Profielwerkstuk over "Gender and Sexuality in The Picture of Dorian Gray"
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Course
Engels
Level
VWO / Gymnasium
Profile paper on “Gender and Sexuality in The Picture of Dorian Gray”. This profile paper is a good example of analyzing a book and doing research with it. Even if your profile paper isn't exactly about this topic, if your PWS is based on a book/literature/fiction, this is a good example of how...
Gender and sexuality in the “Picture of Dorian Gray”
by Oscar Wilde
xxx
xxx
01-02-2024
,Preface
We are xxx, and we are diving into the captivating world of Oscar Wilde’s “The
Picture of Dorian Gray.” In this extended essay we will talk about beauty, morality,
and societal norms colliding in Wilde’s unique narrative. The topic being: gender
and sexuality in “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” Our mutual interest lies in literature,
thus the subject of our essay. Delving into Wilde’s life and the Victorian era, we
discovered insights into societal expectations of that time period and the clashes
with traditional norms. It has been a profound learning experience for us, not only
about the chosen topic but also gaining insight into writing an extended essay. In
navigating this we have received great guidance from xxx and we would like to
thank her for that.
We hope you enjoy this essay,
xxx
1
,Table of contents
Introduction........................................................................................................................... 3
Introduction........................................................................................................................... 3
1. Oscar Wilde and the societal norms of Victorian England.................................................4
1. Oscar Wilde and the societal norms of Victorian England.................................................4
2. What were the societal expectations regarding gender and sexuality during the Victorian
period?................................................................................................................................. 6
2. What were the societal expectations regarding gender and sexuality during the Victorian
period?................................................................................................................................. 6
2.1 Examining the societal expectations concerning gender identity and gender roles
during the Victorian period...............................................................................................6
2.1 Examining the societal expectations concerning gender identity and gender roles
during the Victorian period...............................................................................................6
2.1.1 Women's societal expectations during the Victorian period................................7
2.1.1 Women's societal expectations during the Victorian period................................7
2.1.2 Men’s societal expectations during the Victorian period.....................................8
2.1.2 Men’s societal expectations during the Victorian period.....................................8
2.2 Examining the societal expectations and limits of sexual freedom during the
Victorian period................................................................................................................9
2.2 Examining the societal expectations and limits of sexual freedom during the
Victorian period................................................................................................................9
2.2.1 Sexuality in the Victorian era..............................................................................9
2.2.1 Sexuality in the Victorian era..............................................................................9
2.2.2 Sexual freedom in the Victorian era..................................................................10
2.2.2 Sexual freedom in the Victorian era..................................................................10
Conclusion chapter 2.................................................................................................11
Conclusion chapter 2.................................................................................................11
3. To what extent does Oscar Wilde challenge traditional gender roles in "The Picture of
Dorian Gray"?..................................................................................................................... 13
3. To what extent does Oscar Wilde challenge traditional gender roles in "The Picture of
Dorian Gray"?..................................................................................................................... 13
3.1. Examining the portrayal and roles undertaken by male and female characters.......13
3.1. Examining the portrayal and roles undertaken by male and female characters.......13
3.1.1 Female characters............................................................................................13
3.1.1 Female characters............................................................................................13
3.1.2 Male characters................................................................................................17
3.1.2 Male characters................................................................................................17
3.2. How does the novel question and challenge the ideas of masculinity and femininity?
....................................................................................................................................... 20
3.2. How does the novel question and challenge the ideas of masculinity and femininity?
....................................................................................................................................... 20
Conclusion chapter 3.................................................................................................25
Conclusion chapter 3.................................................................................................25
4. How does "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde examine the subject of sexuality
in the setting of Victorian society?......................................................................................27
4. How does "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde examine the subject of sexuality
in the setting of Victorian society?......................................................................................27
2
, 4.1. The portrayal of homosexual desires within the novel.............................................27
4.1. The portrayal of homosexual desires within the novel.............................................27
4.2. How does the novel focus on the tension between societal expectations and
individual sexual freedom?.............................................................................................29
4.2. How does the novel focus on the tension between societal expectations and
individual sexual freedom?.............................................................................................29
Conclusion chapter 4.................................................................................................32
Conclusion chapter 4.................................................................................................32
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................... 33
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................... 33
Discussion.......................................................................................................................... 34
Discussion.......................................................................................................................... 34
Appendix............................................................................................................................ 35
Appendix............................................................................................................................ 35
Bibliography........................................................................................................................ 39
Bibliography........................................................................................................................ 39
Introduction
"The Picture of Dorian Gray", a moral fantasy novel, by the Irish writer Oscar Wilde
was first published in the Lippincott’s Monthly Magazine in 1890 (Wikipedia
contributors, 2023). Initially serialised, the novel got six additional chapters when it
was published as a novel in 1891. The novel, a reflection on morality and societal
norms, has since endured as a timeless classic in Wilde’s literary collection.
The story revolves around a portrait of Dorian Gray made by Basil Hallward,
Dorian’s good friend and artist. Basil is infatuated with the beauty and the picture of
Dorian Gray. Dorian meets Lord Henry Wotton through Basil. Dorian Gray is
captivated by Lord Henry's aristocratic and self-indulgent world view: beauty and
sensual fulfilment is most important to Lord Henry. Dorian, because of Lord Henry,
is now aware of the fact that his beauty will fade. He wishes to sell his soul in order
to assure that the image will age instead of Dorian. Dorian’s wish has come true
and he lives an immoral life while remaining youthful and attractive; all the while, his
portrait ages and physically commemorates each of Dorian’s sins.
3
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