Contents

Acknowledgements

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 Introduction to Oscar Wilde-1

1.2 Introduction to The Picture of Dorian Gray-1

1.3 Literature Review-2

1.4 Composition of the Paper-3

Chapter Two Aestheticism-4

2.1 A Brief Introduction to Aestheticism-4

2.2 Oscar Wilde’s Principles of Aestheticism-5

Chapter Three Aesthetic Conceptions Applied in The Picture of Dorian Gray-8

3.1 Significant Characters-8

3.1.1 Dorian Gray-8

3.1.2 Basil Hallward-9

3.1.3 Sybil-10

3.1.4 Lord Henry Wortton-11

3.2 Aesthetic Language-12

3.2.1 Accurate Choice of Words-12

3.2.2 Rhythm-13

Chapter Four Conclusion-14

References-15

Abstract

Oscar Wilde is not only a well-known Irish writer, poet and playwright, but also the advocate and practitioner in the Aestheticism Art Movement. "Aestheticism" is a kind of art advocate that regards the form of art as the absolute beauty, which is separated from the technical beauty in reality. Therefore, it is also called "Aesthetic Doctrine”. The main source of Oscar Wilde’s creation comes from his rich life experiences. The novel The Picture of Dorian Gray is his only novel as well as his representative work of aestheticism. With a unique perspective and aesthetic language, it became the best seller as soon as it published.

The picture of Dorian Gray reflects Wilde’s pursuit of aestheticism with peculiar plots, quick witted languages and ingenious symbols. The novel tells the story of young and beautiful man named Gray makes an exchange with his soul in order to get immortal youth. He makes the portrait bear his burden of the mind for years. He recklessly squanders his youth and lives a dissipation life. The portrait records all his sins. The portrait is made because of him and he dies for the portrait. 

    This paper interprets the aesthetic theory “art imitates life", "the supremacy of art" and "art for art's sake “embodied in the novel from the symbolic figures in The Picture of Dorian Gray. At the same time, Oscar Wilde’s delicate words and rich rhythm of language makes his work full of rhetorical beauty and shows his pursuit of aesthetic style.

Key words:  Oscar Wilde  Aestheticism  The Picture of Dorian Gray