The Role of Power and Corruption in The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde (1890)

Expanding the Roles:
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde tells the story of Dorian Gray, a handsome young man who remains youthful and unscathed while his portrait ages, reflecting the corruption of his soul as he indulges in a life of hedonism and moral decay. The novel critiques the pursuit of beauty, pleasure, and power at the expense of morality. For literature students, Wilde’s novel is a powerful exploration of vanity, corruption, and the consequences of living without ethical restraints.

• The Power of Beauty and Aestheticism:
  Dorian's beauty becomes his most powerful asset, yet it leads him down a path of selfishness and moral corruption. Students can explore how Wilde critiques the aesthetic movement and the dangers of valuing beauty and outward appearance above all else.

• Corruption and the Loss of Moral Compass:
  Dorian’s actions are marked by a growing disregard for morality, and his portrait becomes a symbol of his moral degradation. Literature students can analyze how Wilde uses the motif of the portrait to represent the inner corruption that comes with the unchecked pursuit of pleasure.

What We Learn:
The Picture of Dorian Gray provides literature students with critical insights into the destructive nature of vanity and the corrupting influence of power and beauty. The novel urges readers to reflect on the consequences of living a life devoid of moral responsibility and ethical consideration.