Gender and Sexuality in The Picture of Dorian Gray and Dorian Gray.

Abstract

In this thesis the novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, written by Oscar Wilde, and the film Dorian Gray (2009), directed by Oliver Parker, are analysed. This thesis aims to provide an answer to the question on how the story of The Picture of Dorian Gray has changed through the influence of the pornofication of the media on the film adaptation Dorian Gray in terms of sexuality and gender. Through the analysis of characters, events, and literary and cinematographic techniques from a gender and sexuality point of view, it has become evident that although The Picture of Dorian Gray adheres to Victorian gender roles and ideas on sexuality, the pornofication of the media has made it possible to highlight the sexual subtext of the novel in the film. Moreover, conventions in gender are broken in Dorian Gray, which has led to empowered women and more feminine men. Additionally, the switching gazes and the more identifiable cha! racters i n the film have resulted in a more enjoyable story for contemporary audience, compared to the story in the novel.

Key words: Dorian Gray (2009), femininity, gaze, gender, masculinity, sexuality, sin, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Victorian