"The way seemed interminable, and the streets like the
black web of some sprawling spider.."
"Kilns with their orange fan-like tongues of fire."
Analysis
Dorian's soul
Moving from a working class society through to a lower
class community it becomes apparent he has entered into
the depths of chaos. (Metaphorically speaking, the depths
of his own psychological chaos)
"It's too far for me"
Even the cab driver cannot bear to enter into the hysteria which is
the lower east end , only exaggerating Dorian's situation of moral
demise. Here, the east/west distinction is used by Wilde symbolically
representing the division of his asthetic in the upper class, and his
moral corruption shown by his ventures into the east end.
The division of classes
As Dorian delves into the lower class society the whole structure of the
text changes; words become over complicated and adjectives are used
throughout. As the classes grow ever-different the language develops to
reflect the class setting. As Wilde uses adjectives to fully describe the chaos of the east end,
The theatre
"I found myself seated in a horrible little private box... it was a tawdry affair, all the
cupids and cornucopias, like a third rate wedding cake... two rows of dingy stalls"
49-50
Despite it's somewhat "dingy" appearance it is clear Wilde has
reflected the true nature of a working class society. The "cupids
and cornucopias" suggests hints of grandeur, or, what is
attempted to become a mimic of a middle or even a upper class
theatre. The classical Greek architecture adds a classic tone to
the place. However, this is short lived, as Wilde juxtaposes this
classical beauty of the upper class with the "dingy", "tawdry"
and "horrible" theatre, comparing it to a "third rate wedding
cake"
It has elements from upper-middle and upper class society, but fails to reach the same level of luxury.
This can be represented in its situation in London, on the boarder of the east and west, like on the
boarder of two distant societys
Upper class
Bourgeoisie, the rich. (i.e.
Lord Henry and Dorian).
Usually dosen't work. Living
off investment and property
passed down through the
family.
Middle class
'Professional jobs', like teachers
or doctors, they require training.
Wilde often foregoes the middle
class, making the gap between
the upper and lower classes.
Working class
Characters like Sybil who have 'jobs',
but do not earn nearly as much as
the middle class, everything they
earn goes towards they family and
household. No spare money, but not
as impoverished and, often, socially
outcast as the lower class
Lower class
prostitutes and opium addicts of the
east, people who may even live in
the workhouse, who is destitute
and, often, homeless; a social
outcast or derelict