The Picture of Dorian Gray is a classic novel by Oscar Wilde that has been around for over a century It follows the story of young Dorian Gray and his pursuit of pleasure, beauty, and immortality. As the story progresses, we learn that Dorian has made a Faustian bargain, a trade of his soul for youth and beauty. His moral corruption is mirrored in his portrait, which becomes increasingly more grotesque as Dorian indulges in more and more perverse activities.
The Picture of Dorian Gray is a highly symbolic and analytical novel, and is thus a great source of material for an analysis essay. Here are five good topics to consider when writing an essay on The Picture of Dorian Gray.
1. The Metaphorical Significance of the Picture. The Picture of Dorian Gray is full of rich and dense symbolism. Analyze the painting in the story and the various allegorical meanings it holds. Discuss the role it plays in Dorian’s loss of innocence, as well as the many interpretations of what it might symbolize.
2. The Philosophy of Hedonism. Hedonism is a major theme in The Picture of Dorian Gray and it is closely linked to Dorian’s moral downfall. Explore the concept of hedonism and how it is used in the text to represent the dangers of pleasure-seeking, particularly when taken to an extreme.
3. The Faustian Bargain. Explore the idea of the Faustian bargain and the implications of such a trade. How is the pact Dorian makes with the devil portrayed, and how is it connected to the idea of morality and consequence?
4. The Character of Dorian Gray. Examine the character of Dorian Gray, his motivations, and how his character changes over the course of the novel. Discuss how his vanity and pursuit of pleasure leads him to make a dangerous and immoral bargain with dark forces.
5. The Use of Symbolism in The Picture of Dorian Gray. Oscar Wilde’s writing style is rife with symbolism, and The Picture of Dorian Gray is no exception. Analyze some of the major symbols used in the novel and discuss their metaphorical meanings, their importance to the plot, and the messages they convey.