The Preface: An Understanding of the Aesthetic Movement by Oscar Wilde

In his preface towards the novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde delivers an intriguing outlook on art, artists, critics, and audience. When the novel was first published, the preface was not included, and it was not until Gray received multiple criticisms pertaining to the books “indecency” that he added it. In response to these early criticisms, Wilde began to interpret and praise the aesthetic movement in full. The preface is nothing more than an introduction for the audience into the world of aesthetic philosophy.

            Aesthetic philosophy stems from the idea that art is a compilation of beauty that does not necessarily have a meaningful or moral purpose. Wilde uses many aphorisms to detail the meanings behind art, and that is the fact that art is simply art – or art for art’s sake. Wilde emphasizes the idea that art does not need a purpose; it does not exist as a means of instruction. In his most aggressive defense, Wilde claims that “there is no such thing as a moral or immoral book. Books are well written, or badly written”. Using Wilde’s reasoning the reader can infer that The Picture of Dorian Gray is art simply because it is a book that has words. Novels, paintings, plays, and sculptures should not exist to have meaning, but should exist to be art. The preface sets the standard for the book as it outlines what Wilde means by his characters, symbols, themes, and other instruments of thought. His novel will include expansive ideas and thought-provoking language, but the preface warns the audience from deviating from its purpose solely as beautiful art. Wilde speaks humorously towards his audience, but is also very serious in the sense that he wants to get the message across. In the end, the preface is really just a huge warning. Wilde pours forth his opinion on what art should be and expects his audience to interpret his novel as such. Perhaps the novel is immoral, but Wilde is adamant on the idea that it is also beautiful.