The Picture of Dorian Gray — Page 2

The Picture of Dorian Gray·Chapter 1 — THE PREFACE· 1%

All art is quite useless.

OSCAR WILDE

Companion notes

Alright, we’re diving into the preface! Right off the bat, we see a bold statement from Oscar Wilde: “All art is quite useless.” This might sound strange since we often think of art as something valuable and meaningful. Wilde is setting the stage for a discussion on the nature of art and its purpose, which can be a bit of a philosophical rabbit hole. He’s known for his witty and often paradoxical statements, so keep that in mind as you read.

This line suggests that art exists for its own sake, rather than to serve a practical function or moral lesson. It’s a theme that runs throughout his work, challenging the reader to think about why we create and appreciate art. While we don’t have characters introduced just yet, this preface hints at the aesthetic philosophy that will influence the story of Dorian Gray. So, keep your mind open to how this idea might play out as we move forward!

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