A Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is often banned for it’s obvious homosexual themes. In the first chapter alone the reader is introduces to Wilde’s first two characters, Basil Hallward and Lord Henry Wotton both of whom appear to be quite flamboyant upon first examination. At one point in the beginning of the two’s conversation Lord Henry alludes to the fact that his wife is not at all aware of his exploits when she is not present and she does not care. Lord Henry then badgers Basil as to why he refuses to exhibit a painting he made of Dorian Gray and Basil then admits to having a crush on Dorian. All of this within the first chapter! The homosexual themes are present from the beginning and given the time period that this novel was published in it is no wander it received objection considering the public stance on homosexuality at the time.
If you were not already aware that this novel contained homosexual themes is the first chapter enough to convince you?
Do you think Lord Henry’s influence on Dorian will be constant throughout the novel?
What do you think Wilde is implying about the upperclass men of the time?
Through some sort of lackadaisy means I somehow knew that there were homosexual themes in The Picture of Dorian Grey but somehow it still surprised me because of it's lack of subtlety. However, I love the way that Wilde introduces us to it. Sure from the get-go, Basil explains his attraction to Dorian but it's explained so romantically, and personally, that you almost feel this love for Dorian yourself. But it's also countered viciously through Henry, who is quite obviously on attracted to Dorian physically, but also his innocence. It kinda gives it this wolf in sheep's clothing kind of feel, though I don't think Henry an antagonist, just as Basil describes him "an immoral man." Because of Henry's interest in what his influence can do to Dorian, and the changes they are already causing, I can only see this novel heading in a dangerous direction. It was foreshadowed from Chapter one how dangerous of an influence Henry could be, and is reiterated multiple times. The changes in Dorian's seemingly docile and simple personality are already taking place and even with Basil's interference, can really only become worse.
ReplyDeleteEven though they don't flat out say it , the homosexual undertones are very apparent. I know that Lord Henry's influence is going to do nothing but spread in Dorian as the chapters progress because, like Kandance said, he's attracted to his innocence or more so corrupting his innocence, while Basil wants Dorian to stay the same.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kandance about the way Wilde introduces the homosexual themes but, I also feel he over rantisicized them it a little. I also feel that Basil may be in love with Dorain Gray but, I believe that is slowly leading towards obsession. The idea of obsession coming into this story couldn't do anything but lead down a dark path for Basil or a darkending for Gray in the future or something..(foreshadows a badending). Henrey also seems like a darkguide or something slowly corrupting Gray which might change the way Basil sees him although Basil wants Gray to stay the same.
ReplyDelete-Sebastian
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