A thematic study of the Gothic elements in Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray: Decadence, Horror and Violence

This study aims to highlight the three Gothic elements in The Picture of Dorian Gray: decadence, horror, and violence. As a typical example of Gothic fiction, the novel involves various features of the genre. The Picture of Dorian Gray includes the fundamental themes and motifs of traditional Gothic works, which seem to have had a deep influence on Oscar Wilde's vision. The most dominant theme in the novel is decadence, which can be found in most of the events and situations in the story. Oscar Wilde was deeply affected by the French movement Fin-de-siècle. This accounts for the pervasive atmosphere of decadence in the novel, as reflected in Dorian's fall into corruption, as well as in desolate places such as dark streets and the opium den. Additionally, the themes of horror and violence can be clearly seen in the novel. The theme of horror starts with the supernatural changes that occur in Dorian's portrait, goes on with the horror of being in desolate places, and ends up with crimes. There are two incidents in the novel that can be considered to be related to violence; namely, an act of murder (Dorian kills Basil) and an accidental death that occurs in the forest (James Vane is killed by a hunter). Besides, sometimes violence may turn inward. The theme of self-inflicted violence is exemplified first by Sybil's and later by Dorian's suicide. In addition to the three main features of the Gothic found in the novel–decadence, horror and violence- there are other Gothic elements such as supernatural, doubles, vanity, darkness and death. The supernatural aspect of Dorian's picture becomes evident as the handsome man in the picture magically changes into an old and horrible figure. With each sinful act Dorian commits, a supernatural change occurs in the picture and the man in the portrait grows uglier. In fact, the picture reflects the corruption of Dorian's soul and his sinful acts. At the end of the novel, Dorian commits suicide and the ugly man in the picture becomes transformed to a handsome young man. The poetic justice that takes place at the end of the story shows that the good and right always prevail against the evils and injustices of the world. Whoever falls into corruption and commits sinful acts will surely be defeated sooner or later. Another lesson one can take from the story is that nothing in this universe is permanent. Dorian wants to keep his youth permanently, so he indulges in all kinds of pleasure with a sheer indifference to the traditional Victorian values and norms, but ultimately he fails and faces his tragic end.