| dc.description.abstract | Known for his provocative and witty style, both in literature and in life, Oscar Wilde remains one of the most celebrated Irish writers. Among his most well-known works are his only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and his play The Importance of Being Earnest. In addition, Wilde is famous for being a staunch supporter of the aesthetic movement. The aesthetic motto of “art for art’s sake” summarises the belief that art does not have to serve a specific purpose: art stands out purely for its beauty. The aesthetic movement defied the Victorian obsession with duty, and advocated the creation of art to please the senses rather than serve a function. As one of the most vocal aesthetes of his time, Wilde wrote a large number of critical essays devoted to his views on art, art criticism, and their role in society. In addition, Wilde put his ideals into practice by infusing his aesthetic theory into his own works. This thesis’ purpose is to analyse one of Wilde’s works within the framework of the aesthetic ideas he proposed himself, to answer the question whether or not this work adheres to his own requirements for aesthetic art. | |
