1. The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Earnest Oscar Wilde & The Victorian Era

2. Oscar Wilde Born in Dublin, Ireland on Oct. 16, 1854 Father: prominent ophthalmologist Mother: a large woman, who was much given to romantic imaginings and causes Wilde was strongly attached to his mother and resembled her physically (large frame, prominent and soft- looking eyes, gigantic hands)

3. Oscar Wilde: College Years Entered Trinity College in Dublin at age 17 Matriculated at Magdalen College in Oxford, England in 1874 Received his B.A. in 1878 and had already published a volume of poems He then went to London to earn his living as a writer

4. Oscar Wilde: Life in London Had the remarkable feature of producing spontaneous, sparkling conversation and witty remarks Was one of the most engaging conversationalists of the time It was a special pleasure to hear him speak His remarks were always new and fresh no matter what the topic

5. Oscar Wilde: Life in New York In 1883, he arrived in New York to begin a speaking tour of America Asked by a NY customs official (upon arriving) if he “had anything to declare,” Wilde replied, “Only my genius.” At age 30, he married, and in 1885, moved to London

6. Oscar Wilde: Back in London Wilde was known as an aesthete and was considered a “dandy”: a man who paid a lot of attention to fine dress, including velvet collars and patent leather dancing shoes 1885 and 1886: the Wildes had two sons

7. Oscar Wilde: Trouble Wilde’s life fell apart when he was accused of homosexual behavior, then a crime in England This led to lawsuits, trials, and public disgrace He was sentenced to prison, an experience which led to his poem, “The Ballad of Reading Gaol,” published after his release

8. Oscar Wilde: Death in Paris When released from prison, Wilde moved to France and lived primarily in Paris Even near death from meningitis, he was unable to resist a witty quip He complained, almost on his deathbed, about the ugly wallpaper in his hotel room He commented that either the wallpaper, or he, would have to go He died on Nov. 30, 1900 Tomb at Pere Lachaise Cemetery

9. Famous Quotes "One should always be in love. That is why one should never marry." “Arguments are to be avoided; they are always vulgar and often convincing.” “I choose my friends for their good looks, my acquaintances for their good characters, and my enemies for their good intellects. A man cannot be too careful in the choice of his enemies.” “ Don't be misled into the paths of virtue.” “Women never have anything to say, but they say it charmingly.” “There are only two kinds of people who are really fascinating- people who know absolutely everything and people that know absolutely nothing.”

10. Discussion Questions What are some factors that led to Oscar Wilde’s success? What caused his failure? What do you expect to find in his plays, particularly The Importance of Being Earnest?

11. The Victorian Era Queen Victoria reigned from 1837-1901 Victorian life was a structured one, with most people fitting into a niche of their own social class Someone who moved outside their class, either by marriage or wealth, was likely to be shunned by former peers There were more restrictions on behavior than in English life today Lower class did not have as many limits Members of upper class lived off their wealth Darwin, Marx, and Freud emerged during this time “Prudish”, “Prim and proper”, “repressed” and “old fashioned” are often used to describe this era Lewis Carroll, Charles Dickens Regarded artists as society’s conscience Jack the Ripper; some 8,000 prostitutes were “employed” in London during the mid 1800s

12. The Victorian Era: Young Men Philosophical, well educated; upper class young men received an education First sons had little to worry about; second and subsequent sons had the choice of going into the military or becoming clergymen, respectable positions, but lower on the social scale Debonair, “dandy”/metrosexual, well- groomed Sophisticated- calling cards, tobacco pouches, high tea Inflicted harm on no one, avoided slander and gossip

13. The Victorian Era: Young Women Their lot was acceptable if the managed to marry Sometimes had their own inherited wealth but seldom controlled their own finances They were permitted to enjoy balls, parties, riding, fox hunting, praying croquet or swimming

14. The Victorian Era: Young Women Girls were taught to supervise a household; consulting with a housekeeper and managing meals took up a major part of the day Free time was spent painting china (water pitchers, plates, cups, saucers) or in needlework Many enjoyed music; some were interested in literature; some even tried their hand in poetry and fiction

15. The Victorian Era: Tea Time Part of the daily routine that became an English tradition was afternoon tea 4:00 p.m. – everyone, everywhere- at home, in shops and offices, even on the beach – stopped all activities for tea time, a meal of light refreshments, and sometimes a glass of sherry Tea was poured from a silver tea service or fine china tea pot, by the lady of the household for family and guests Delicate sandwiches and sweets such as petits fours, tarts, or biscuits were served on tiered trays

16. The Victorian Era: Evening Activities Family members & guests often changed into more formal clothing for the evening meal around 8 p.m. or later After the meal, people moved into the drawing room to enjoy musical entertainment by the girls in the family (they could display their talents and charms to suitors this way) Gentlemen could then go the the billiards room

17. The Victorian Era: Property Upper class members may have kept an apartment “in town,” which meant London If they did not own one there, they rented one during the “season” so young girls could be presented to society and young men could find brides Titled families owned property in the country, often vast estates Guests were invited for long weekends and gala house parties This style of living lasted for the upper class until World Wars I and II

18. Discussion Questions What are some of the pluses and minuses of living in the Victorian period? Identify some of the major differences between that period and our own time. What can you observe about social classes during the 1800’s? What observations can you make about gender roles?

19. Dorian Gray Wilde’s first and only novel. Written over 100 years ago (1891) Opened to much criticism Ultimately, was very successful So many current themes: – sin and redemption – hedonism – love and marriage – friendship –youth and beauty –gossip –influence/manipulation –art (then- paintings, opera; now- films, music, etc.) –Based on revelations about evil in humanity, pleasures of evil and destructiveness of evil.

20. Basic Synopsis The story of three friends: Basil, Lord Henry, and Dorian Gray The soul is a blank canvas Basil-angel Lord Henry- Devil Dorian Gray- a clean slate Id, ego, superego Semi-autobiographical

21. Major Theme: Hedonism: The devotion to pleasure as a way of life; one’s sole priority is to seek pleasure/happiness without regard for others.

22. Id, Ego, Superego Freud believed that the id is based on our pleasure principle. In other words, the id wants whatever feels good at the time, with no consideration for the reality of the situation. The ego is based on the reality principle. The ego understands that other people have needs and desires and that sometimes being impulsive or selfish can hurt us in the long run The Superego is the moral part of us and develops due to the moral and ethical restraints placed on us by our caregivers. Many equate the superego with the conscience as it dictates our belief of right and wrong. www.allpsych.com

23. Hedonism Handbook Top Hedonism Mantras Live and Let Live Carpe Diem You Can’t Take it With You You Only Live Once Just Do It Never Say Never Look Out for Number One

24. The Perils of Structured Living (according to Hedonists) You will be unpopular at parties You will become hardened and bitter You will age prematurely You will experience greater stress You will spend your life struggling You will feel cheated You will feel left out You have serious regrets in the end You will not be happy

25. Look who loves Dorian Gray… Motley Crue “New Tattoo” (chorus) I don’t want to see us fade away I don’t want to be without you another day I could be your dorian gray I won’t fade away No, I won’t fade away U2 “ The Ocean ” A picture in grey Dorian Gray Just me by the sea And I felt like a star I felt the world could go far If they listened To what I said Washes my feet Washed the feet Splashes the soul of my shoes

26. More Musical References Styx mentions Dorian Gray in their song “Sing for the Day” from their Pieces of Eight (1978) album. Dorian Gray is mentioned in Liz Phair's song “H.W.C.” (2003) from her eponymously titled album. James Blunt refers to Dorian Gray in the song, “Tears and Rain” from the album Back to Bedlam (2005) with a line in the chorus "Hides my true shape, like Dorian Gray." Dorian Gray is mentioned by British rock group The Libertines in the song Narcissist, playing on the theme of youth and good looks, an idea that is central to the story. It features the line:"Wouldn't it be nice to be Dorian Gray?" 2006- English - garage punk / indie band, The Horrors, list Dorian Grey as one of their heroes on their myspace page 26

27. You know it’s gotta be good... when Family Guy references it! When Meg asks Stewie how she looks in her new glasses, Stewie replies: "How should I put this, in an attic somewhere there's a picture of you getting prettier." This is a play on the book Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde (frequently referenced). So through an obscure literature reference, Stewie says that Meg got uglier. Then, when Lois shrugs it off, Stewie is disgusted that nobody got the joke.

28. Composition Book # 15 Discuss the positive and negative aspects of the hedonistic way of life in both personal and public spheres. How might this be an appealing way to live? How might this way of thinking be exemplified in the arts (Hollywood, actors, singers, models, comedians, as well as, sculptors, painters, etc.)? How does society/media perpetuate this idea? Do you believe our society is more hedonistic than others? Why or Why not? 10 points for sharing! (add in a song with Dorian Gray here)