Dorian Gray’s Psyche : A Study in Aesthetics, Narcissism, and The Impact of Society

Abstract

Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray delves deeply into themes of aestheticism, influence, and the complexities of the human psyche. This article explores the powerful yet destructive role Lord Henry Wotton plays in shaping Dorian Gray’s journey, steering him toward a life of vanity and moral decay. Lord Henry, a character who embodies Wilde’s provocative hedonistic ideals, acts as both a mentor and a manipulator, introducing Dorian to a philosophy that ultimately leads to his ruin. The discussion also highlights the homoerotic undertones in the relationships central to the story, along with the psychological fragilities that make Dorian so susceptible to external pressures. Wilde’s novel serves as a sharp critique of Victorian values while offering a timeless warning about the dangers of unrestrained indulgence and society’s obsession with youth and beauty.