The Mirror of Dorian Gray: Narcissism as a Victorian Sin

Bc. Jesika Novotná

Bachelor's thesis

Abstract:

Kniha Obraz Doriana Graye je v dnešní době považována za jedno z klasických děl anglické literatury a byla akademiky zkoumána z mnoha perspektiv. Cílem této práce je analýza osobnosti Doriana Graye se zaměřením na jeho narcismus v období viktoriánské Anglie. Dále se práce zaměřuje právě na Viktoriánské období a zabývá se morálními zásadami a hodnotami tamější společnosti a její postoje k diskutovaným tématům jako je homosexualita, estétství a dandysmus.

Abstract:

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is nowadays considered as British classical piece surveyed by many scholars from various perspectives. The aim of this thesis is to assess the personality of Dorian Gray in relation to narcissism against the backdrop of Victorian England. It provides a picture of Victorian moods and discusses their moral values and beliefs. Moreover, it examines Victorian attitudes to significant topics covered in the book such as homosexuality, aesthetic movement and dandyism. Furthermore, it highlights Dorian’s personality and behaviour in connection to theories about narcissism proposed by lead thinkers trying to find parallels between Dorian being captured in a narcissistic trap and being intoxicated by his own personality, as proof of his narcissistic personality.

Keywords

Dorian Gray, narcissism, vanity, Victorian England, dandyism, Freud, homosexuality

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 31. 3. 2017

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 2. 6. 2017
• Supervisor: Mgr. Zuzana Kršková, Ph.D.
• Reader: Mgr. Lucie Podroužková, Ph.D.

Masaryk University

Faculty of Education

Bachelor programme / field:
Specialization in Education / Lower Secondary School Teacher Training in English Language and Literature