The Orient in The Novel, Dorian Gray: Imperial Gothic and Fin De Siècle

Created by Adiam Woldu on Wed, 12/08/2021 - 20:44

Part of Group:

Oscar Wilde and British Aestheticism (F21 LITR 388 / LITR 379H Columbia College Chicago)

The Picture of Dorian Gray is grounded in the imperial Gothic, which is revealed through the antagonistic function of the Orient within the novel. After an investigation into how the novel employs conventions, and background on the function and uses of the genre in Victorian literature, I point the reader to the anxiety that permeated fin de siècle Britain: The arrival of the colonies in the London metropolis, and the advent of opium dens, subjecting the Englishman to a complete degeneration.

Timeline

The Moonstone

circa. 1868

In 1868, Tinsley Brothers published the first edition of The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins (1824-1889), which became known as the precursor of the modern mystery novel. Rachel Verinder, a young English woman, inherits a sacred Indian diamond from her corrupt, opium-addicted uncle who stole the gem from Brahmin priests while he served in the British East India Company. The cursed diamond introduces numerous forms of loss, dissolution, and death into the lives of the English characters.


Associated Places

No places have been associated with this event

by Adiam Woldu

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The Pharmacy Act of 1868

31 Jul 1868

By limiting the sale of opium to qualified pharmacists, the British government attempted to bring the rapid use of opium under control. The addictive qualities of the drug were linked to the Chinese population in the East End. In 1883, Methodist Recorder published the article, “Opium Smoking in London” by Rev. George Piercy, in which he urged the Victorian reader to examine the changes in their metropolis, with then “…six or eight schools for opium smoking, the presiding spirits in each being hardened opium-sodden Chinamen, confirmed smokers themselves, and earning their livelihood by teaching others also…”


Associated Places

No places have been associated with this event

by Adiam Woldu

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The Picture of Dorian Gray

Jul 1890

In July 1890, Lippincott’s Magazine published the first edition of The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde (1854-1900). The second edition was published in April 1891 by Ward, Lock and Company. The second edition includes an additional seven chapters, and in Chapter 16, Dorian Gray travels into the East End, straight to the contaminated opium dens. 


Associated Places

No places have been associated with this event

by Adiam Woldu

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The Moonstone

The Pharmacy Act of 1868

The Picture of Dorian Gray

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TimelineJS

Chronological table

Displaying 1 - 3 of 3
Date Event Created by Associated Places
circa. 1868

The Moonstone

In 1868, Tinsley Brothers published the first edition of The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins (1824-1889), which became known as the precursor of the modern mystery novel. Rachel Verinder, a young English woman, inherits a sacred Indian diamond from her corrupt, opium-addicted uncle who stole the gem from Brahmin priests while he served in the British East India Company. The cursed diamond introduces numerous forms of loss, dissolution, and death into the lives of the English characters.

 Adiam Woldu
31 Jul 1868

The Pharmacy Act of 1868

By limiting the sale of opium to qualified pharmacists, the British government attempted to bring the rapid use of opium under control. The addictive qualities of the drug were linked to the Chinese population in the East End. In 1883, Methodist Recorder published the article, “Opium Smoking in London” by Rev. George Piercy, in which he urged the Victorian reader to examine the changes in their metropolis, with then “…six or eight schools for opium smoking, the presiding spirits in each being hardened opium-sodden Chinamen, confirmed smokers themselves, and earning their livelihood by teaching others also…”

 Adiam Woldu
Jul 1890

The Picture of Dorian Gray

In July 1890, Lippincott’s Magazine published the first edition of The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde (1854-1900). The second edition was published in April 1891 by Ward, Lock and Company. The second edition includes an additional seven chapters, and in Chapter 16, Dorian Gray travels into the East End, straight to the contaminated opium dens. 

 Adiam Woldu