Homoerotic Love: Politics of Gender in Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray

Abstract

The Picture of Dorian Gray tries to explore the issue of homoerotic love. The theme of homoerotic love has been presented mainly in Basil's feelings for Dorian as well as among other characters. Basil tells Lord Henry that he can not be happy if he does not see Dorian everyday. He is upset when Dorian becomes engaged to Sibyl. Later, he confesses to Dorian that from the first moment they meet, he worships him. He says, "I grew jealous to everyone to whom you spoke. I wanted to have you all to myself. I was only happy when I was only happy with you". He is completely dominated by his feelings for the younger man, which also transfigures his perception of the entire world. Everything becomes wonderful to him because of Dorian. Basil presents what may be homoerotic attraction in different terms, as the lure of an aesthetic ideal. He worships Dorian because the beautiful young man allows him to fulfill highest ideals as an artist.