A literature essay on the topic “Art, like morality, must draw the line somewhere” (G. K. Chesterton, although sometimes attributed to Oscar Wilde). What comment does Wilde make about the purpose of art and morality in the novel “The Picture of Dorian Gray”? . 500 words and refrences to the...
“Art, like morality, must draw the line somewhere” (G. K. Chesterton, although
sometimes attributed to Oscar Wilde). What comment does Wilde make about the
purpose of art and morality in the novel “The Picture of Dorian Gray”?
Julienne Barnard
12A
Wilde opens the novel by clearly stating his view on the purpose of art and states
that “All art is quite useless”. The idea is formed through the views of the aesthetic
movement, which believed art should have no function beyond merely being
viewed and enjoyed. This statement is further proved in the novel when Wilde’s
characters place value in their art which causes fault in their sense of morality and
brings them to their downfall.However Wilde also uses his characters to show the
danger of viewing all of life as art, which removes its meaning and its
consequences. The quote could be interpreted as a warning from Wilde about
what happens when we place too much meaning behind art and expect more
from it than its aesthetic function.
The novel depicts art in various forms, as well as the dangers of taking it too literally
or believing it too deeply. Wilde uses the painting of Dorian as a physical symbol of
the degradation of his soul. Dorian allows the painting to house and represent his
soul, and by placing meaning behind art, which is meant to be purely aesthetic,
allows it to display his immorality and furthers his obsession with it.
Sybil Vane’s art is her acting. She is made up of all the romantic characters she
brings to life on stage. Dorian believes Sybil’s art to be reality and his affection
grows through her nightly performances. His affection for her relies on her art. “I
loved you because you were marvellous, because you had genius and
intellect, because you realised the dreams of great poets and gave shape
and substance to the shadows of art” Wilde uses their relationship to show that
the problem of viewing life solely through the lens of art is that one must maintain a
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