Oscar Wilde's "Picture of Dorian Gray" and the hedonistic effect on the characters.

"Hedonism" By Jessica Shelby Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray is a prime example of hedonism, a movement in the late 1800's that claims pleasure to be the prime goal in one's life. The focus of the novel is the beauty of Dorian Gray, his self-destructive search for pleasure, and the corruption of both the lives he has encountered and his own soul. Beauty and pleasure are the focus of all characters and scenes …

…there be no society, but those who did live such lives would be outcast. For example, all of those in the novel not as fortunate as Dorian to be forever innocent looking were banished from London, not able to show their face, or so ashamed that they resorted to taking their own lives. Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray is a prime example of hedonistic ideals because of the characters, their actions, and demise.