Dorian Gray discussion question
(3) How does the novel relate to the fear of aging and mortality? Does Wilde critique the cultural obsession with youth and beauty? or, Does he embrace it?
The whole point of the novel is the fear of aging and mortality. The picture is the reference to the fear. Dorian never wants to grow old, or become ugly and die. He wants to be beautiful and young forever. "I am jealous of everything whose beauty does not die. I am jealous of the portrait you have painted of me. Why should it keep what I must lose? Every moment that passes takes something from me and gives something to it. Oh, if it were only the other way! If the picture could change, and I could be always what I am now! Why did you paint it? It will mock me some day -- mock me horribly!" The hot tears welled into his eyes; he tore his hand away and, flinging himself on the divan, he buried his face in the cushions, as though he was praying.” (2.27-29) This short paragraph answers the question perfectly. Dorian gives everything to stay young, and handsome. Little does he know, he will regret his wish for him to stay the same forever. I believe Wilde critiques the cultural obsession. He is almost making fun of how everyone would give up so many things to have youth and beauty forever. He makes that paragraph and the book so over dramatic and focused on looks that it seems like he is almost mocking the people in the novel.
The whole point of the novel is the fear of aging and mortality. The picture is the reference to the fear. Dorian never wants to grow old, or become ugly and die. He wants to be beautiful and young forever. "I am jealous of everything whose beauty does not die. I am jealous of the portrait you have painted of me. Why should it keep what I must lose? Every moment that passes takes something from me and gives something to it. Oh, if it were only the other way! If the picture could change, and I could be always what I am now! Why did you paint it? It will mock me some day -- mock me horribly!" The hot tears welled into his eyes; he tore his hand away and, flinging himself on the divan, he buried his face in the cushions, as though he was praying.” (2.27-29) This short paragraph answers the question perfectly. Dorian gives everything to stay young, and handsome. Little does he know, he will regret his wish for him to stay the same forever. I believe Wilde critiques the cultural obsession. He is almost making fun of how everyone would give up so many things to have youth and beauty forever. He makes that paragraph and the book so over dramatic and focused on looks that it seems like he is almost mocking the people in the novel.