Realism
"Some day I will show the world what it is; and for that reason the world chall never see my portrait of Dorian Gray." -pg 15
This quote from the book shows realism. Realism was taken on by the later Victorian novelists but the influence of romanticism did not completely disappear when realism appeared. In fact, most successful novelists combined both elements. In this quotes, Basil states that he will show reality to the world through his art and that is why he will not show the picture of Dorian Gray. Basil is saying that the beauty of Dorian is not realistic and that is why he will not exhibit the painting. He is also saying that the world is not as perfect as it thinks it is. This quote also shows irony in a way. As Wilde talks of romanticism and the beauty of nature, he gives his character the the thought and power of realism. Wilde uses romanticism in his setting and realism in his characters. He uses both historical contexts and that is why it this important. The realism in the characters helps the reader get a better understanding of the plot of the story.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Victorian Blog #1: Historical Context
Influence of Romanticism
Through out the novel, Wilde uses a lot of imagery do describe the setting and the environment in which Basil works in. This is the influence of romanticism as it focuses on the awe-inspiring beauty of nature. Wilde never talks about the factories belching smoke and hungry children begging on the streets because it will then take away from the plot of the story. He instead talks about the beauty of nature. It is important to understand this because people, during the Victorian time, used writing to get away from reality. Life was not always abundant in joy and money like it was in the novel. In reality of things, not every one was rich, in fact, most of the population were poor. Wilde then took his imagination to the next level and created a world for people to get away from reality.
Through out the novel, Wilde uses a lot of imagery do describe the setting and the environment in which Basil works in. This is the influence of romanticism as it focuses on the awe-inspiring beauty of nature. Wilde never talks about the factories belching smoke and hungry children begging on the streets because it will then take away from the plot of the story. He instead talks about the beauty of nature. It is important to understand this because people, during the Victorian time, used writing to get away from reality. Life was not always abundant in joy and money like it was in the novel. In reality of things, not every one was rich, in fact, most of the population were poor. Wilde then took his imagination to the next level and created a world for people to get away from reality.
Victorian Blog #1: Elements of Romance
Dorian Gray and Basil Hallward
Dorian Gray and Basil Hallward meet each other at a crush at Lady Brandon's. When Basil first sees Dorian, he feels terror because he sensed that Dorian's personality is so powerful that it could absorb him. But when Lady Brandon introduces the two, they hit it off and become great friends. This relationship is important because Dorian inspires a fresh approach to art in Basil and is "simply a motive in art" for him (Wilde 14). Basil sees everything in him and flatters him dreadfully. This obsession Basil has for Dorian then allows Basil to produce the best work of his professional life. Basil believes that without Dorian Gray by his side, he could not create as great of a work as he does. Basil says himself that Dorian's "personality has suggested to [him] an entirely new manner in art, an entirely new mode in style" (Wilde 13). Basil's passion towards Dorian also causes him to talk about him in a manner that makes others interested in Dorian, just as Lord Henry starts to take interest in him. This relates to the plot because Basil's obsession leads to the friendship of Lord Henry and Dorian Gray. A friendship in which Lord Henry influences Dorian to change drastically; or as what Lord Henry describes it is, he influences Dorian to bring out the true him.
Dorian Gray and Basil Hallward meet each other at a crush at Lady Brandon's. When Basil first sees Dorian, he feels terror because he sensed that Dorian's personality is so powerful that it could absorb him. But when Lady Brandon introduces the two, they hit it off and become great friends. This relationship is important because Dorian inspires a fresh approach to art in Basil and is "simply a motive in art" for him (Wilde 14). Basil sees everything in him and flatters him dreadfully. This obsession Basil has for Dorian then allows Basil to produce the best work of his professional life. Basil believes that without Dorian Gray by his side, he could not create as great of a work as he does. Basil says himself that Dorian's "personality has suggested to [him] an entirely new manner in art, an entirely new mode in style" (Wilde 13). Basil's passion towards Dorian also causes him to talk about him in a manner that makes others interested in Dorian, just as Lord Henry starts to take interest in him. This relates to the plot because Basil's obsession leads to the friendship of Lord Henry and Dorian Gray. A friendship in which Lord Henry influences Dorian to change drastically; or as what Lord Henry describes it is, he influences Dorian to bring out the true him.
Victorian Blog #1: Literary Elements
Imagery
"The wind shook some blossoms from the trees, and the heavy lilac blooms, with their clustering stars, moved to and fro in the languid air. A grasshopper began to chirrup by the wall, and like a blue thread a long thin dragonfly floated past on its brown gauze wings. Lord Henry felt as if he could hear Basil Hallward's heart beating, and wondered what was coming." - pg 9
This quote from chapter one is an imagery, or words or phrases that appeal to the reader's senses. Basil is about to confess "the secret of [his] own soul" and Wilde uses imagery to build suspense of what Basil is about to say to Lord Henry (Wilde 9). This imagery leads to the story of how Basil Hallward met Dorian Gray and it is what interests Lord Henry even more about this young lad named Dorian Gray. This imagery adds suspense and suspense keeps the reader on their toes and kept readers wondering what Basil is about to say.
"The wind shook some blossoms from the trees, and the heavy lilac blooms, with their clustering stars, moved to and fro in the languid air. A grasshopper began to chirrup by the wall, and like a blue thread a long thin dragonfly floated past on its brown gauze wings. Lord Henry felt as if he could hear Basil Hallward's heart beating, and wondered what was coming." - pg 9
This quote from chapter one is an imagery, or words or phrases that appeal to the reader's senses. Basil is about to confess "the secret of [his] own soul" and Wilde uses imagery to build suspense of what Basil is about to say to Lord Henry (Wilde 9). This imagery leads to the story of how Basil Hallward met Dorian Gray and it is what interests Lord Henry even more about this young lad named Dorian Gray. This imagery adds suspense and suspense keeps the reader on their toes and kept readers wondering what Basil is about to say.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Why?? (Chapter 23)
Elizabeth is dead. Dead! I really don't know what's going on anymore and I don't know what I'm going to do. Why does this happen to me?! To us?! First William, then Justine, then Henry, and now Elizabeth!!! They left for their honeymoon soon after the wedding. Happy. Joyous. And then I received a word from Victor that Elizabeth is dead! Victor told me that he found her in their bedroom. She was strangled to death. I can't do this... and what worries me the most is Victor. He has lost everything so dear to him. I'm so depressed, full of grief. I... I... aksldngbkahr; gbouasjnglka.jerkygtr;relnfsadkmnvwaegtfolwqkrng...
...Alphonse
...Alphonse
Such a relief.. (Chapter 22)
Victor is finally home again. I am finally home. And I did what I needed to do and that is to keep my son safe... I proved him innocent. And I kept my promise. When I was finally allowed to take Victor home, we first traveled to Le Harve, France from Ireland. From there we journeyed on to Paris where we spent a few days to rest before continuing on to Geneva. I am quite worried about Victor. I can tell that he is still depressed and that something is still haunting his mind. I wish I could do something to help my son out. And it really bothers me that I can't.
During the stay in Paris, Victor had received a letter from Elizabeth. Something I never thought Elizabeth would do. Victor let me read the letter after he had read it. Basically, Elizabeth confessed her love for him and asked Victor if he had another love. She also asked if he really did want to marry her. I think it was a good thing that Elizabeth did write him. I could see that it brought Victor back to reality. Even if it was just for a little while. And now that we're back home, Victor assured Elizabeth that he is ready to marry her. The wedding is to be in ten days. I am really happy for the both of them and I really think that this marriage will bring Victor face to face with reality. Let's hope everything goes well.
Alphonse
During the stay in Paris, Victor had received a letter from Elizabeth. Something I never thought Elizabeth would do. Victor let me read the letter after he had read it. Basically, Elizabeth confessed her love for him and asked Victor if he had another love. She also asked if he really did want to marry her. I think it was a good thing that Elizabeth did write him. I could see that it brought Victor back to reality. Even if it was just for a little while. And now that we're back home, Victor assured Elizabeth that he is ready to marry her. The wedding is to be in ten days. I am really happy for the both of them and I really think that this marriage will bring Victor face to face with reality. Let's hope everything goes well.
Alphonse
Monday, November 22, 2010
Oh dear! (Chapter 21)
When I got home today, I once again received a letter regrading the welfare of Victor. Hoping it was some good news, it was the exact opposite. It was a letter from Mr. Kirwin, a town magistrate in charge of Victor's trial. Yes, a trial! My poor Victor was accused of a murder and is now sitting in prison extremely sick. And not just a murder of a complete stranger, but he was accused of the murder of his best friend. His best friend! Henry! Can you believe this? I know for a fact that Victor would never do such a thing, especially to Henry. I must go to Victor before this gets even worse, before it gets out of hand. I must do whatever I could do to help my poor son. He has lost almost everyone that was dear to him. First his brother, then Justine, and now Henry. What's next? I won't let this happen, I have to give it my all in helping him. After all, he is my son and I am his father.
Alphonse
Alphonse
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