The Functions of Expressive Means and Stylistic Devices in Oscar Wilde's
"The Picture of Dorian Gray". [Prepared by Samandar Beknazarov].
Introduction
Relevance and necessity of the dissertation topic. Language is more
than just a medium of communication; it is a powerful artistic tool that
enables writers to shape thought, convey emotions, and create vivid
images in the minds of their readers. In literary texts, authors employ
various expressive means and stylistic devices to enhance the depth and
complexity of their narratives, enabling a richer exploration of themes,
characters, and the human condition. The intricate interplay between form
and content is one of the defining characteristics of literary works, and an
understanding of the stylistic tools used by authors is essential for a
deeper appreciation of literature.
This dissertation focuses on the functions of expressive means and
stylistic devices in Oscar Wilde's celebrated novel, *The Picture of Dorian
Gray*. Written at the end of the 19th century, during the aestheticism
movement, the novel is renowned for its exploration of beauty, morality,
and the consequences of a life lived purely in pursuit of pleasure. Wilde’s
novel not only challenges the Victorian moral standards of his time but also
showcases his mastery of language and rhetorical devices, which play a
pivotal role in conveying the novel's philosophical and aesthetic concerns.
Wilde's unique style, characterized by wit, irony, and a lavish use of
expressive means, makes "The Picture of Dorian Gray" a rich text for
linguistic and stylistic analysis.
Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. PF-5847 dated
October 8, 2019 "On approval of the concept of development of the higher
education system of the Republic of Uzbekistan until 2030", No. PF-6084
dated October 20, 2020 "On measures to further develop the Uzbek
language in our country and improve the language policy", dated January 28,
2022 No. PF-60 "Development strategy of New Uzbekistan for 2022-2026"
on", decrees No. PF-158 of September 11, 2023 on the strategy "Uzbekistan
- 2030", No. PQ-3775 of June 5, 2018 "Education in higher education
institutions on additional measures to improve the quality of education and
ensure their active participation in comprehensive reforms implemented in
the country", PQ-5117 dated May 19, 2021 "Foreign languages in the
Republic of Uzbekistan Resolutions of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 610 of
August 11, 2017 "Measures to further improve the quality of teaching
foreign languages in educational institutions" This dissertation serves to a
certain extent in the implementation of the tasks defined in the decision of
"On" and other regulatory legal documents related to the field.
The purpose of this dissertation is to examine how Wilde's use of
expressive means—such as metaphors, similes, and epithets—and stylistic
devices—including symbolism, irony, and allegory—serves the thematic and
aesthetic goals of the novel. By investigating how these elements function
within the text, this study aims to reveal the ways in which Wilde’s language
choices contribute to the novel’s broader social, moral, and philosophical
discourse.
Background of the Study. Oscar Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray"
was first published in 1890, a time of great societal transformation and
artistic innovation. The novel stands at the crossroads of several key
cultural movements, most notably the aestheticism movement, which
advocated for "art for art's sake" and rejected the notion that art should
serve moral or didactic purposes. Wilde was one of the most prominent
proponents of this philosophy, and *The Picture of Dorian Gray* can be
viewed as both a celebration of beauty and a critique of the moral vacuity
that can accompany the single-minded pursuit of aesthetic pleasure.
The novel tells the story of Dorian Gray, a young man whose physical
beauty is preserved in a portrait while his soul becomes increasingly
corrupted by a life of hedonism and moral transgression. As Dorian’s
outward appearance remains youthful and perfect, his inner self,
represented by the decaying portrait, becomes a symbol of his moral
degradation. This duality of appearance and reality is central to Wilde’s
exploration of themes such as vanity, corruption, and the tension between
inner morality and external beauty. Wilde’s stylistic choices, including his
use of irony, symbolism, and elaborate descriptions, contribute to the
thematic depth of the novel and enhance its artistic impact.
Rationale for the Study. The study of expressive means and stylistic
devices is crucial to understanding the deeper layers of meaning within
literary texts. These elements serve as the building blocks of a writer's
unique voice and artistic expression, allowing them to create mood,
establish tone, and convey complex ideas in subtle and nuanced ways. In
"The Picture of Dorian Gray", Wilde’s use of figurative language and stylistic
techniques is inseparable from his thematic concerns, as his choice of
language reflects the novel’s preoccupation with beauty, morality, and the
nature of art itself.
While much scholarly attention has been paid to the philosophical and
moral dimensions of "The Picture of Dorian Gray", less focus has been
placed on the specific linguistic and stylistic mechanisms through which
Wilde achieves his artistic goals. This dissertation seeks to fill that gap by
offering a detailed analysis of the novel’s stylistic devices and expressive
means, exploring their functions within the text and their contribution to the
novel’s overall aesthetic and thematic coherence.
By analyzing Wilde’s language in "The Picture of Dorian Gray", this study
will provide a deeper understanding of how the novel’s style shapes its
meaning. It will also demonstrate how Wilde’s language reflects the artistic
ideals of the aestheticism movement, while simultaneously engaging with
broader cultural and moral questions. Ultimately, this dissertation will show
that the novel’s expressive means and stylistic devices are integral to
Wilde’s critique of the superficiality of a life devoted solely to the pursuit of
beauty.
Aims and Objectives of the Study. The primary aim of this dissertation
is to analyze the functions of expressive means and stylistic devices in
*The Picture of Dorian Gray* and to explore how these elements contribute
to the novel's thematic and aesthetic construction. The specific objectives
are as follows:
1. To identify and categorize the main expressive means and stylistic
devices used by Oscar Wilde in the novel.
2. To examine how these devices function within the narrative to enhance
the novel's exploration of themes such as beauty, morality, and identity.
3. To analyze the relationship between Wilde’s stylistic choices and the
broader cultural context of the aestheticism movement.
4. To assess how Wilde’s use of language contributes to the novel’s dual
portrayal of outward beauty and inner corruption.
Structure of the Dissertation. The dissertation is structured into several
chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of Wilde’s use of expressive
means and stylistic devices in "The Picture of Dorian Gray":
1. Chapter One: Theoretical Framework – This chapter will provide a
theoretical overview of expressive means and stylistic devices, defining key
terms and outlining the analytical tools used in this study.
2. Chapter Two: Wilde’s Aestheticism and Literary Style – This chapter will
contextualize "The Picture of Dorian Gray" within the aestheticism
movement and examine Wilde’s broader literary style.
3. Chapter Three: Analysis of Expressive Means in the Novel – This chapter
will focus on Wilde’s use of metaphors, similes, epithets, and other
figurative language, exploring their functions within the text.
4. Chapter Four: Analysis of Stylistic Devices in the Novel – This chapter
will examine Wilde’s use of symbolism, irony, allegory, and other stylistic
devices, analyzing how they contribute to the novel’s themes.
5. Chapter Five: Conclusion – The final chapter will summarize the findings
of the analysis and reflect on the significance of Wilde’s stylistic choices in
"The Picture of Dorian Gray".
Through this comprehensive analysis, this dissertation aims to
demonstrate that Wilde’s use of expressive means and stylistic devices is
central to the novel’s artistic and philosophical achievements.