Review of Oscar Wilde, Modernism and War Poetry

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from a lecture on Oscar Wilde, Aestheticism, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Modernism, and War Poetry.

Aestheticism

The idea that art should exist purely for beauty, without any moral or social purpose. It was promoted by Walter Pater, who argued that life should be lived as a work of art, embracing intense experiences and sensuous pleasures. Oscar Wilde embraced this philosophy, making it a central theme in his works and lifestyle.

Dandy

A man devoted to elegance, style, and aesthetic refinement in both his dress and speech. The dandy embodies Aestheticism by valuing beauty and artifice over nature and simplicity. This figure is often associated with a rejection of bourgeois values and an embrace of individuality and self-expression through fashion and wit.

The Picture of Dorian Gray

Oscar Wilde's novel that caused controversy due to its themes of immorality, exploring the consequences of living a life dedicated to pleasure and beauty. Wilde defended it as a representation of the Aesthetic movement, arguing that the novel's purpose was to explore the relationship between art, morality, and the pursuit of eternal youth and beauty.

Comedies of Manners

Plays by Oscar Wilde that satirized upper-class society, particularly marriage and social conventions. These comedies (e.g., "The Importance of Being Earnest") use wit, irony, and humorous situations to critique the superficiality and hypocrisy of Victorian society, challenging conventional values and expectations.

De Profundis

A long letter written by Oscar Wilde to Lord Alfred Douglas during his imprisonment, reflecting on his past life, his relationship with Douglas, and his sufferings. In this letter, Wilde also discusses his spiritual and artistic growth, seeking to find meaning and redemption in his experiences. It serves as a profound exploration of love, loss, and personal transformation.

The Ballad of Reading Gaol

A poem written by Oscar Wilde after his release from prison, denouncing the cruelty of the prison system and reflecting on themes of suffering, guilt, and redemption. The poem uses vivid imagery and emotional language to convey the harsh realities of prison life and to condemn the inhumane treatment of prisoners, advocating for justice and compassion.

Art for Art’s Sake

The core principle of the Aesthetic Movement, emphasizing that art should not serve any political or moral function but should be admired for its beauty alone. This principle rejects the idea that art should be didactic or utilitarian, instead promoting the idea that art's primary purpose is to provide aesthetic pleasure and sensory experience.

Utilitarianism

A philosophy opposed by the Aesthetic Movement, which saw art as something that needed to be useful and contribute to the greater good of society. Utilitarianism prioritizes the practical and beneficial aspects of art, whereas Aestheticism values art for its own sake, regardless of its usefulness or moral implications.

Modernism

A literary movement that developed in the early 20th century as a reaction to the cultural crisis caused by events like the First World War, rapid industrialization, and changing social norms. Modernist writers sought to break away from traditional forms and conventions, experimenting with new styles and techniques to reflect the complexities and uncertainties of the modern world.

War Poets

Intellectuals who fought on the front during the First World War and expressed disillusionment, trauma, and loss in their poetry. These poets provided firsthand accounts of the horrors of war, challenging patriotic and heroic narratives and exposing the psychological and emotional toll of combat on soldiers.

Flapper

A new model of woman in the 1920s who was independent, rebellious, and fashionable, symbolizing freedom and modernity. Flappers challenged traditional gender roles and expectations by embracing new styles of dress, engaging in social activities, and asserting their independence in both personal and professional spheres.

Stream of Consciousness

A narrative technique used by modernist writers to represent the continuous flow of thoughts, sensations, and memories in the mind. This technique seeks to capture the subjective and fragmented nature of human consciousness, often characterized by non-linear storytelling, interior monologues, and free association of ideas.

First Generation Modernist Writers

Early 20th-century writers (e.g., T. S. Eliot, James Joyce, Virginia Woolf) who focused on psychology, stream of consciousness, and subjective time. These writers explored the inner lives of their characters, delving into their thoughts, emotions, and perceptions to provide a deeper understanding of human experience.

Second Generation Modernist Writers

Writers after the 1920s (e.g., George Orwell) who became more politically engaged and focused on themes like totalitarianism and social justice. These writers addressed the social and political issues of their time, using their works to critique oppressive regimes, advocate for human rights, and promote social change.

War Poetry

Poetry written by soldiers during the First World War, often traditional in form but innovative in its realistic and direct representation of war. This poetry sought to convey the brutal realities of war, challenge romanticized notions of heroism, and express the emotional and psychological impact of combat on soldiers.

Rupert Brooke

A war poet known for his optimistic and patriotic poems written at the beginning of the war (e.g., "The Soldier"). Brooke's poems reflected a sense of idealism and national pride, portraying war as a noble and honorable endeavor. However, his perspective shifted as the war progressed, and he later expressed disillusionment and regret.

Siegfried Sassoon

A war poet known for his pessimistic and realistic poems that exposed the cruelty and suffering of soldiers during the war (e.g., "Suicide in the Trenches"). Sassoon's poems challenged patriotic and heroic narratives, depicting the grim realities of trench warfare, the psychological trauma of soldiers, and the futility of war.

Wilfred Owen

A war poet known for his realistic and anti-war poems that focused on the suffering and destruction caused by the war (e.g., "Dulce et Decorum Est"). Owen's poems aimed to convey the physical and emotional horrors of war, challenging romanticized notions of heroism and exposing the devastating impact of conflict on individuals and society.

James Joyce

An Irish modernist writer known for his novels set in Dublin, exploring themes of paralysis, exile, and inner conflict (e.g., Dubliners, Ulysses). Joyce's works are characterized by experimental narrative techniques, stream of consciousness, and a focus on the everyday lives of ordinary people in Dublin.

Dubliners

A collection of short stories by James Joyce that give a realistic portrait of Irish city life, showing the failure of self-realization of characters. These stories depict the lives of ordinary Dubliners, exploring themes of paralysis, disillusionment, and the search for identity in a changing world.

Paralysis

In Joyce's Dubliners, it refers to the characters' lack of will, courage, and self-knowledge, which keeps them stuck in their lives. This paralysis is often manifested in the characters' inability to escape their circumstances, make meaningful connections, or find fulfillment in their lives.

Epiphany

A sudden realization or moment of understanding in a character's life, often prompted by a small event, but rarely leading to action