What points do I need to include for writing a historical research thesis on The Picture of Dorian Gray?

For writing a historical research thesis on A Picture of Dorian Gray, you may wish to consider some of the following topics:

• Aestheticism: This literary and artistic movement was at its height when Wilde wrote A Picture of Dorian Gray. As such, it would be a good idea for you to understand the history of this movement and some of its leading figures, such as Walter Pater. You can then trace this movement and its links to Decadence, another key movement of the late nineteenth century. (Please see the reference links provided for more help.)


• Role of women: There are frequent references to contemporary ideas about women in the text. Lord Henry, in particular, espouses many views which modern readers would interpret as being misogynistic, for example, in Chapter Four, he says: "Women are a decorative sex. They never have anything to say, but they say it charmingly." Consider the extent to which these views represent Victorian attitudes towards women.


• Homosexuality: When Dorian Gray was published, it sparked outrage among the British public because of its blatant homosexual references, notably Basil's feelings towards Dorian. At this time, homosexuality was illegal and Wilde was already in a relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas. Consider why Victorian society demonised homosexuality and how this impacted on Oscar Wilde, paying particular attention to his arrest in 1895 and imprisonment. 


• The dark side of Victorian London: in the book, Dorian visits seedy opium dens and cavorts with prostitutes. You may wish to consider how accurate Wilde's descriptions of Victorian London truly are, and how the upper classes used prostitution and drugs. 


• Gothic Literature: Finally, consider The Picture of Dorian Gray in the wider context of Gothic literature. Compare this book to other Gothic novels of the era, like Frankenstein and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and try to find some common themes and motifs.