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The Triptych of Dorian Gray (1890–91): Reading Wilde’s Novel as Three Print Objects
This article provides the differences between the original version of The Portrait of Dorian Gray and the censored ones. The author analyzes three sources – the typescript, the magazine version, and the first edition of the novel. Brett points out that the book had undergone serious changes not only made by Wilde himself. The author argues that the original version of the book has been changed and some parts of it were censored without Wilde’s permission, even before the novel was printed. This article analyzes the history of the texts along with their content. Thus, the work reveals that different versions of the text embody different ideas. Brett points out that critique of society depicted in the novel cannot be evaluated properly without looking at all of the versions of the novel.
The Uselessness of Art: Critique and Contradiction in The Picture of Dorian Gray
This article develops the idea Oscar Wilde has established in the preface to The Picture of Dorian Gray – that art has no particular purpose or use. The author analyzes the main character and how his actions are connected to the expression of art. The analysis is made in the context of the Victorian era when the image was very important. The article touches upon personal connections between the writer and the novel and provides many parallels between the society of that time and the behavior of the main heroes. Wilde wrote his book in a beautiful style, thus, supporting his own claim that there is no other purpose of art other than being a representation of beauty. However, the article also points out that the novel contains an accurate interpretation of society of Victorian-era England and provides a critique on hypocrisy, which means Wilde’s art is not useless. The article is short, yet it manages to touch upon the most important details of narration, compare them to the life of that time, and show Wilde’s significance in art.
The Excess of Mimesis: Reframing the Picture of Dorian Gray
This article analyzes The Portrait of Dorian Gray from the perspective of mimesis – the process by which the work of literature reflects the world around it. Lawton proves that Wilde’s novel is filled with many examples of mimesis that serve a double function – critical and theoretical. The critical perspective explains the imitation performed by the characters in the novel, the theoretical bases on the works of philosophers and psychologists who had investigated mimesis, such as Plato, Nietzsche, and Tarde. Lawton argues that the narration of the novel is not based on realistic representation, but it depicts some principles of effective mimesis. The article suggests that Wilde reveals the concept of mimesis through the mimetic dialogues and dramatic characters. Lawton points out that the excess of mimesis in the novel helps to reveal the connection between art and life, and how one mimics another. Using the analysis of many types of research on mimesis, the article makes a strong point that the novel acquires new levels of perception when it is discussed through the lenses of effective mimesis.
Borrowed Sins: Oscar Wilde’s Aesthetic Plagiarisms in The Picture of Dorian Gray
This article focuses on the reception of Oscar Wilde as a talented plagiarist. The author points out that most of the works of the famous writer appeared because he reused the ideas and lines of other people. Wilde’s works have been considered as both too plagiaristic and as carefully interpreted. Leonard mentions that some blame Wilde’s appropriations for being hypocritical. Specific examples of outright plagiarism can be found in The Portrait of Dorian Gray in the descriptions made by the author; however, Leonard claims that these examples serve the aesthetic purpose of the novel and are strictly intentional. The article explains the notion of aesthetic plagiarism and focuses on the critique Wilde has received on the account of his appropriations. The article dramatizes that the artistic interpretation of other people’s works is something that makes Wilde’s style of writing unique.
The Unacceptance of a Sinful Protagonist’s Moral Standards: The Cause and Effect of Censoring Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray
This is another work that focuses on the changes that have been made during the censorship of some of the content of The Portrait of Dorian Gray. It mentions the types of censorship and points out that the fact that the novel was censored was connected to its language and sexual content. Homosexual content was removed, and other adjustments were made to make the novel acceptable. The author of the essay explains that censorship was essential at the time because of the principles and laws of Victorian society. The essay provides some specific quotes from the two versions. Their comparison proves the fact that the book has changed noticeably. Moreover, the essay argues that the changes made in the book have affected the main character and his morality. Censoring of the book has led to the character becoming more immoral in the eyes of the readers; however, the essay proves that the uncensored version showed the morality of the main hero by using examples.
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