Homosexuality in Wildes Picture of Dorian Grey :: essays research papers

A critical analysis of Oscar Wildes only novel would yield that it is in fact a pederastic allegory of doomed, forbidden passion. The family relationship between Lord Henry and Dorian, as well as Basil and Dorian is, clearly Homoerotic and mustve surprise Victorian society. Although Wilde halts short of stating that Basil and Lord Henry have sexual feelings for Dorian , the manner of speaking he uses to describe their devotion for Dorian is unmistakably the language of deep, romantic intimacy. Tell me more about Mr. Dorian Gray. How often do you see him?. Every day. I couldnt be happy if I didnt see him everyday. He is absolutely necessary to me. This common motif of homoerotic bonds between men plays a large role in structuring the novel. Basils painting is born(p) from his adoration of Dorians beauty , comparatively Lord Henry is overcome with desire to seduce Dorian. This sense of camaraderie between men fits into Wildes aesthetic values, for it returns him to his pas t where the doctrine of beauty was not only the basis of society but fundamental to culture. As a homosexual living in an intolerant society, Wilde asserted this philosophy in order to justify his own lifestyle. Its quite obvious that men have do have relationships with women in the novel- Dorian falls in love with sibyl and Lord Henry himself is married, but these heterosexual relationships are short lived. Victoria Wotton like most of the women in the novel is depicted with no in truth depth, she is briefly introduced, never to be heard from again. Made clear in Lord Henrys observation of sibyl, women are a decorative sex , her character is of pocketable substance also, as it becomes clear in the subsequent chapters when she so easily gives up her greatest talent in order to pursue a relationship with Dorian.