LEXICON

VOLUME 4 Number 1, April 2015 Page 60−68

HEDONISM AS SEEN IN OSCAR WILDE’S THE PICTURE OF DORIAN

GRAY

Anastasia Intan Kurnia Saputri

Abstract
This article discusses hedonism in Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray through the main character’s
actions and lifestyle. The Picture of Dorian Gray (1890) was published in the era where aestheticism movement was
flourishing. Aestheticism is an arts movement that promoted art for the sake of its beauty alone. This movement
is believed to be existed as a protest against the machine-made products in the Industrial Revolution which were
regarded to be ugly. Therefore, the whole story of The Picture of Dorian Gray concerns about beauty. By analyzing
the main character, this article aims to find out the role of the supporting characters, the similarity of Dorian’s
lifestyle with the real Victorian gentlemen, and the role of beauty and art in Dorian Gray’s changing behavior.
This study is conducted through library and internet research. It concludes that the main character Dorian Gray
has undergone a process that changes his behavior which is involving the role of the supporting characters, the
similarity of gentlemen’s lifestyle in the story with the real Victorian society, and the role of beauty and art which
overall have changed Dorian’s behavior and lifestyle to the point where it can be regarded as hedonic.

Keywords: beauty, behavior Hedonism, lifestyle, Victorian society

Intisari
Artikel ini mendiskusikan aspek hedonisme di dalam novel The Picture of Dorian Graykarya Oscar Wilde
melalui tindakan-tindakan dan gaya hidup dari sang tokoh utama, Dorian Gray. The Picture of Dorian Gray
(1890) dipublikasikan pada saat gerakan estetika mulai berkembang. Paham estetika merupakan gerakan seni yang
mempromosikan seni sebagai hal yang hanya perlu dinilai dari sisi keindahannya semata. Gerakan ini dipercaya
muncul sebagai aksi protes atas produk-produk buatan mesin pada era Revolusi Industri yang dianggap jelek secara
visual. Oleh karenanya, keseluruhan cerita dari The Picture of Dorian Gray cenderung berpusat padahal keindahan.
Dengan menganalisa tokoh utama, artikel ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui peran daritokoh-tokoh pendukung,
kesamaan gaya hidupkalangan atas masyarakat Viktoria dengan Dorian, danperan dari keindahan dan seni di
dalam perubahan sikap Dorian Gray. Studi ini menerapkan metode penelitian melalui perpustakaan dan internet.
Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini adalah bahwa sang tokoh utama, Dorian Gray, telah melalui proses dalam perubahan
perilakunya yang mana melibatkan peran dari tokoh-tokoh pendukung, persamaan gaya hidup kalangan atas yang
digambarkan dalam cerita dengan keadaan sebenarnya pada era Viktoria, dan juga peran dari keindahan dan seni
yang secara keseluruhan menghasilkanperubahan perilaku dan gaya hidup Dorian kearah hedonistik.

Kata kunci: gaya hidup, Hedonisme, keindahan, masyarakat Viktoria, perilaku

60
 LEXICON, Volume 4, Number 1, April 2015

INTRODUCTION arts is worth to pursue. Specifically in terms of ‘beauty’

and its relation to art, some argued that natural beauty
The Picture of Dorian Gray is a novel by Oscar
is subordinated to artistic beauty, that traditionally art
Wilde which was published in 1890. This story is set
was considered as a source of beauty. Plato separated
in London at the end of the nineteenth century, and it
art and beauty into two independent concepts: reflect
is an example of fiction with strong themes interpreted
beauty reflects truth, while art is a deceiving imitation
from the legendary Faust. Faust is the protagonist of a
of nature.
classic German legend. He is a scholar who is highly
The term "hedonism," from the Greek word ἡδονή
successful yet dissatisfied with his life, so he makes a
(hēdonē) for pleasure, refers to “…self-indulgence and
pact with the Devil, exchanging his soul for unlimited
having a very loose or liberal view of the morality of
knowledge and worldly pleasures. There are many
sex” (newworldencyclopedia.com). The Victorian
issues put in the work, such as aestheticism, decadence,
society was known for their hedonistic lifestyle,
beauty, art, and immorality. All of these issues can be
although they were also known as great moralizers
put into one topic, which is Hedonism, the doctrine
for their strict social code. Yet, the upper-class society
that pleasure of happiness is the sole or chief good in
was also known for their duality which often regarded
life (Merriam-Webster, 2012).
as ‘Victorian hypocrisy’. It is because the upper-class
The Picture of Dorian Gray story sets in Victorian
society was not like what they look, especially for the
London, an era which was also notable as aestheticism
upper-class men. The men in this era liked to spend
era. Aestheticism is the late-nineteenth-century
their money on gambling, coffee, clothes, clubs, and
arts movement that promoted art for the sake of its
women, although this society also had very strict
beauty alone, not for any utilitarian, moral, or political
code on sexuality. This study aims to find out the
purpose (Matsuoka, 2004:78). Oscar Wilde’s The
contributions of the supporting characters, beauty,
Picture of Dorian Gray is a novel in which beauty, art,
and art toward the main character’s changing behavior.
and pleasure-seeking lifestyle are shown bravely in the
Also, this study aims to find out the similarities of
story. Throughout the story, these issues are shown to
Dorian Gray’s hedonic lifestyle with the Victorian
the reader by the characters’ way of thinking and the
upper-class’ lifestyle. This study reveals that the main
cultures of the Victorian era depicted. Beauty, however,
character’s behavior is basically the same with the
can be interpreted in many ways which can be differently
typical Victorian gentlemen in terms of hedonism.
across the time and cultures. It is a subjective concept
This study also discusses the importance of beauty in
for its quality is different to every person. Yet, people’s
the Victorian society. This study attempts to address
mindset to ideal beauty can be formed or influenced
the question: how the supporting characters, beauty,
through some media such as magazine, commercial,
and art contribute to the main character’s behavioral
newspapers, or internet which resulting in women to
changes, and how the main character’s behavior and
feel insecure about their appearances (James, 2013:1).
lifestyle similar to the real Victorian gentlemen.
The Victorians’ obsession on physical beauty can be
seen as this society saw things as what they seemed.
The Victorians valued one’s clothing as an immediate SUPPORTING CHARACTERS’
indication for their position in the society. To this CONTRIBUTIONS IN DORIAN
society, a physical look was the standard to judge one’s GRAY’S CHANGING BEHAVIOR
inner thoughts and emotions. In terms of art, there was The Picture of Dorian Gray is a novel by Oscar
a slogan about art in the Aestheticism era as mentioned Wilde about an innocence and beautiful Dorian who
earlier, ‘art for art’s sake’, which was originally a French changes to be a violence and sinful person in order to
slogan "l'art pour l'art', it was the idea that art should be pursue eternal beauty and youth. In this chapter, the
judged purely by its beauty and form rather than by any present writer is discussing the contributions of the
external factors and background or any moral messages three supporting characters: Lord Henry Wotton, Basil
in it. For example, a painting should be perceived only Hallward, and Sibyl Vane that lead to the change of
for its beauty, spectators cannot include their feelings Dorian Gray’s behavior. This chapter is also discussing
in seeing the painting. Furthermore about the slogan, the process of Dorian Gray’s changing behavior and
it tells that art needs no justification, that it has no need the hedonic aspect found in his lifestyle in the story.
to serve any purposes, and that the beauty of the fine

61
A Study of Speech Acts in Computer Products Advertisements

Dorian Gray as the main character in the novel Another character that has important contribution
has undergone a change in his behavior. He changes in influencing Dorian’s behavior is Basil Hallward, an
from an innocence young man into an evil individual. artist who adores Dorian for his “simple and a beautiful
In this change, Dorian is not the only one who willingly nature” (Wilde, 2008:18). He is the one who opens
changes himself; his surroundings have supported and Dorian’s eyes to see his beauty. Basil describes Dorian’s
led Dorian to change himself from good to bad. As beauty as “something art cannot express” (Wilde,
can be seen in the story, the supporting characters, the 2008:14). However, in painting Dorian’s portrait, Basil
society’s view on beauty, and also the works of arts are worries that he has put too much of himself into it, he
the ones that facilitate Dorian’s changes behavior. fears that his impression towards Dorian will be too
Dorian Gray is depicted as a handsome, young, apparent in the picture. He knows that his admiration
and a wealthy young man, he appears as an ideal towards Dorian can lead him to paint every detail of
male figure with his youth and beauty. Dorian starts Dorian’s image to the point where it can show Basil’s
to fear of aging and to lose his beauty after he knows admiration toward Dorian. Basil thinks that as an
the importance of beauty from the other character, artist, he will betray himself if he shows too much
thus he wishes to exchange place with the portrait of of his feeling into his work, because this means that
himself which turns out to be true. He stays young and his painting will express his own feeling, rather than
beautiful while the portrait ages and becomes uglier the real object of his work. Yet unfortunately, Basil’s
every time Dorian commits sin. Although Dorian admiration towards Dorian that leads him to draw
is first introduced as a naïve young man, he changes the best figure of Dorian, has also facilitate Dorian’s
gradually to be pleasure-seeker person because of the changing behavior that ultimately brings death to Basil.
contributions and influences of the other characters. It is because Basil witnesses the change of the portrait
The idea of pleasure-seeking life is advocated by and Dorian is afraid if Basil tells everyone about it.
Lord Henry Wotton, an upper-class gentleman who Sibyl Vane is also one of the supporting characters
is described as a charming talker, a famous wit, and who has an important contribution in Dorian’s
a brilliant intellect. He is a manipulative person who changing behavior. In the novel, Sibyl Vane is depicted
teaches Dorian about Hedonism—a view that one as a beautiful and talented actress with whom Dorian
should live to seek pleasure as much as one can, and falls in love with at the first sight. However, Dorian’s
to avoid any kind of pain. He encourages the main love towards Sibyl is a spectator’s love towards an art
character, Dorian Gray, to live life to its fullest with his piece, because he only loves her beauty and her talent
youth and beauty without concerning about the social in acting. His love lasts until one night Dorian brings
norms. Lord Henry is a relatively static character; Basil and Lord Henry in one of her performance in
he does not undergo a significant change from the which she acts poorly. Dorian cannot stand the way
beginning of the story until the end. Therefore, she acts and Sybil is even called as a “school-girl who
although Lord Henry is a hedonist who advocates the has been taught to recite by some second-rate professor
equal pursuit of both moral and immoral experience, of elocution” (Wilde, 2008:72). Sybil never realizes
he lives a staid life in the society. Dorian’s way in loving her, so her poor acting is actually
Lord Henry is also a man who values beauty, he done on purpose to proof that she is no longer living a
adores Dorian’s beauty and describes it as “one of those fake romance on stage because she is living in the real
gracious figures in a pageant or a play, whose joys one with Dorian. Basically, their relationship is ruined
seem to be remote from one, but whose sorrows stir because of the different thoughts between Dorian and
one’s sense of beauty, and whose wounds are like red Sybil: Dorian praises art more than love, while Sybil
roses” (Wilde, 2008:58). However, he disagrees that a praises love more than art. The end of their relationship
person can have both beauty and intellectuality. He tragically ends up by Sybil commits suicide. For him,
thinks that an individual can only be either beautiful the tragedy somehow has “artistic elements of beauty”
or intellectual. Therefore, realizing that Dorian is (Wilde, 2008:94) and he, as both “spectator and actor”
beautiful, Lord Henry constantly makes effort to tempt feels that it is somehow appealing to his sense (Wilde,
Dorian to act as what he says. He tries to fill Dorian’s 2008:94). He suddenly feels this extraordinary feeling
mind with his ideas on hedonic life, an soon Dorian of losing the one he loved, yet at the same time also
grabs those ideas into his. feels excited for “Some one has killed herself for love

62
 LEXICON, Volume 4, Number 1, April 2015

of you [Dorian]” (Wilde, 2008:94). Knowing that his beauty, he is expressing his own feelings towards
portrait will hide all of his sins, Dorian thinks that Dorian.
he has to make the choice of his life: not to sin and Through the portrait, Dorian realizes his beauty
act immorally anymore to preserve his beautiful soul “…as if he had recognized himself for the first time“
as pictured in the portrait, or to pursue his curiosity (Wilde, 2008:33) and he starts to feel jealous with it
about life no matter how immoral it is, for his portrait because its beauty will not change through time.
will hide it all for him, and Dorian eventually makes Dorian’s jealousy in fact triggers Dorian to wish to
the latter choice exchange places with the portrait which is mysteriously
Dorian’s love toward Sibyl, which is only for granted. He knows it after the portrait starts to change
her physical beauty and her artistic talent in acting, after he dumps Sibyl Vane.
symbolizes the priority of outward view rather than The change of the portrait coincides with the
the inner self. Dorian’s evil act in dumping Sybil is the change of Dorian’s behavior which is influenced
first sign of his changing behavior that resulting the by Lord Henry’s view on women. The process of
portrait to also change for the first time. From this Dorian becoming evil starts when Lord Henry
point, Dorian realizes the portrait’s ability in concealing advocates viewing women as ‘a decorative sex’ (Wilde,
his immorality and ugliness. Consequently, he starts to 2008:54) which depreciates Sibyl in Dorian’s eyes and
continue his ‘adventure’ in seeking pleasure no matter encourages Dorian to dump her when he finds Sibyl
how immoral it will be. is not attractive to him anymore which resulting the
Therefore, Sibyl Vane has a big contribution in suicide of Sibyl Vane (Maras, 2011:7).
the story, as she has become the first victim of Dorian This part of the story where Dorian dumps Sibyl
Gray’s changing behavior which also becomes Dorian’s and the portrait changes for the first time have broken
turning-point before he commits other sins. Dorian’s the concept of "Art for art's sake" Oscar Wilde has
choice to live in hedonic and immoral life with his adopted. According to the American painter James
beauty has showed by the portrait which continues to McNeill Whistler (1834 – 1903).
decay as it covers Dorian’s sins. Art should be independent of all claptrap —should
stand alone and appeal to the artistic sense of eye or
THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF BEAUTY ear, without confounding this with emotions entirely
AND ART IN DORIAN GRAY’S foreign to it, as devotion, pity, love, patriotism and the
CHANGING BEHAVIOR like. (newworldencyclopedia.com)
The artists and writers in the Aestheticism
In the process of Dorian’s changes, the works movement asserted that there was no connection
of art also have important contributions in luring between art and morality. The first principle of
Dorian into the hedonic life he is taught, those works aestheticism is that art serves no other purpose than
of art are: the picture and the ‘yellow book’. Dorian’s to offer beauty. Therefore, Dorian’s portrait has no
portrait can be considered as the first media to change longer served as beauty expression, because it now
Dorian’s behavior at the first place as the portrait itself, serves as the reflection of one’s morality, instead. The
symbolizes his desires of beauty and youth. Initially, function of art in Dorian’s portrait is now having the
the portrait is meant to express the beauty of a man relation with his morality. The portrait works as a
named Dorian, as what an art should be—media to mirror to reflect Dorian’s soul, the portrait rots every
express beauty. As Susan Sontag states in her article time Dorian commits sin. As the portrait decays to be
entitled An Argument about Beauty, more gruesome and aged along with the sins Dorian
Beauty, it seems, is immutable, at least when has done, at the same time Dorian compares it with his
incarnated—fixed—in the form of art, because it appearance that stays beautiful and flawless. He realizes
is in art that beauty as an idea, an eternal idea, is that the portrait is no longer the representative of his
best embodied. (Sontag, 2002:22) beauty, yet it reflects his inner truth. The portrait that
used to serve as beauty expression purpose, transforms
Even the painter, Basil Hallward, worries that he
into serving a moral purpose. It used to be an object
puts too much of his feelings into it, because it can
of beauty, yet it transforms into a vile record of guilt,
distract the initial purpose of the art piece—to express
something “bestial, sodden and unclean” (Wilde,
beauty. He is afraid that instead of expressing Dorian’s
2008:121) (www.bl.uk). Thus, the function of art in

63
A Study of Speech Acts in Computer Products Advertisements

expressing beauty has gone since the portrait changes THE CHANGE OF DORIAN
for the first time. GRAY’S BEHAVIOR AND HIS
In Dorian Gray’s self, the split between outside LIFESTYLE ASSOCIATED WITH THE
look and the reality is visualized and made apparent by VICTORIAN SOCIETY
the portrait. It shows what Dorian has been concealing:
At the time of The Picture of Dorian Gray
his conscience, his aging, his moral corruption and
publication, the Aesthetic Movement was flourishing in
psychological decadence. While the portrait continues
Victorian England. Aestheticism is an arts movement
to rot depends on Dorian’s sin, his body maintains the
that promoted art for the sake of its beauty alone, not
portrait’s innocence and beauty. This exchanging place
for any utilitarian, moral, or political purpose. This
between Dorian and the portrait symbolizes that looks
movement is believed to exist as a protest against ugly
can be deceiving.
products manufactured by invented machines in the
The ‘yellow book’ is another art work that has an
Industrial Revolution (Matsuoka, 2004:78). When the
important contribution in Dorian’s changing behavior
novel was first published in 1890, The Picture of Dorian
throughout the novel. As Dorian’s mind is still under the
Gray was considered to be immoral. Therefore, Oscar
spell of Lord Henry’s idea of hedonism and pleasures
Wilde revised it and re-published his novel a year later
he can achieve through his beauty, his mind is followed
with a preface that explained his aesthetic approach.
up by Lord Henry’s book he lends Dorian, which is
In the preface, he stated: “There is no such a thing
mentioned simply as ‘the yellow book’, which is named
as a moral or immoral book. Books are well written
after its cover’s color. The book is even mentioned as
or badly written. That is all” (Wilde, 2014: Preface).
“…a poisonous book” (Wilde, 2008:126). The book
Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the novel and its
reveals things Dorian could only dare to imagine and
relation with the real Victorian era, to understand what
it gives him the idea about the way of living in pleasure,
kind of actions or behaviors that were considered to
which he brings into reality through his actions, the
be immoral in the Victorian era, since art for art’s sake
book has been surely his guide to live.
should not value an artwork from its morality.
Beauty also has a big importance in the whole
In the story, Dorian undergoes a change in his
story. For Dorian, it is his first concern, because he lives
behavior as the result of the contributions given by
in a society that greatly values outer look. Eventually,
his surroundings. Those contributions has eventually
Dorian’s concern on beauty has driven him to pay a
change Dorian from a good person into a bad person.
big attention on what he is wearing and how he looks.
However, it is actually optional for Dorian to follow the
The word ‘dandy’ is the best word to describe Dorian’s
influences from his surrounding or not. Therefore, one
interest in physical beauty. In the Victorian era, the
thing that should be analyzed is what happens in Dorian
word ‘dandy’ had a positive connotation which “…
Gray’s mind when he receives those influences.
refers specifically to a particular male who gives too
Based on the perspectives of Freudian
much attention to his appearance in regards to clothes,
Psychological theory, human sub consciousness is
manners, and class” (Thompson, 2015). Through The
divided into three parts: Id, Ego, and Superego. The Id
Picture of Dorian Gray, Victorian’s view is revealed that
and the Superego happen unconsciously, while the Ego
a person’s character can be determined by their outside
happens consciously. The Id is the reservoir of human’s
appearance whereas Dorian Gray and the portrait
desires and needs, including human’s instinct and sexual
showing the opposite. The obsession on physical
desires (Tyson, 2006:25). Dorian’s Id is represented by
beauty and pleasure is not balanced with the morality.
the picture, because it preserves the eternal beauty and
While Dorian remains beautiful, the portrait inscribes
youth which becomes Dorian’s desire. After examining
his sin on the canvas which shows his inner truth. The
the portrait and its beauty, he starts to have a desire to
hideous portrait is the symbol of the immorality, and
pursue an eternal beauty and youth like what appears
Dorian with his pure appearance implies that a look
in the portrait. Thus, the portrait itself is a symbol that
can be deceiving.
represents Dorian’s desire and obsession to the eternal
beauty and youth. However, Lord Henry is also the
manifestation of Dorian’s Id, because he is the one

64
 LEXICON, Volume 4, Number 1, April 2015

who gives the idea to always seek for pleasure in life, Wilde revised it and re-published his novel a year later
which becomes Dorian’s another desire. According with a preface that explained his aesthetic approach.
to Tyson, the Superego is “in direct opposition of In the preface, he stated: “There is no such a thing as
the Id” which contains the sense of right and wrong a moral or immoral book. Books are well written or
human has experienced through social regulation or badly written. That is all” (Wilde, 2014: Preface).
social etiquette (Tyson, 2006:25). Dorian’s Superego In the story, Hedonism—a life goal in which one
is influenced by Victorian’s social rules that can should gain pleasures as much as possible and avoid
limit his act and restrict him from immoral actions. pain or struggle in life—is shown clearly. Through The
Furthermore, Tyson states that the Superego is often Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde had revealed the
regarded as conscience, which generally implies hedonic aspect of the Victorian upper-class society
something good (Tyson, 2006:25). In this case, Basil through the hints of Victorian lifestyle shown in the
Hallward can be regarded as Dorian’s conscience for story. In the Victorian era, the middle-class and upper-
he often counsels Dorian not to follow Lord Henry’s class society had a big concern in everything they did
advices. Basil Hallward also tries to confront Lord and everything they wore and have. They also pay
Henry not to spoil Dorian Gray: “Don’t spoil him for attention to their attitude, to keep their reputation
me. Don’t try to influence him. Your influence would good.
be bad” (Wilde, 2008:18). At the very beginning of Victorian society, especially for the upper-class,
the novel, Basil also gives advice to Dorian not to “… had their daily activities scheduled. Activities like
pay any attention to what Lord Henry says. He [Lord breakfast, walking, afternoon tea, party, dinner, even
Henry] has a very bad influence over all his friends” go to bed had been arranged neatly; therefore they
(Wilde, 2008:23). had to always be punctual in each activity. In those
While the Id and Superego works in human’s activities, different dresses and suits were required.
unconsciousness, the Ego is the conscious self which They had to wear specific dresses or for walking,
experiences the external occurrences through the picnic, dinner, and bed. The hedonic aspect in this
senses. The Ego plays an important contribution as the routine is shown through the assistance they needed
mediator between Id and Superego. In other words, in preparing everything, including helping them get
Ego is the product of conflicts between desires (Id) dressed. In Victorian era, the number of maid and
and social rules (Superego). Each of Dorian’s actions is servant were also a tool to determine someone’s class,
the result of the conflict between his Id and Superego. the more servants they had, the higher their status was.
Therefore, these three elements of human mind should Socializing was one of the important things
work in balance. Otherwise, a change in one of them Victorians had to do in their daily routine, especially
will affect the two others, resulting mental disorder for the gentlemen. In The Picture of Dorian Gray, the
to the individual (Tyson, 2006:2005). Thus, every act characters such as Basil, Lord Henry, and Dorian often
Dorian commits—whether it is moral or immoral in attend some dinners, clubs or opera houses. Gathering
the society—determines his psychological balance. events such as dinner and attending clubhouses were
As mentioned before, social rules and etiquette popular among the Victorian gentlemen as the media
have a significance importance in shaping an to socialize with other people. Formal dinner party
individual’s self. Therefore, the context of the novel in which upper-class society attended was a place
is worth to analyze to understand how the main where they could find acquaintances of the same
character’s surrounding can affect their behavior. At class. Clubhouses were also an important place for the
the time of The Picture of Dorian Gray publication, gentlemen to socialize. The club is commonly known
the Aesthetic Movement was flourishing in Victorian as “gentlemen’s club” which was consisted of upper-
England. Aestheticism is an arts movement that class gentlemen members. In clubhouses, Dorian is
promoted art for the sake of its beauty alone, not notable as a fashionable and cultured gentleman that
for any utilitarian, moral, or political purpose. This he is adored by the other young men of the same class
movement is believed to exist as a protest against ugly (Jackson, 2014). On the other hand, Dorian also likes to
products manufactured by invented machines in the visit low-classed places such as the low-classed opium
Industrial Revolution (Matsuoka, 2004:78). When the dens and the theatre house in which Sibyl is acting. As
novel was first published in 1890, The Picture of Dorian pictured in the novel, clubhouses have become a place
Gray was considered to be immoral. Therefore, Oscar for Dorian where his reputation is monitored by the

65
A Study of Speech Acts in Computer Products Advertisements

others. Clubhouse is also a place where people can luxury. It was a typical thing for the Victorian upper-
be gossiping about others. As the result, Dorian’s bad class society.
reputation among his circle spreads rapidly through The hedonism appeared through the fashion,
the clubs. social life, and furniture is the result of Victorians’ urge
In terms of places Dorian likes to visit, he also to be looked as wealthy and powerful in the society.
visits a low –classed opium den. Opium was known as Therefore, it has driven Victorian upper-class to wear
a painkilling property and in the Victorian era opium and use things exaggeratedly. . In Victorian society,
even was available in the household and it was as the most important thing to judge a person is by the
popular as alcohol until it was banned in 1920 due to way they look. The Victorians believed that one’s
its danger on the health. Dorian’s attendance in both appearance is the direct indication for their position
high-classed and low-classed community has resulted in the society. Other than by the look, the Victorians
his involvement in the relationship with women from also had a respect for wealthy men because such men
the both class, since Dorian has a beautiful figure and were considered as a great prospect for women to be a
also wealthy. Yet, the ‘relationship’ here has gone to the husband for his stable financial condition. In the other
level where it can be called as adultery, because Dorian hand, the men’s fellow peers also respect such men
only uses women for his sexual pleasure. Victorian era because with their financial status they will be able to
was known for its strict code on sexuality although support their wife and family’s needs (Gillespie, 1995).
there was a double standard in the view of sexuality. Therefore, as a wealthy young man, Dorian does not
The women were not allowed to be engaged in sexual even want to lose part of these qualities in order to
situation with man before marriage. On the other have good reputation in the society. However, despite
hand, Victorian men had free access to prostitution of his good reputation in the society, Dorian cannot
and other sexual entertainment. Therefore, Dorian’s stop himself to keep searching for worldly pleasures.
involvement in adultery is actually can be considered He keeps doing immoral things advocated by Lord
as typical Victorian gentlemen, even though it is Henry’s thought on hedonic life. Consequently, Dorian
an immoral thing to do. However, Dorian’s habit in has to live double lives, meaning that Dorian has to
attending both low-classed and high-class places has behave decently in front of the upper-class society for
in fact showed his hedonic behavior since he lets his the sake of his reputation, but he acts immorally when
desire on pleasure to wander freely, despite the rules he is not around them to fulfill his desire in pleasure.
and social status. Therefore, as seen from Dorian, a beautiful and decent
Beside fashion and social community, furniture look is not necessarily kind-hearted in reality.
also has a specific importance in defining people’s
class as well as showing Victorian upper-class hedonic CONCLUSION
lifestyle, for they liked to decorate their house with
fancy imported furniture. The Victorian upper- Based on the analysis, it can be concluded that the
class society also liked to change the decoration and main character Dorian has undergone a process in his
furniture of their houses every season (Cumberlege, changing behavior which is involving the supporting
1934:236-237). It is considered as hedonic because they characters, beauty and art, and the stereotypical
tended to have expensive imported furniture instead Victorian gentlemen. In The Picture of Dorian Gray,
of the local one although both had the same purposes the supporting characters: Basil Hallward, Lord Henry,
in the household. In The Picture of Dorian Gray, it is and Sibyl Vane have important contributions in the
shown through the descriptions appear in the novel, process of Dorian’s changing behavior. Basil Hallward
that Victorian upper-class society—who is represented through his portrait of Dorian has opened Dorian’s
by Dorian Gray and his circle—tend to have imported eyes about his beauty. Lord Henry has the share in
furniture and accessories to decorate their houses. filling Dorian’s innocent mind with corruption; and as
Dorian also has expensive hobbies, he likes to collect the advocate of hedonism, he teaches Dorian to pursue
jewelries, embroideries, and exotic music instruments, hedonic life which is easy to do with Dorian’s beauty.
he also like to hold concerts and parties. In having Then Sibyl Vane as the first victim of Dorian’s new
those luxurious things, Dorian does not have to work, self has the contribution as the sign of Dorian’s initial
because he inherits his grandfather’s plentiful wealth. corruption, which is apparent through the first change
Therefore, instead of working, he lives in leisure and of the portrait.

66
 LEXICON, Volume 4, Number 1, April 2015

The contribution of beauty in The Picture of Dorian REFERENCES

Gray is as the motivation and standard for Dorian in
Abrams, M.H. (1979). The Mirror and the Lamp:
pursuing his desire for worldly pleasure. Beauty also
Romantic Theory and the Critical Tradition.
has an important contribution to protect Dorian from
London: Oxford University Press.
the negative judgment in the society about him, since
Victorian society judges one’s self by their physical “beauty.” Oxford Dictionaries. Oxford University Press,
look. Thus, Dorian cannot be easily suspected from 2015. Web. Retrieved on Sept 7th 2015. <http://
the crimes and immorality acts he has done because oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/
he has a beautiful and innocent look. Beside beauty, beauty>
art also has an important contribution in the novel; art Buzwell, Greg. The Picture of Dorian Gray: art, ethics
has become the way for Dorian to change his behavior. and the artist. The British Library. Web. Retrieved
Through the portrait, the yellow book, and Sibyl’s on Oct 23rd 2015. <http://www.bl.uk/romantics-
ability in acting, Dorian has been through significant and-victorians/articles/the-picture-of-dorian-
changes in his self. The used-to-be innocent Dorian gray-art-ethics-and-the-artist>
eventually changes into the evil Dorian.
The Picture of Dorian Gray, in which the setting Cumberlege, Geoffrey. (1934). Early Victorian England
is Victorian era, has been also depicting the real 1830−1865. Volume I. London: Oxford University
Victorian society in terms of hedonism. Dorian’s habit Press. 2 vols.
in attending dinners, parties, and the gentlemen’s DeBoer, Bruce. (2000). Peace Within Makes Beauty
club is considered to be common for the Victorian’s Without. Angelfire. Web. Retrieved on Oct 12th 2015.
gentlemen, as well as his interest in sexual amusement, <http://www.angelfire.com/ok5/agw/ssjudybeauty.
drugs, and art (music, jewelry). Dorian Gray also htm>
concerns about his appearance which has the similarity
Gillespie, Michael Patrick. (1995). The Picture of
with what is called to be a ‘dandy’ in the Victorian era.
Dorian Gray: “What the World Thinks of Me.” New
In terms of dandy, the author Oscar Wilde was also
York: Twayne Publishers.
regarded as a dandy.
“hedonism.” Merriam-Webster Dictionary. (2012).
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Mobile Application. Oct 8th 2015.

First of all, I would really like to thank Jesus Hedonism. The New World Encyclopedia. MediaWiki,
Christ for His blessing and guidance in every ups Feb 13th 2014. Web. Retrieved on Oct 17th 2015.
and downs in the process of the research so I can <http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/
finally manage to finish this graduating paper in time. Hedonism>
Secondly, my gratitude is dedicated to my beloved Howell, Ryan T. (2014). “Is Dorian Gray a Tragic Hero?
parents for their love, support, and motivation (Re)defining Hedonism.” Psychology Today. Sussex
that had been given to me endlessly in writing this Publishers. Web. Retrieved on Nov16th 2016.
graduating paper. I also surely give a big gratitude to <https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/cant-
Dra. EsmeraldayantiSosronegoro, S.U. as my research buy-happiness/201402/is-dorian-gray-tragic-
supervisor and Drs. BernadusHidayat, M.A. as my hero-redefining-hedonism>
academic consultant, for their support and guidance
Kleiner, Fred S. (2013). Gardner's Art through the Ages:
during my study in UniversitasGadjahMada.
A Global History. 14th Ed. Boston: Wadsworth,
I would also like to thank my family, friends, and
Cengage Learning.
colleagues in English Department for every help and
assistance they gave. Also, I would like to thank all the Lorand, Ruth. Beauty and Ugliness - The Function
lecturers and staffs of English Department as well as Of Beauty. Science Encyclopedia. 2015. Web.
UGM for the guidance and big help in the years of my Retrieved on Oct 23rd 2015. <http://science.
study. Last but not least, I would really like to thank jrank.org/pages/8445/Beauty-Ugliness-Function-
my very best friend, Jun, for her support and for the Beauty.html#ixzz3pN1wSsws>
cheerful days we have been through together in the
campus life.

67
A Study of Speech Acts in Computer Products Advertisements

Maras, Izel. (2011). Analysis and Comparison of Main Thompson, Noelle. (2015). Why is Dorian Gray
Evil Characters in Gothic Novels Mary Shelley’s Considered a "Dandy" in Oscar Wilde's The
“Frankenstein” and Oscar Wilde’s “The Picture Picture of Dorian Gray? eNotes.com. eNotes.com,
of Dorian Gray”. Ted Ankara College Foundation Inc. Web. Retrieved on Nov 9th 2015. <http://
High School. PDF file. www.enotes.com/homework-help/why-dorian-
gray-considered-dandy-474794>
Matsuoka, Mitsuharu. (2004). Aestheticism and Social
Anxiety in The Picture of Dorian Gray. Nagoya: Tyson, Lois. (2006). Critical Theory Today. Second
Nagoya University. PDF File. Edition. New York, London: Taylor & Francis
Group.
Mimetic Theory: Introduction. Bachelorandmaster.
Web. Retrieved on October 12th 2015. <www. Wilde, Oscar. (2008). The Picture of Dorian Gray. Planet
bachelorandmaster.com/criticaltheories/about- eBooks. Web. Retrieved on March 13th 2014. PDF
mimetictheory.html#.VhuOgTOyQjM> file. <http://www.planetebook.com/The-Picture-
of-Dorian-Gray.asp>
Sontag, Susan. (2002). An argument about beauty. PDF
file.

68