Literary Elements In Dorian Wilde's The Picture Of Dorian Gray

The literature that occurred during the Victorian era was another main factor during that time. In this period of time, Gothic literature had become very popular and the novel was seen to be a gothic novel (“The Picture of Dorian Gray; A mirror of the Victorian era, era of Hypocrisy” 1). Gothic literature is portrayed as showing the darkest features in human nature that reveals his or her dark passions, like many of the characters features in the novel (“The Picture of Dorian Gray; A mirror of the Victorian era, era of Hypocrisy” 1). Furthermore, many of the notable gentleman became obsessed with their reputation (“The Picture of Dorian Gray; A mirror of the Victorian era, era of Hypocrisy” 1). For example, they began to hide their

The three main literary devices that are used in this novel are symbolism, diction, and references. The diction that Wilde uses throughout the novel, allows the readers to have a more understanding of what the characters beliefs and traits are and allow them to enjoy the novel more. Symbolism gives the readers a visualization of what the self-portrait, yellow book, and the opium dens represent.

The way Wilde words the diction in the novel, allows the reader to have an opinion on what he or she thinks the writing style is. In the novel and other pieces of work, Wilde was known for intentionally confusing the diction and phrases(Reader 453). He felt as though he should not tell the reader what to think, but let the reader come up with his or her own ethical code (Ross 6). In one part of the novel, Wilde compares Lord Henry’s words to music, which relates to many of Walter Pater’s writings (Reader 457). Also, Lord Henry’s diction was what brought Dorian to make the wish that he did in the beginning. The diction used throughout the novel is what gives the readers a visualization of who the characters really

The id does not get affected by its surroundings, it functions within the part of the mind that is unconscious. It also functions on the pleasure principle, which is the idea that every desirous impulse must be satisfied, no matter the consequences. The ego is the representation of compromising to try to bypass the consequences (“Id, Ego and Superego” 1). The superego includes the values and morals from both of one’s parents and from other individuals(“Id, Ego and Superego” 2). The three main male characters are able to be incorporated into the three parts of the human