The Picture of Dorian Gray post #1: preface

            In the preface of The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, Wilde discusses aesthetic philosophy. Wilde declares that “they are the elect to whom beautiful things mean only Beauty” (vii). Aesthetic philosophy deals with the nature of art and beauty, claiming that art is beautiful for the sole sake of being beautiful. In aesthetic philosophy there is no search for a deeper meaning, for there is only an appreciation for the aesthetic appeal of a work of art. A viewer should only seek to appreciate art through his or her senses. The viewers who recognize art solely for its aesthetic appeal are considered ‘the elect’. The elect appreciates art for art’s beauty, and does not go on to search for a deeper meaning.

            In addition to discussing aesthetic philosophy in the preface, Wilde has a playful tone towards his audience. After explaining art should exist solely to appeal to the senses according to aesthetic philosophy, Wilde ends the preface with “all art is quite useless” (viii). Of course Wilde does not actually believe that art is completely useless, for Wilde believes that art exists to be beautiful. The preface gives the reader insight into Wilde’s personality, and the reader is able to see the playful attitude Wilde had towards life. Wilde’s playful attitude translates into a playful tone towards the audience. From the preface, the reader is able to anticipate the beauty and playful manner of the novel that is to come.