Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray is a masterpiece that has intrigued readers for its exploration of beauty, morality, and hidden desires. Beyond its literary brilliance, the novel has been analyzed for its subtle and sometimes bold treatment of homosexuality, a taboo subject during Wilde’s time. This article explores notable quotes and themes in the book that reflect Wilde’s nuanced approach to sexuality, particularly homosexuality.
The Context of Homosexuality in Wilde’s Era
Oscar Wilde lived in Victorian England, where homosexuality was criminalized under laws such as the Labouchere Amendment. This societal backdrop influenced Wilde’s writing, often leading him to veil themes of same-sex attraction through subtext and coded language. The Picture of Dorian Gray reflects these constraints while subtly challenging Victorian norms.
Key Quotes Reflecting Homosexual Undertones
1. The Intense Admiration of Dorian by Basil Hallward
“I quite admit that I adored you madly, extravagantly, absurdly.”
Basil’s confession to Dorian encapsulates his infatuation. While the word “adored” can be read as platonic, its intensity suggests a deeper, romantic longing. Basil’s admiration for Dorian’s beauty drives his art and ultimately seals his fate, hinting at the societal dangers of unspoken same-sex attraction.
2. Lord Henry’s Seductive Philosophy
“The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it.”
Lord Henry Wotton’s hedonistic advice encourages Dorian to embrace his desires without moral restraint. While not explicitly about homosexuality, this philosophy promotes living authentically, which could be interpreted as Wilde’s coded advocacy for self-expression, even in forbidden realms.
3. Basil’s Artistic Obsession
“There was love in every line, and in every touch there was passion.”
Basil describes his artistic process of painting Dorian’s portrait. His use of the words “love” and “passion” elevates his relationship with Dorian beyond mere friendship, hinting at a romantic or erotic obsession. Basil’s art becomes a metaphor for the unspoken desires that Victorian society suppressed.
4. Dorian’s Influence and Relationships
“To him, man was a being with myriad lives and myriad sensations, a complex multiform creature.”
Dorian’s relationships with other male characters, though not explicitly romantic, suggest a form of influence and fascination that transcends traditional heterosexual norms. Wilde portrays Dorian as a figure who defies conventional expectations, both morally and sexually.
Themes of Homosexuality in The Picture of Dorian Gray
1. Beauty and Obsession
The novel repeatedly ties beauty to power and desire. Dorian’s physical allure captivates both men and women, reflecting Wilde’s belief in the universality of attraction and his subtle challenge to Victorian gender norms.
2. Secrecy and Shame
Dorian’s hidden life of debauchery parallels the secrecy forced upon LGBTQ+ individuals in Wilde’s time. The portrait, which bears the marks of Dorian’s moral corruption, symbolizes the hidden truths many were compelled to conceal.
3. Moral Ambiguity
By refusing to explicitly condemn or celebrate Dorian’s actions, Wilde invites readers to question societal norms, including those governing sexuality. The novel’s ambiguous moral stance reflects Wilde’s challenge to the rigid moral codes of his era.
Oscar Wilde’s Trial and the Subtext of the Novel
The Picture of Dorian Gray was used as evidence against Wilde during his trial for “gross indecency” in 1895. Critics at the time attacked the novel for its perceived immorality, particularly its subtle portrayal of same-sex attraction. Wilde defended his work as a piece of art, stating that it transcended conventional morality.
Conclusion
The Picture of Dorian Gray remains a fascinating exploration of beauty, desire, and morality, with subtle but powerful themes of homosexuality woven into its narrative. Oscar Wilde’s daring use of coded language and subtext reflects his defiance of Victorian norms and his belief in the complexity of human relationships. Through its layered storytelling, the novel continues to inspire conversations about love, attraction, and the constraints of societal expectations.