Oscar Wilde
The Picture of Dorian Gray
The Preface
“The artist is the creator of beautiful things.
To reveal are and conceal the artist is art’s aim.
The critic is he who can translate into another manner or a new material his impression of beautiful things.
…
Those who go beneath the surface do so at their peril.
Those who read the symbol do so at their peril.”
This bold preface brings together many revelations. For one, the artist is a direct connection to Basil Hallward. Furthermore, it goes to symbolize the inner guilt bestowed by Mr. Hallward’s—a creator of beautiful things. Mr. Hallward decided to go beneath the surface of Dorian Gray. He do so at his peril. A brilliant preface entices the reader to push on through this classic piece of 19th century literature.
Basil Hallward + Dorian Gray
Oscar Wilde does a fantastic job of utilizing the relationship between Basil Hallward and Dorian Gray to exemplify and construct the concept of beauty. Basil Hallward was an artist of beautiful things such as a portrait of Dorian Gray. The painting captures he creates captures the superficial beauty of Dorian, which is extremely superb; however, as the novel continues Basil Hallward and Dorian Gray begin to drift away—promptly following an introduction between Dorian Gray and Lord Henry. As Dorian begins to drift away from Basil Hallward he begins to live a hedonistic lifestyle—thus corrupting his soul and tearing away his past beauty. Dorian Gray’s opinion of the piece begins to change as the painting reminds him of his pure past youth and beauty. This is hugely significant on Dorian Gray’s 38th birthday when Basil confronts Dorian about the rumors, stirred from his hedonistic life. Basil plead Dorian to repent to which Dorian snaps stabbing him—killing Basil Hallward. This beauty that ultimately ends up in the murder of Basil Hallward is a reflection of the outer beauty being exalted and placed on a pedestal.
Beauty as a Concept
In and of itself, beauty is beauty. The source of tragedy in The Picture of Dorian Gray springs from beauty being overly important. In Dorian Gray, beauty becomes identity and his only source of self-worth. For Lord Henry, beauty is something solely to take self-righteous pleasure from. In Basil Hallward, beauty was constantly begin sought after in his art, life, and vision of Dorian Gray—which, ultimately, lead to his death. While beauty in and of itself is not evil, the exaltation and indulgence of beauty in hollow and unfulfilling.