts On
File, Inc., 2005. Bloom's Literature. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 13 Nov. 2014

Oscar Wilde was a rebellious, Irish writer who went against all of society's social rules
and wrote about societys flaws. Mary Ellen Snodgrass discusses his intimate life and his life as a
writer. Wilde was a creative writer with a wild side; he rebelled through his writing. Although he
was a talented story writer, his life was difficult. Wilde was thrown in prison, which caused his
personal, literary, and legal life to diminish.

Snodgrass offers the readers of Oscar Wilde a small look into in scandalous life. By
understanding Wildes life it is easier for the reader to know what influenced his stories.
Snodgrass uses clear, concise writing to convey the facts. After reading this article the audience
can now comprehend the reasons behind the authors stories.