... with the individual living it" (Duggan, The Conflict Between Aestheticism and Morality in Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray). In his preface, Wilde captures the principles of the Aesthetic Movement, indirectly referencing how real art does not take part in molding society or moral identities of society. For the aesthete they believe that the ideal life mimics art; it is beautiful, but ... living in it. Duggan also explains, "Rather than an advocate for pure aestheticism, then, Dorian Gray is a cautionary tale in which Wilde illustrates the dangers of the aesthetic philosophy when ...

• Word Count: 1387
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate