分析道林格雷的畫像中王爾德的唯美主義英語(yǔ)論文

1、本科生畢業(yè)論文an analysis of aestheticism in oscar wildes the picture of dorian gray分析道林格雷的畫像中王爾德的唯美主義0abstractoscar wilde (1854-1900) who is an irish-born writer, is a forerunner, initiator, spokesman of the “art for arts sake” movement in relation to the history of aesthetics in britain. he has long been

2、 considered as a paradoxical figure, and many critics have pointed out the contradictory nature of his aesthetic theories.the picture of dorian gray completed by oscar wilde in 1890 is the only published long novel in his short life, which is the best interpretation to his aestheticism. the novel no

3、t only presents the spirit of the aestheticism movement in the 1890 s, but also embodies the pursuit of aestheticism and the ideological trend of the inherent characteristics of the aestheticism. although this book became a lightning rod for criticism of society at the time, there is no denying the

4、fact that oscar wilde's aestheticism runs through the novel.this thesis is devoted to point out the writers typical aesthetic ideas through analyzing the four main characters and the ideas the novel reflected. the vicious and decadent elements employed by wilde as his raw materials will be also

5、analyzed to display wildes inheritance and development of aestheticism in britain while readers appreciating the “beauty” in the novel. the contradiction between his aesthetic theory and his creative practice will be elaborated explicitly, so that readers can have an overall understanding about wild

6、e and his aesthetic conception.key words: aestheticism; the picture of dorian gray; oscar wilde摘要奧斯卡·王爾德(1854 - 1900) 出生于愛(ài)爾蘭, 在英國(guó)的美學(xué)史上,是“為藝術(shù)而藝術(shù)”運(yùn)動(dòng)的先驅(qū)、發(fā)起者和代言人.長(zhǎng)期以來(lái),王爾德都被看作是一位悖論式的人物,許多批評(píng)家指出他的唯美主義理論存在著自相矛盾之處。王爾德于1890年創(chuàng)作的道林·格雷的畫像是他短暫一生中唯一一部發(fā)表的小說(shuō)，也是其唯美主義主張最好的詮釋。該小說(shuō)不僅呈現(xiàn)了十九世紀(jì)九十年代唯美主義運(yùn)動(dòng)的精神,而且體現(xiàn)了唯美

7、主義的追求及其唯美主義這一思潮的內(nèi)在特征。雖然這本書自出版以來(lái)就成為當(dāng)時(shí)社會(huì)的眾矢之的，但不可否認(rèn)，王爾德的唯美主義始終貫穿于這部小說(shuō)的始終。本文通過(guò)分析道林·格雷的畫像中的三個(gè)主要人物形象、反映的思想內(nèi)容等，指出他典型的唯美主義。在欣賞這部作品中展現(xiàn)出的“美”的同時(shí),本文也會(huì)關(guān)注作品中被王爾德用作創(chuàng)作原材料的邪惡、頹廢的因素,從而分析王爾德在英國(guó)對(duì)唯美主義的傳承與發(fā)展。通過(guò)對(duì)王爾德的唯美主義理論和創(chuàng)作實(shí)踐之間矛盾的討論,我們可以對(duì)王爾德和他的唯美主義觀有更全面的了解。關(guān)鍵詞：王爾德；道連格雷的畫像；唯美主義contentsintroduction11 aestheticism an

8、d the picture of dorian gray31.1 aestheticism and aesthetic movement31.2 a review of the picture of dorian gray52 analysis of three main characters in the picture of dorian gray72.1 basil hallward: a fervent aesthete72.1.1 a creator and worshipper of beauty82.1.2 a guide of morality82.2 lord henry w

9、otton: a cynical aesthete92.2.1 a preacher of aestheticism92.2.2 a detached observer of life102.3 dorian gray: a decayed aesthete112.3.1 a practitioner of aestheticism112.3.2 a paradox with moral anxiety123 embodiments of aestheticism in the picture of dorian gray133.1 art for arts sake133.1.1 the s

10、upremacy of art143.1.2 art is non-utilitarian163.1.3 independence of art173.2 the relationship between art and life183.2.1 lifes imitation of art193.2.2 lifes influence upon art203.2.3 lifes detachment from art223.3 the relationship between art and morality233.3.1 immorality of art233.3.2 morality c

11、oncealed in the aesthetic art25conclusion27bibliography2928introductionoscar wilde is one of the most important writers of english literature, whose achievements can be seen in almost all literary fields, such as verse, prose, fairy tale, comedy, tragedy, novel, and critical essay. he is also an out

12、standing representative of aestheticism and an active advocate of the nineteenth-century "art for art's sake" movement in britain. however, this irish-born writer has long been considered as a controversial figure in the late 19th century. his personal lifestyle, as well as his artisti

13、c achievements, remains the main focus of public attention and many critics have pointed out the contradictory nature of his aesthetic theories.wilde was born in a family of fame, respect and knowledge in dublin on october 16, 1854, which provided him nice education in his childhood and teenage. per

14、haps, it is the impact of osmosis that oscar wilde was profoundly nurtured to write witty epigrams and beautiful stories.his father was william wilde, a distinguished doctor who was knighted in 1864 for his great contributions to medicine. sir william was not only an expert in ophthalmology and otol

15、ogy serving as oculist-in-ordinary to the queen, but also an author of some significant works on archaeology and folklore. however, his unattractive appearance did not help him avoiding scandals of earlier liaisons, by which he got two illegitimate children. oscar wilde inherited both his sagacity a

16、nd his promiscuous nature.oscar's mother, who influenced him greatly in private life, was an ardent irish nationalist and a linguist with a good master of most european languages. she published several collections of poems and essays under a pseudonym of "speranza" to show her opinions

17、 about literature and politics. she also founded the first dublin salon in their house, inviting socialites and nationalists to share their incisive views and opinions. her fever of writing and eccentric dressing style makes her a famous hostess and guest of social activities. her mannered, decorous

18、 language was carried forward by oscar wilde.from his parents oscar wilde learnt what he basically needs to be an outstanding writer, including talents of managing language and broad interests. it is his mother leading him on the way of literature, who provided him much example and inspiration.from

19、1864 to 1871，wilde boarded at the portora royal school in enniskillen, dublin. from 1871 to 1874, with a scholarship, he studied classics in trinity college. in october 1874, he moved to england to study classics at magdalen college, oxford. wilde excelled in his studies. in 1878 wilde won oxford

20、9;s newdigate prize for his poem "ravenna". in june 1881，he published poems at own expense. in 1882, wild accepted the invitation to deliver lectures on aestheticism in canada and america, where he received welcome as well as criticism. after his marriage, with the burden of his family, he

21、 devoted himself to writing. the early 1890s was wilde's golden age and many famous writings were produced. at the peak of his career in 1895, wilde became famous for the continuous staging of his comedies; on the other hand, he also became notorious for his indecent relationship with some young

22、 men. losing the law suit against marques queensberry, wilde was sentenced to imprisonment with two years hard labor. in prison he wrote a letter to alfred douglas, later known as de profundis (1905). financially bankrupt, physically abused, and spiritually downcast, wilde was released from prison i

23、n 1897. afterward, he spent the rest of his life in paris, under the pseudonym sebastian melmoth. then he composed his last work the ballad of reading gaol (1898). later on, wilde died in paris in 1900.his only novel, the picture of dorian gray has aroused overwhelming responses among critics in the

24、 literary circles since its publication in the year of 1890, most of whom criticized the immoral thought reflected in the novel. but actually he should have deserved a higher status in literature and those dissidents should have biased him so long. so it might be helpful and necessary that people re

25、-evaluate wilde's aestheticism and his work-the picture of dorian gray. only with modern stand about aestheticism could readers rediscover his "art" that is transcendental over his time and even himself, as both an individual and an artist. wilde, the artist, into which he might be fai

26、rly ranked, should have lived out of his time, and even out of himself the ordinary person. this thesis is devoted to exploring wilde's aesthetic conception conveyed in the novel the picture of dorian gray in order to get a full understanding of wilde and his theories. it begins with an introduc

27、tion of aestheticism and brief analysis of the novel the picture of dorian gray. then, wildes aesthetic conception expressed in the novel is analyzed from three main protagonists, because they are all the disciples and practitioners of wildes aesthetic theory. after the analysis above, people can ha

28、ve an overall understanding about wilde and his aesthetic conception. with the analysis in this thesis, although it is still hard to define the position of wilde's aestheticism in the history of art, it is no doubt that wilde's ideas have played an important role in aesthetics by providing a

29、 new angle in defining beauty and art. wilde has inherited and developed aestheticism in britain.1 aestheticism and the picture of dorian gray1.1 aestheticism and aesthetic movementaestheticism is a transition between romanticism and modernism. the term "aestheticism" derives from greek &q

30、uot;aisthein", meaning "to preserve". it is a 19th century european concept that focuses on beauty and the resulting pleasure in life, in the meantime rejects the moral rules and conventions. the core idea of aestheticism is considered to be "art for art's sake". it is &

31、quot;a phrase associated with the aesthetic doctrine that art is self-sufficient and need serve no moral or political purpose". the aesthetic movement was "a movement which blossomed during the 1880s, heavily influenced by the pre-raphaelites, ruskin, and paten in which the adoption of sen

32、timental archaism as the ideal of beauty was carried to extravagant lengths and often accompanied by affectation of speech and manner and eccentricity of dress" it started from france and soon spread over the whole europe, finally reached the climax in britain. aesthetes believed that art is in

33、dependent and transcends life and morality. they focused on the forms of art rather than the content.in the late 19th century, with the impact of industrial revolution, britain experienced rapid development in technology, economy, culture and society. victorianera became one of the most glorious tim

34、e in the history of britain. although people lived in a prosperous, peaceful environment, the strict values of social and moral standards still confined people's soul and body, which ultimately brought diverse thoughts and theories. the aesthetic movement began accordingly together with the aest

35、hetic influence from europe. it soon became an influential movement in britain. wilde was a major spokesman and advocate for the aesthetic movement in the late 19th century. aesthetic writers have followed those aesthetic principles and formed their own writing style. aesthetic writers tend to use b

36、eautiful words to create beautiful images in their works. the protagonists are often good looking and elegant. they care a lot about their appearance and pay much attention to dressing. the supremacy of art is also reflected in the aesthetic works. the characters tend to be very passionate about the

37、 pursuit of art and lead artistic lives. in addition, because aesthetics focus on the sense of pleasure and believe art is beyond morality, in their works, the characters often have the personality of rebellions and regard hedonism as their life style. as a trend of thought in western countries, aes

38、theticism came to china together with romanticism and symbolism in the beginning of new literature movement in china, and became a part of the new romanticism at that time. it accepted the core idea of "art for art's sake" but still has difference from the western aestheticism, such as

39、 the relationship between art and nature and the understanding of the relationship between art and life. western aesthetes believe that art should not imitate nature, while aesthetes in china insist of the traditional thought of "unity of man and nature". they appreciate the beauty of natu

40、re and emphasize the integration of man and nature. yu dafu once said in his appreciation of landscape and nature that "landscape and nature is a tool which could inspire human nature, diminish fanaticism of fame and fortune, and purify personality". as to the relationship between art and

41、life, western aesthetes believe that art takes precedence than life, while aesthetes in china believe that life also plays an important role in art. those different perspectives of chinese and western aesthetes are also reflected in their works.1.2 a review of the picture of dorian graythe picture o

42、f dorian gray is the only novel of oscar wilde, which is an important literary material for researching on oscar wilde. first designed a serial story written for journals, then it was published as a book in 1890. it got criticized severely about its immorality and notoriety. disappointed to its rece

43、ption, wilde added a preface and some more chapters to it, and then revised it. in the preface, wilde voiced most of his aesthetic theories that embodied in the story, arguing his work to be with non concern of morality or immorality. for oscar wilde once admitted that he was trying to expose himsel

44、f to the audience through this novel, the book was treated as the reflection of his own personality instead of a piece of art work which concerned little about its moral meaning. although oscar wilde tried his best to argue for his story as a "pure" artistic work, it was still marked by im

45、morality and decadency serving as proof of wilde's convict. critics cared about its standpoint of immorality much more than its literariness. thus even in modern critiques about oscar wilde and the novel, researchers and critics are still discussing about his moral value.the picture of dorian gr

46、ay tells a story about a male beauty, dorian gary, who sells his soul to a portrait for evergreen appearance. dorian gray is a most beautiful and innocent young man, adored by the artist basil hallward. lord henry wotton is a typical dandy, with a lot of witty and humor hedonistic remarks on life. l

47、ord henry comes across dorian gray when the latter is sitting as a model for the artist. he tells dorian gray how beautiful he is and the rarity of being young, which has not been realized by the young man himself. when the picture finally finishes the picture's beauty and youth astonishes doria

48、n himself. then he is very sad when he realizes that he will someday be old and not beautiful anymore, but the picture will always remain the same. he makes an oath that he will give anything including his soul in exchange for the eternal youth and beauty if the picture gets old instead of him. this

49、 eerie oath comes true. lord henry at the same time seizes every opportunity to influence him with hedonism and urges him to enjoy sensual pleasure to the uttermost. the artist foresees the bad impact and asks dorian to keep distance with lord henry, which only makes dorian gray alienated from him.

50、later dorian gray falls in love with a young actress sibyl vane. this love is mocked by lord henry but encouraged by the artist basil. however, when sibyl finds her charming prince in real life, she can't and won't play as she used to do, which disappoints dorian gray so much that he parts w

51、ith her at that moment. unable to accept such a blow, sibyl kills herself. this incident leaves the first cruel wrinkle on the picture where more are expected. with his beauty, youth and a great sum of money left by his grandfather, dorian is like a duck to water in the upper-class society. but he a

52、lso becomes notorious far and wide, because many outstanding young nobles become corrupt and doomed through making acquaintance with him. basil, who has not seen dorian for many years, comes to say good-bye to him before he goes abroad. he asks to see the picture that is hidden in the old schoolroom

53、 upstairs where dorian has spent his childhood. at first dorian refuses, for the picture is old, ugly, and filled with cruel and hypocritical wrinkles. on the second thought he is thrilled by the expectation that basil will see it. the artist is most astonished when he sees the unrecognizably repuls

54、ive picture, which convinces him the notoriety about dorian. while at the bottom of dorian's heart, he curses the artist as the real evil-doer, who has destroyed him by making him such a picture. in an uncontrollable anguish, he stabs the artist from the behind and kills him. there are not only

55、cruel wrinkles but also bloodstains on the picture now. then in order to get rid of the corpse and conceal his crimes, dorian blackmails his former college mates, a chemist, to cremate the body. a decade later, the brother of sibyl, james, who has sailed abroad comes back to revenge for his sister&#

56、39;s death. he grabs dorian in the street but can't believe that the young man is the sinner of his sister's death a decade ago and has to let him go. later james sneaks into the forest where dorian is hunting, only to be accidentally killed. there is no more menace to dorian's life. but

57、 the guilty and the terrible scene of the picture always gnaw dorian's heart. he decides to thoroughly reform himself, but there is no improvement in the picture, which instead laughs at his falseness. at last dorian becomes desperate. he thinks the picture as the root of his suffering. if he ca

58、n get rid of the picture, he may not feel so miserable. late at night he sneaks into the old schoolhouse and stabs the picture, but only to kill himself. the picture returns to its former beauty, while an old and ugly figure lies dead before the picture. and only through the ring on his finger can t

59、he servants recognize him.in the picture of dorian gray, wilde chooses his aesthetic pursuit to beauty and art as the theme of the novel. he tells the story of suspense and surprise in a fantastic way to make it mysterious and beautiful, which is far from reality. he tries to abandon reality absolut

60、ely, also based on his aesthetic theory, to add untruthfulness of the novel. wilde combines many different styles in one to enrich plots of his story. he breathes characters with a marvelous command of language, making them symbols to explain his theory about art and life that is art, which for art's sake only