Art And Art In Oscar Wildes The Picture Of Dorian Gray

The Oxford dictionary defines the word art as â€Å"the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power†. This definition of art, however, has witnessed various developments over time. To examine the first part of the definition, today art has expounded its boundaries and does not stand limited to paintings and sculptures. The word art has found an extension into literature, dramatics, photography and performing arts. The appreciation of art for its beauty and emotional power has persisted over time. However, paralleled to the same has persisted the debate over the purpose of art-‘art for†¦show more content†¦Various gothic elements can be seen throughout the novel. It becomes evident that it is Lord Henry that impersonates the Devil. He corrupts Dorian’s mind with his hedonistic idealism and influenc e. At several points in the novel he is referred to as Harry, and the word ‘old Harry’ is often used synonymously to the Devil. The atmosphere of the novel and the ambience it creates, adds to the dark mysteries of gothic art. â€Å"The lamp cast fantastic shadows on the wall and staircase. A rising wind made some of the windows rattle† (Wilde 229). The novel is full of supernatural elements. First and the foremost is the picture of Dorian Gray that ages and degrades while the man himself remains youthful. In exchange for eternal youth and beauty he sells his soul, â€Å"I would give my soul† (Wilde 43). The yellow book that Dorian receives from Henry seems to be a fascinating ominous charm that ruins the mind and life of the former. The makes â€Å"all sins of the world pass in dumb show before him† (Wilde 183) and he is unable to emancipate himself from it. One can thus conclude that art was a medium of escape, an escape from the living reality, e levated into a world of imagination. An artist then becomes a mediator in providing an imaginative or supernatural space to the spectators. Thus, art becomes an experience of the unimaginable. Though some of Wilde’s ideals may seem to be inspired by romanticism, itShow MoreRelated How Art Relates to Oscar Wildes The Picture of Dorian Gray Essay908 Words   |  4 PagesHow Art Relates to Oscar Wildes The Picture of Dorian Gray Oscar Wildes The Picture of Dorian Gray is a novel about a young, handsome, and vain man who has his portrait painted, and impulsively wishes that he could forever remain just as handsome as he is in the painting -- that the painting would age instead of him. He gets his wish in a most eerie way; as, with passing years, he becomes increasingly dissolute and evil, while the changes that one would expect to appearRead MoreThe Influences of Oscar Wilde The Picture of Dorian Gray1582 Words   |  7 PagesThe Influences of Oscar Wilde Throughout his life Oscar Wilde had many strong influences exerted upon him. 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