The society presented in The Picture of Dorian Gray values beauty and individualism above all else - NSC English HL - Question 6 - 2019 - Paper 2

In examining the notion that the society illustrated in Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray highly values beauty and individualism, one must delve into the motivations and consequences that unfold throughout the narrative.

Victorian society's obsession with beauty is indeed prominent, resembling a facade hiding moral bankruptcy. The perception that one's appearance reflects personal character is a recurring theme. This superficiality is evidenced by characters such as Dorian Gray, whose initial beauty is both his blessing and curse.

The Aesthetic movement, championed by figures like Lord Henry Wotton, further emphasizes the prioritization of beauty over morality. Lord Henry’s hedonistic philosophy encourages Dorian to embrace his physical appeal, leading to a tragic spiral defined by indulgence without accountability. Within this framework, beauty becomes a measure of worth, overshadowing ethical considerations.

Dorian’s downfall is foreshadowed through comparisons to mythological figures like Adonis and Narcissus, who also faced dire consequences due to their excessive vanity. Dorian’s obsession with his portrait—a symbol of his lost morality—ensures that he remains eternally youthful while his soul decays.

The dynamic between Dorian and Basil Hallward is critical; Basil admires Dorian as an object of beauty and inspiration, which in turn feeds Dorian's vanity and ultimately contributes to his moral degradation. Basil represents the potential for beauty to uplift, yet fails to prevent Dorian's spiraling descent into debauchery.

As Dorian embraces Lord Henry's worldview, the rejection of any moral compass leads to further isolation. In various instances, characters express detachment from the consequences of their actions—especially when they align with Dorian’s self-indulgent pursuits. This highlights the dangerous allure of valuing beauty above all else, leading to ethical blindness.

Ultimately, the novel argues that individualism, when tethered to vanity and the pursuit of fleeting beauty, can lead to destructive ends. While the societal inclination towards beauty is evident, it is the interplay of individual choices that amplifies the narrative's tragedy, illustrating that the value placed on aesthetics can indeed overshadow moral integrity.