Blog Post #1 Semester 2: Setting of The Picture of Dorian Gray

   

      The prompt I chose to explore in the course of this blog post was: Describe the setting of the novel. Include details about the place and time as well as lines from the book that include good imagery. Without a shadow of doubt, this book has been one of the most eye opening novels I have ever read. I am not yet through with this novel, but the dynamic character that Oscar Wilde- the classical author of this novel- has created captivated me. However, one element that adds to the aura of mysteriousness and perfection is undoubtedly the setting of the novel.


     His novel takes place in the pinnacle of the Decadent artistic movement of the latter part of the 1800's. Wilde never explicitly states the any actual dates in the novel but through his inclusion of a book referred to as the "yellow book," researches agree that this must refer to a novel published in 1884, implying that Dorian must be living some time after its publication. Intriguingly enough, the Decadent movement took place in the setting of the Victorian Era, known for its social divisions and judgmental standards. Wilde Highlights the drastic contrasts between the dull middle class and the sins committed by the wealthy (and corrupt) upper-class.

   The novel takes place in London, meaning that in the late 19th century there were 2 major parts of London, the wealthy West End and the dilapidated East End. Dorian lives in the West end where he frequents between his own home, various gentleman's clubs, theaters and symphony halls. In the East End Dorian does what would be frowned down upon by European society: he does drugs.

     The 2 settings are representative Dorian's 2 sided nature. In the West End, he is the dauntless gentleman, aristocratic youth and the one who sets trends. He takes advantage of the best that London society has to offer to satisfy his desires. Conversely, in the East end he becomes a creepy, sulking and just generally an evil, unethical and immoral person. In every way possible the 2 settings represent the 2 sides of Dorian, including the sinful side of Dorian that he tries to hide from society.

   One quote that demonstrates excellent imagery from the novel is, "Where he went he hardly knew. He remembered wandering through dimly lit streets, past gaunt, black-shadowed archways and evil-looking houses. Women with hoarse voices and harsh laughter had called after him. Drunkards had reeled by cursing, and chattering to themselves like monstrous apes. He had seen grotesque children huddled upon doorsteps, and heard shrieks and oaths from gloomy courts" (Wilde 197). This quote vividly described the "hidden" side of Dorian Gray and how it coincided with the East End of London that was previously described.

To find out more about the setting visit the link below:
http://thebestnotes.com/booknotes/Picture_Dorian_Gray/Picture_Of_Dorian_Gray02.html