ESSAY TOPIC: The principles pf Aestheticism contribute significantly to the degradation of
Dorian Gray’s soul. Critically discuss the extent to which agree with this statement
Oscar Wilde’s Preface defends the Principles of Aestheticism by exploring the advantages of living an
aesthetically pleasing and pleasurable lifestyle. The novel explores the idea that art/beauty should
be separated from morality. The Principles of Aestheticism encouraged people to prioritise beauty
and the pursuit of personal gratification to escape the harsh reality of life.
However, the novel presents the idea that a pleasurable lifestyle with no moral responsibility leads
to destruction.
Dorian is intrigued by the theories of Aestheticism espoused by Lord Henry. Dorian’s wish to remain
youthful and handsome is a reflection of his shallow preoccupation with outward signs of
attractiveness and worth.
When his wish is fulfilled, Dorian is able to lead a double life. Dorian remains physically beautiful
while the portrait becomes deformed and ugly.
Dorian’s narcissistic desire to remain young and beautiful, the fulfilment of the fatal wish and his
commitment to the pursuit of pleasure contributes to the degradation of Dorian’s soul.
Dorian is captivated by Sibyl’s artistic ability but he selfishly rejects her when her acting is no longer
aesthetically pleasing. Dorian’s indifference to Sibyl’s death is indicative of his tarnished soul.
Dorian’s lack of moral responsibility and his desperate need to live a pleasurable and beautiful life
comes with dire consequences. While appearing to avoid ugliness, Dorian paradoxically seeks it out;
he is drawn to the dingy underbelly of London. Dorian also experiences moments of paranoia and
fear. This is evident when he fears for his conscience and fears for his life when James Vane hunts
him down.
Lord Henry encourages Dorian’s narcissism and his desire to live life without regret. Dorian is unable
to resist Lord Henry’s influence and once committed to an aesthetic lifestyle, he does not have the
strength of character to reject it. Lord Henry’s poisonous philosophies, Aphorisms and the gifting of
the Yellow Book contribute to the degradation of Dorian’s soul.
Basil Hallward is a creator of beauty and he comes to idolise Dorian as an object of beauty. He also
becomes reliant on Dorian’s beauty to inspire his painting.
Basil’s portrait awakens Dorian’s vanity, which in turn motivates his desire to remain forever young
and handsome. The portrait gives Dorian immunity from the consequences of his corrupt actions,
allowing him to act with impunity.
Victorian Society’s preoccupation with beauty is a contributing factor to Dorian’s depravity. They
believe that one’s appearance is a reflection of one’s character and is more important than one’s
morals. Dorian’s many vices are excused because of his attractiveness which further motivates
Dorian to continue living a depraved lifestyle.
Dorian and his peers’ adherence to the principles of aestheticism leads them to value appearance
above morals/values. They are materialistic, surrounding themselves with beautiful objects. Their
lives are shallow and meaningless.
ESSAY TOPIC: In this novel the influence of Lord Henry Wotton and Basil Hallward leads to
Dorian Gray’s loss of innocence
(introduction) Although Basil has always been a talented painter, Dorian brings out his very best skills.
Lord Henry becomes interested in how Dorian’s power over Basil can influence his art so much, and
later decides to influence Dorian in the same way. While Dorian’s influence over Basil was
unintended, Lord Henry’s intentional manipulation has drastic consequences for Dorian.
Lord Henry declares that ‘to influence a person is to give him one’s own soul’.
He then takes it upon himself to mold Dorian into a puppet of his own views on life and morality.
Although Lord Henry characterizes his influence as immoral, he does not necessarily act in the way
he professes life should be lived.
He easily manipulates the young Dorian, comparing this feeling to playing upon a musical
instrument.
He introduces him to the importance of sensual pleasure thereby making Dorian feel that Lord
Henry has ‘revealed him to himself’.
He convinces him of the importance of youth and beauty and this propels Dorian to make the fateful
bargain that changes his life forever.
His fascinating and ‘poisonous’ theories about Life and Art influences Dorian to cruelly reject Sibyl
when she acts badly. This ultimately leads to her pitiful suicide.
The yellow book prompts him to live a life of excessive self-indulgence and immorality.
Basil worships Dorian as his muse and confesses to his ‘artistic idolatry’.
He makes Dorian aware of his beauty which leads to Dorian’s obsessive vanity.
It also encourages his narcissism.
He indirectly introduces him to Lord Henry although he pleads with Lord Henry not to influence him.
However, it is Dorian who chooses to indulge in the depravity that results in his loss of innocence.
Even when he has the opportunity for redemption, he refuses to take responsibility for his actions
and enjoys that the portrait absorbs his evil actions
ESSAY TOPIC: In the play, The Crucible, John Proctor and others are forced to sacrifice
that which is important to them
AGREE WITH STATEMENT:
John Proctor takes great pride in his name and reputation in Salem. He is respected by others based
on his strong opinions and dislike of hypocrites. He is a man who follows his own values of wrong or
right and this earns him a good name or reputation.
After his affair with Abigail and her subsequent ambition to eliminate Elizabeth, Proctor is compelled
to discredit Abigail’s influence in the court by revealing the knowledge of his affair with her.
Revealing the affair will provide the motive for Abigail’s accusations against Elizabeth and Abigail’s
misuse of power for personal gains.
Proctor’s confession to save Elizabeth has ‘rung the doom of [his] good name’. Once Proctor
confesses his affair, Elizabeth is summoned to account for the knowledge of the affair. Proctor
assures the court of Elizabeth’s honesty and that she would not lie.
Proctor later also sacrifices his life in an attempt to restore his goodness and die a good man. Even
though he was initially willing to betray the others (Rebecca and Martha) to save himself, he comes
to the realization that he can have his goodness again by refusing a false confession.
Elizabeth is known as a God-fearing and righteous woman and one who would act morally as her
faith instructs.
Elizabeth sacrifices her honesty/integrity and lies to the court in an attempt to save Proctor’s
reputation / good name. This is truly an act of love and sacrifice as she goes against her own moral
grain to save Proctor’s reputation.
Once Hale has denounced the court’s proceedings, he actively works with the condemned to
confess to witchcraft in order to save their lives.
Hale is driven by his own guilt in being misled by the girls and allowing the witch trials to gain
momentum and grow out of control.
He is therefore forced to go against his principles as a minister to convince honest people to lie to
keep them from the noose. He does the ‘devil’s work’ that is contrary to his role as minister.
It can also be said that Rebecca Nurse, Martha Corey and Giles Corey sacrifice their lives in an
attempt to remain truthful/virtuous or for the honor of protecting
others.
DISAGREE
Judge Danforth and Hathorn are ‘weighty judges’ who come to Salem to lead the witch trial
proceedings. Once doubt is cast on the evidence provided by the girls, through the disappearance of
Abigail and Mercy Lewis with Parris’s money, they refuse to postpone proceedings.
They refuse to sacrifice their reputation as judges and allow for the questioning of their rulings. They
proceed with the hangings and allow innocent people to die to protect their reputations.
Parris, feeling the pressure of preserving his position in Salem, initially supports the witch trials. He
is unwilling to sacrifice his position even though he is not convinced of the girls’ honesty after being
found in the woods.
