The Picture of Dorian Gray is ranked among the most prominent examples of aestheticism in the nineteenth century literature, with its protagonist Dorian Gray and Lord Henry's aesthetic lifestyles. This essay's purpose is an interpretation of the philosophy and ideas of Oscar Wilde in The Picture of Dorian Gray. ... Wilde's powerful support of an aesthetic life is illustrated through Lord Henry's influence in Dorian Gray: "We are punished for our refusals. ... The picture in The picture of Dorian Gray symbolizes at the same time Basil and Dorian's hidden souls. ... And it was, under his in...

• Word Count: 1864
• Approx Pages: 7
• Has Bibliography

As Oscar Wilde's first and only novel, the importance of The Picture of Dorian Gray is undoubted. ... At the beginning, Basil painted a portrait of Dorian Gray and sent it to him as a gift. ... Of course, Dorian is id, Henry is ego and Basil is superego. ... Therefore, Henry just quickened Dorian's downfall. ... Dorian's death was very dramatic. ...

• Word Count: 873
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School