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Dorian Gray PEEL Essay

Oscar Wilde explores the theme of corruption in The Picture of Dorian Gray through Dorian's moral decay as he prioritizes beauty and pleasure, symbolized by the transformation of his portrait. Lord Henry's influence introduces Dorian to a hedonistic philosophy, illustrating how seductive ideas can lead to destructive behavior. The contrast between Dorian's outward beauty and his internal corruption critiques Victorian society's obsession with appearances over morality.

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13 views2 pages

Dorian Gray PEEL Essay

Oscar Wilde explores the theme of corruption in The Picture of Dorian Gray through Dorian's moral decay as he prioritizes beauty and pleasure, symbolized by the transformation of his portrait. Lord Henry's influence introduces Dorian to a hedonistic philosophy, illustrating how seductive ideas can lead to destructive behavior. The contrast between Dorian's outward beauty and his internal corruption critiques Victorian society's obsession with appearances over morality.

Uploaded by

tashriqlanie
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

The Picture of Dorian Gray – PEEL Method Essay

Essay Question: How does Oscar Wilde explore the theme of corruption in The Picture of Dorian
Gray?

Paragraph 1 — PEEL Format

Point: Oscar Wilde explores the theme of corruption through Dorian Gray’s gradual moral decay as
he pursues beauty and pleasure above all else.

Evidence: At the beginning of the novel, Dorian is described as “wonderfully handsome, with his
finely curved scarlet lips,” which symbolizes his innocence and purity. However, as Lord Henry’s
influence grows, Dorian wishes that “the portrait would bear the burden of his age and sins, and he
remain forever young.”

Explain: This moment marks the beginning of Dorian’s moral corruption. Wilde uses the portrait as a
physical representation of Dorian’s soul, showing how his obsession with eternal youth and beauty
leads him to lose his morality. Each sin he commits—such as his cruelty towards Sibyl Vane and
later his acts of murder—causes the portrait to become uglier, reflecting the corruption within him.

Link: By showing the portrait’s transformation, Wilde criticizes the dangers of vanity and the moral
consequences of living a hedonistic life without accountability.

Paragraph 2 — PEEL Format

Point: Lord Henry acts as the catalyst for Dorian’s corruption by introducing him to a philosophy of
aestheticism and self-indulgence.

Evidence: Lord Henry tells Dorian, “The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it,”
encouraging him to embrace pleasure without guilt.

Explain: This advice completely shapes Dorian’s worldview. Lord Henry represents the seductive
voice of temptation and moral detachment, while Dorian becomes his experiment. Wilde uses
Henry’s character to illustrate how corrupt ideas can poison the minds of the innocent when
presented as sophisticated or intellectual.

Link: Through Lord Henry’s influence, Wilde suggests that corruption often begins subtly — through
words, ideas, and charm — before manifesting in destructive behavior.

Paragraph 3 — PEEL Format

Point: Wilde uses the contrast between appearance and reality to highlight the hypocrisy and
hidden corruption within Victorian society.

Evidence: Even as Dorian’s soul becomes darker, he maintains his outward beauty and reputation,
and society continues to adore him despite the mysterious rumors that surround him.

Explain: This duality shows how Victorian values prioritized appearances over morality. Dorian’s
physical perfection hides his sins, just as society hides its corruption behind manners and wealth.
Wilde’s message is that true corruption is internal—it cannot be seen in outward appearances until
it is too late.

Link: Thus, through Dorian’s double life, Wilde exposes the moral emptiness of a society obsessed
with beauty and reputation rather than virtue and truth.
Mini Conclusion: In The Picture of Dorian Gray, Wilde uses Dorian’s downfall to demonstrate how
beauty, influence, and desire can corrupt the soul. The portrait becomes a powerful symbol of
hidden sin, reminding readers that every choice leaves a mark — even if it’s unseen by others.

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