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.
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