1981. The meaning of some literary works is
often enhanced by sustained allusion to myths, the Bible, or other works of
literature. Select a literary work that makes use of such a sustained
reference. Then write a well-organized essay in which you explain the allusion
that predominates in the work and analyze how it enhances the work's meaning.
**I know that my peers mentioned the need for more allusions, however, I understand the prompt only to be asking for one allusion and how it alone enhances the work's meaning.
Oscar Wilde’s novel, “The Picture of Dorian Gray” focuses on Dorian Gray’s
change in morals. The innocence once possessed by Dorian is no longer present,
and this transformation is achieved through Wilde’s use of a Biblical allusion to
the Garden of Eden. This allusion establishes
that there must be responsibility for one’s actions.
The beginning of the novel introduces us to a young and innocent boy, Dorian
Gray. However, these characteristics are shortly lived. Dorian
accompanies Lord Henry Wotton who is deceiving and lacking in morals, on a walk
through a garden. The garden is where the loss of innocence and corruption
begin; similarly The Garden of Eden is where Adam and Eve fell from
grace. Lord Henry through manipulation encourages Dorian to see his
beauty as a distinguishing factor of himself as expressed when Lord Henry says
“You have a wonderfully beautiful face…Beauty is a form of Genius-is higher,
indeed, than Genius, as it needs no explanation” (34). Lord Henry assumes
the role of Satan as he connives to mold Dorian into his own
character. Resultantly Dorian becomes egotistical and centers his
thoughts on materialistic possessions. Dorian’s actions are overshadowed by his
everlasting youth and beauty, and through this allusion the reason for the
consequences are explored.
One cannot disregard his actions and assume that consequences will not arise.
From the beginning the reader knows the end of the story based on the allusion.
Adam and Eve’s loss of innocence and disobedience toward God resulted in
punishment. They sinned and tried to hide, but God found them out.
Similarly Dorian lives his life without a care, but in the end after causing
the death of a young woman, and committing a murder himself, the torture of his
sins lead to remorse and his down fall. This shows that no matter what
happens your sins will find you out and repentance is a part of this
process. The allusion enhances this meaning because Dorian’s loss of
innocence is related to God, the ultimate judge of everyone. Readers are
better able to relate to Dorian because they know the story of Adam and Eve and
the consequences they suffered.
As in the Bible and in “The Picture of Dorian Gray” readers see the allusion to
the Garden of Eden and the deceitful temptation from Satan, Lord Henry.
Adam, Eve, and Dorian all lost their innocence from giving into the
deception. The Biblical allusion is necessary to show Dorian’s fall from
grace and the severity of this action, while it also directs the reader
throughout the novel to help him understand why Dorian repents.
Consequently Wilde’s use of this allusion shows that there are consequences for
one’s actions.
Caroline,
ReplyDeleteI agree that one allusion is probably okay. I like that you mentioned the connection to God, the ultimate judge. I think another way the allusion enhances the meaning is because under it, Dorian represents Adam and Eve and so by extension, humanity and new beginnings. It's almost as if Dorian's story is a warning to everyone about Man's flaws.
In the second paragraph, you mention that "these characteristics " are short lived ,but you only mention that he is young and innocent. In what ways is he innocent and how does he show that innocence? You explained the allusion to the Garden of Eden when he was first corrupted ,but did the garden come up again later in the novel? You could also mention that just as Dorian lost everything so did Adam and Eve.
ReplyDelete