The Slay of Dorian G(r)ay: Homosexual Desire and Perception of Beauty in Wilde’s Novel

Bc. Adriana Czanner

Bachelor's thesis

Abstract:

Tato práce analyzuje vnímání krásy a homosexualitu v knize Oscara Wilda The Picture of Dorian Gray. Práce také zkoumá marnivost a hedonistickou povahu hlavní postavy, Doriana Graye. Odkazy románu na homosexualitu spolu s morálkou postav jsou diskutovány v kontextu historického pozadí viktoriánského přístupu k homosexualitě. Práce nadále bere v úvahu vlivy na Oscara Wilda, jako je například literatura Waltera Patera nebo Wildův zájem o starověké Řecko, ale také Wildeovy soudní procesy a uvěznění.

Abstract:

This thesis analyzes the perception of beauty and homosexuality in Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray. It also explores the vanity and hedonistic nature of the protagonist. The novel’s references to homosexuality, along with the morality of the characters, are discussed against the historical background of the Victorian approach to homosexuality. The work considers influences on Oscar Wilde’s work, such as Walter Pater’s literature and his interest in Ancient Greece, as well as Wilde’s trials and imprisonment.

Keywords

Oscar Wilde, homosexuality, beauty, hedonism, morality, vanity, Victorian morality

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 22. 4. 2024

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 18. 6. 2024
• Supervisor: Mgr. Barbora Kašpárková, Ph.D.
• Reader: Mgr. Jiří Šalamoun, Ph.D.

Masaryk University

Faculty of Education

Bachelor programme / field:
English Language for Education / English Language for Education