Appreciation of Literature and Film

“There is no such thing as a moral or an immoral book. Books are well written, or badly written. That is all.” -Oscar Wilde

I completely agree with this statement. Books are merely meant to entertain or convey knowledge. Obviously, books can be well written or badly written. Some writers aren’t as gifted as others. The fact of the matter is books are just words on a page. A book cannot make us commit moral or immoral acts. I strongly believe that a book can only influence a reader to commit immoral acts if that reader is already considering immoral acts.

The book that always comes to my mind when I read this aphorism is the Harry Potter series. These books are banned in many Muslim countries, but they are also banned in some states here in the United States. The books aren’t banned wholly in these countries, but they are banned from the school system. This series is my absolute favorite series I have ever read in my entire life, and I don’t think that it should be banned anywhere. The reason that this specific series is banned in many places is because it contains magic. Almost all of the characters possess the ability to use magic. Although it is obvious that these books are fiction, they are banned because magic goes against religious values of both Islam and Christianity. People believe that these books have occult or Satanic subtexts. I do have to point out that although when I first read these books when I was 10 or 11, I dreamed of getting my Hogwarts acceptance letter. Still to this day, I would give up everything to be a part of the world that J.K. Rowling created. However, reading these books did not cause me to start worshipping Satan or participate in any occult rituals. These books simply allowed my imagination to run wild and indulge my adult self in daydreams.

It’s not like these books promote the use of magic either. They don’t state that magic should be held above God, or that it is a “religion” to follow. There are no revolutionary ideas conveyed. They are only banned because they contain the concept of magic. There are some that argue that the later books contain violence and darker tones. That is completely true. As the characters in the book grew older, there was more death and violence. However, the author did not include these themes to inspire violence. Instead, Rowling included these themes to show the horrors of war. She wrote to show that war is a horrible thing that should not be idolized.

In addition, those that argue that these books should be banned because of the violence and darker themes clearly did not indulge in the literature of their time. The first Harry Potter book was published in 1997. I decided to look up notable books from 1997. The New York Times website has a page that lists the notable books of 1997. The very first book listed on that page is called Abbreviating Ernie. It is literally a book about a trial for a woman who killed her husband. I looked everywhere, and I could not find any hint of this book being banned. There of course are other examples of books with violent themes from 1997, and there are a tremendous amount of movie from 1997 that portray violence and death. The themes of violence and death are not the issue when it comes to the Harry Potter series. It is simply the magic.

Mary Andrews

“Diversity of opinion about a work of art shows that the work is new, complex, and vital.” – Oscar Wilde

I wholeheartedly agree with the above aphorism from the preface of The Picture of Dorian Gray (1891). To illustrate the validity of this statement in today’s society, it is important to use modern day examples.

Today, we see music stir up a good amount of controversy. Music is an art form and an important one because it is a medium for artists to verbalize their thoughts on political topics. However, this often leads to pushback from society when the ideas presented may seem “too new” or “complex”. One work of art that had a widespread impact on society with the topics it addressed is Childish Gambino’s  2018 song “This Is America”. Bridging a connection between Oscar Wilde and Childish Gambino may seem impossible but, like I said, using recent examples to examen the aphorism Wilde makes is essential. “This Is America” is a political protest song that speaks out about the horrible treatment of African Americans in the United States. In the music video, there are references to police brutality and mass shootings (including a reference to the devastating Mother Emanuel AME Church shooting in Charleston). When the song and accompanying music video came out, many publicly opposed it because it was loudly calling out racism in America. The fact that it sparked so many diverse opinions, like Wilde said, “shows that the work is new, complex, and vital”.

Turning our focus to film may also assist in driving home Wilde’s aphorism. A very recent example of film controversy over subject matter is the 2023 Barbie movie. At first glance, the film appears to be a movie about actual Barbie dolls for kids. However, feminist director Greta Gerwig recognized her target audience (young girls) and designed the film to show the value of women in society. The controversy and differing opinions began rolling in from critics, award show hosts, and regular people alike. The different opinions go to show Gerwig’s point in that women are mistreated and often oppressed in modern day society. Her work being so controversial means that it succeeded in its mission of empowering women across the world.

Both of the above listed examples of unconventional works of art that caused opinions to differ truly represent what Wilde was trying to verbalize. As literary scholars, we know that Wilde himself published The Picture of Dorian Gray and it, too, raised many questions and opinions about homosexuality in a time where it was not accepted at all. One idea holds true throughout all of these examples: it is important that artists, whether they be authors, directors, musicians, etc., address uncomfortable or controversial topics in their works of art. It is not until the art is created and released that a movement is made to widely accept new ideas. When a work of art is pushing the boundaries, it is changing the world.

“It is the spectator, and not life, that art really mirrors.” Wilde, in his preface to The Picture of Dorian Grey, establishes his style and ideals instantly with aphorisms meant to be singular and witty in their wisdom. Like Lord Henry, whether he believes them himself or not is of no consequence, that is up to the reader and their own preference. This quote in itself represents that idea, as does the reference to film critic Roger Ebert’s own thoughts on art used in the title of this post. “Art is an empathy machine,” or Ebert’s thesis of film, and art in general, being used to take on someone else’s experience and emotions, allowing one to become more empathetic outside of the viewing. As soon as any form of art is released to an audience, it is immediately out of the hands and perspective of the artist. The artist relinquishes all control over how it is viewed, as art is such a personal experience for the individual. Art mirrors the spectator, not the times in which it is viewed, or what the artist had intended. Art is an empathy machine– even in experiencing another’s emotions through art, that sensation remains a self-portrait to an extent.

In Kurt Vonnegut’s 1987 novel Bluebeard, the mystery of ‘what lies in the protagonist’s (an artist) potato barn’ is one surrounded by so much tension that the reveal had to be somewhat dramatic– a painting spanning the length of the barn. Vonnegut’s experience as a soldier influenced much of his writing, thus his representation of war and all its subsequent horrors reflected on canvas allows any audience to see their own fears in it. It is the allowance of interpretation, but the inescapable intent of feeling something outside one’s own lived experience that makes art so universal. Without knowledge of an artist’s intent and why a piece was created, there is left only one’s own experience and the feeling created by the work. Thus, without the knowledge of Vonnegut’s experience in the war or the war being referenced, it is the deep-seated fears of conflict and devastation that truly matter for emotional impact. I would even argue that by seeing this piece through the narrator’s eyes creates another level of connection. One’s own fears and the fears adopted through the empathy of this character allow for an even greater, even if unknowingly, connection. Thus, although life has no impact on the mirroring of art, empathy and individuality do.

Although Wilde goes on to criticize art as “quite useless,” it seems clear that the idea is not entirely serious to him, but rather more a reflection on the ever-changing standards of the times and societies in which art is manufactured. He criticizes in the book that this quote prefaces the society that persecuted him and seemingly obsessed over morality rather than art which, in Wilde’s eyes, has no place in moral judgment. In that sense, art can never be useless to a life that it has no reflection on, but rather an unchanging understanding of individual human conditions.

Hannah Martinson

“To reveal art and conceal the artist is art’s aim.”

I find this to be a fascinating aphorism, mainly because I think it is so direct and true. In today’s society, we tie art and its artist so tightly together we can barely distinguish one from the other. If an artist displays their politics to the world, then their work shares the same values. Kanye West has been discussed endlessly. We go over every little thing he has said throughout his career and each mental illness he could possibly have. Then, we attach this discord to the music he releases. Instead of listening to what the music is saying, we immediately relate it to its creator’s life. We do not let the art speak for itself. I do not believe this is how art is meant to be perceived. Art and its creator are not the same, and a true artist will conceal themselves to allow their art to be seen without any bias attached to it.

This aphorism immediately made me think of the early career of H.E.R., an American R&B musician. H.E.R. first began gaining popularity for her work around 2016. Her music was incredibly soulful and her lyrics made listeners reflect inwards. Her art is undeniably beautiful. Funnily enough, H.E.R. is an acronym for “Having Everything Revealed,” which is supposed to be ironic but I believe parallels greatly to Wilde’s quote. What relates her to this aphorism is how she maintained anonymity in the early infancy of her career. Her real identity remained unknown to the public and she did not reveal her face in any music video or album covers. She allowed her music to take precedence over herself.

Despite the world now knowing her true identity, H.E.R. still performs wearing sunglasses and keeps her face hidden in any kind of artwork. She is determined to remain an anonymous as possible to shift the focus onto her art. This anonymity allows listeners to connect with her music and lyrics without being influenced by any aspect of her and her life. Her music speaks for itself, and has clearly done a fantastic job doing so. She has garnered immense praise from the masses and also multiple awards for her music. When she does win these awards, she still conceals her face.

H.E.R. is the perfect example of Wilde’s aphorism and separating the art from the artist. She intentionally hid her identity to let her music speak for itself. She did not want superficiality to hinder the messages she desired to release to the world. When she releases love songs, she wants her audience to relate to and reflect on them. She does not want the world to automatically wonder who she specifically writes these songs about. She often creates music that revolves around the evolution into womanhood. With her identity hidden, women can relate to her art completely, with no hindrance.

“To reveal art and conceal the artist is art’s aim.” Society needs to understand what this means and follow it. We must stop letting an artist’s personal life minimize the voice of their art. They are not one and the same. We need to allow the art to speak for itself. If we can do this, art will have an entirely new meaning.

Julia Deicicchi

“No artist desires to prove anything. Even things that are true can be proved”- Oscar Wilde

I agree with this statement because when an artist produces their art, they do so for themselves. Art is a form of expression, and by putting it out into the world, the artist is revealing a part of themselves. This aphorism immediately makes me think of Taylor Swift. The media constantly paints her in a negative light, but that doesn’t stop her from releasing albums and going on tour. She has nothing to prove to anyone, she creates music because she loves to write and perform. Writing is an outlet to share her past experiences and emotions. She is most notably known for writing about breakups, but true fans know she also writes about her fun adventures with friends, self-growth, and her mental health struggles. She also likes to write from the point of view of different characters she makes up. All of her music is different and shares memories, experiences and emotions both personal or fictional. To reiterate, she isn’t trying to prove her capabilities or gain validity in her lyrics. She is writing for passion and enjoyment. The amount of support she has for her music allows her the freedom to write whatever she wants to; therefore, I suppose it can be argued that artists with less of her stature might be trying to prove themselves more to gain an audience. However, I think that true artists create for themselves only because in truth, they don’t need to prove anything and that defeats the purpose of art itself. To add on, the phrase “Even things that are true can be proved” is quite an interesting one, and takes some thought to understand. I think it refers to the fact that in general, both fact and lies often need to be proved. While an individual might be stating the truth, sometimes they may need to convince others of the validity of what they are expressing. This concept is a little confusing, but I understand what Wilde is trying to convey with this line. To connect back to art, specifically songwriting, artists like Swift would have to argue to prove their point even if it’s true, which takes away from the beauty of expression through song. Therefore, it can be inferred that artists don’t owe it to anyone, or have the desire to prove themselves. While I can’t attest to all artists, I can suggest that everyone approaches art without the concern or desire to authenticate their expressions. Art should be whatever the artist wants it to be, and the viewer can interpret it however they want. Although art should never be to impress the beholders, because that takes away from the beauty and individuality of art. If artists like Swift worried about what people thought of her, she would stop writing about her heartbreak. Maybe then people would stop ridiculing her with sexist comments and misogynistic hatred. Swift knows that sharing her truth is what makes her so special and makes her art valued by her fans. Expression should always be produced in art without the thoughts of how it will be perceived. 

All art is quite useless 

Oscar Wilde’s aphorism, “truly captures the essence of Wilde himself and the people he surrounds himself with. I firmly disagree with this statement. Oscar Wilde has a robust opinion about the effects art has on our personality and the way we feel internally. I personally cannot picture a peaceful world without the invention of art. Art is so much more than just a painting on the wall, it is music, photography, architecture and so much more. People don’t just do art as a hobby but it also allows us to internally feel a sense of relief and happiness. Art is an escape from reality, it distracts us from all the tension we face on our everyday lives.

There are endless examples of the affects art has on ourselves. Though I personally perceive Vincent Van Gough’s story to specifically stand out. Van Gough struggled with multiple mental disorders such as, Bipolar disorder and Epilepsy. Painting was the greatest remedy for his mental disorders. Art played a massive part in his everyday life, from painting his garden to his inner thoughts. This daily contact with his artwork built up his artistic insight in addition to his well being. Having something to look forward to everyday, that makes you feel calm and content is one of the most powerful forms of healing there is. Van Gough’s artwork reflected his internal pain , though it was his was of coping with everything going on. Not only did Van Gough’s artwork help himself, it did the same effects for the people around him. Although Van Gough is not here with us today, he is still known as one of the most famous, influential artists there is. His artwork allowed viewers to feel his pain on a whole new level. Van Gough portrayed his expressions of individualism and emotion throughout the elements that inspired him everyday. He too is a responsible inspiration toward modern art. Vincent utilized the impact of modern art in multiple artists today.

Wilde’s aphorism clearly rejects the professional form of treatment known as Art Therapy. The therapeutic process allows you to forget about everything else in the world, relaxing your body and moving your hands. Listening to music is another form of therapy that people use everyday, to help cope with their anxieties.Hearing another person talk about their feeling in a catchy tone forces us to ignore everything else around. I truly disagree with Oscar Wilde’s aphorism, “All art is quite useless”. We see multiple examples refuting this idea on a day to day schedule. This accusation did not consider all of the emotional relief artwork has on us.

Camryn Dunlap

“There is no such thing as a moral or an immoral book.” – Oscar Wilde

This aphorism was written by Oscar Wilde in the preface of his novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray. Oscar Wilde was a believer in Aestheticism, the idea that art exists only for art’s sake and not for deeper meaning. The philosophy of Aestheticism is centered around being free from moral or immoral connotations within the realm of art. The Aesthetic movement spanned from 1860 to 1900 and focused on producing only beautiful art and avoiding a deeper meaning to the art. Art includes paintings, music, dance, and most importantly in the context of this aphorism, books. In Wilde’s aphorism he claims that books are never moral or immoral. While I agree that a book itself is not a living being, and therefore cannot commit moral or immoral acts, but I also believe that books teach us lessons about morality and have an effect on how we learn to behave and view the world.

In the beginning of The Picture of Dorian Gray, Dorian is very impressionable and naïve to immorality and to the world. He is not provided much depth as a character as he is primarily described by Basil Hallward, in a near obsessive manner, about all of the pieces he has posed for and is the epitome of angelic beauty. He is unaware of this ethereal beauty that he possesses until he meets Lord Henry “Harry” Wotton. Harry is a friend of Basil’s who meets Dorian in the studio one day as Basil is painting his portrait. It is in this studio that Harry has his first influential conversation with Dorian. In this conversation Dorian becomes aware for the first time of his beauty, and in his first moment of vanity he wishes that the painting would age rather than himself. He wishes that he would always remain as he is in that moment. From that moment Dorian becomes close friends with Harry and takes influence from him. He takes part in increasingly immoral acts. At one point Harry gifts Dorian a book that consumes his every thought. This book is implied to be a corrupting influence that Dorian comes to revere. It becomes such a guiding force in Dorian’s life, along with Harry, that it has a massive effect on how Dorian views life.

This book, while it may not be moral or immoral itself, has such a profound effect on Dorian that it changes his behavior and outlook on life and how it should be lived. He does not think of moral or immoral, but only in a hedonistic mindset of doing whatever will increase his happiness, the action be objectively good or bad. The book itself does not have morals, but it changes and shapes Dorian’s morals. We see this affect in everyday life. For example, fairytales have been used throughout history to teach morals to children. Cinderella is good and kind while the Wicked Stepmother is cruel and vain. Cinderella gets the happy ending. Children are read these books to learn right from wrong and good from bad. The books can be simple words on paper and have no moral values themselves, but they impress morals onto the reader.

The aphorism, “there is no such thing as a moral or an immoral book,” implies that books neither have nor contain morality. While they may not have morality themselves, the stories they contain have morals within them. Books are written by humans, and humans are intrinsically moral creatures. We create philosophies, religions, and ideas centered around right and wrong to cope with everyday life. My viewpoint goes directly against the philosophy of Aestheticism. I believe that books contain and teach morality. I also believe that it is in our human nature to look for meaning and understanding of ourselves and life within art, including books.

All art is quite useless. I completely disagree with this aphorism. I believe that art is very beneficial and can be used in many different ways. There are so many forms of art, paintings, music, dance, and so many more. Paintings are used to portray messages, to decorate, give spaces more depth to make it more powerful. Dancing is another form of art and it is also an exercise that keeps people in shape, which is a good use of an art. Dance recitals also show off individual growths, provide stories on stage that teach people lessons and so forth. My last example is music. Music is very important because it brings people together. Music is very powerful, certain artists like Taylor Swift allow people to come together under a similar taste and creates a bond. For example, during the Eras Tour, many people are coming together, families are finding similarities to talk about, random people are becoming friends because they are exchanging bracelets at the concert, and it is a very heartwarming environment. This is only one example of how music is beneficial, and it brings people together as a community. Another way music is beneficial is that it helps people through tough moments in their life. An example would be during a break up there are many songs that can help you realize the wrong doings that had been done during the relationship that you were blinded of before. This particular instance happened to me, and the song Josslyn by Olivia O’brien, this song put things that I had ignored before into perspective. 

When critics disagree the artist is in accord with himself. I do agree with this aphorism. Because I do believe that when critics disagree, artists tend to not care what they are criticizing and they claim that that is how they think and feel and that it is not a representation of anyone but themselves. An example of this criticism would be Miley Cyrus. Miley has gone through multiple changes over the years, she started as a disney channel star and then switched to a musical profession. After her years on Disney, during her twenties, she became more provocative, and then after a few years she settled down and is now more reserved. Now, Miley is receiving criticism for changing too much, and for not being as provocative anymore, which she replied to by saying in a song that she was young when she went through that phase and she has grown and matured. She is not allowing the criticism to change how she thinks about herself, just like the aphorism states. This is very interesting, and Mileys example is the best example I could think of where the criticism and the artist’s response is very similar to the aphorism.

Emily Monahan

“Diversity of opinion about a work of art shows that the work is new, complex, and vital.” 

-Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde’s aphorism regarding diversity of opinion in art defines what is essential in the viewership of creative works. In his view, the range of opinion, whether it is deemed good, controversial, horrid, a masterpiece, and so on, is essential in the artistic process. Constructive criticism only improves the art, and only then can an artist improve. Wilde also goes on to show in this aphorism how this diversity shows that the new work is thought-provoking. If all audiences have a similar opinion, perhaps the piece is too flat and forward; this is the direct opposite of what art is made for, according to Wilde.

Wilde’s argument reminds me of Vaslav Nijinsky and his infamous ballet The Rite of Spring. His art became known for controversial topics, usually regarding sexuality. Predating The Rite of Spring, came his choreography to Debussy’s Afternoon of a Faun, where a faun falls in love with a nymph and steals her scarf. Later, the ballet ends with a graphic sexual scene between the faun and the scarf, stunning the early 1900s audience. This cemented Nijinsky’s choreographic personality in ballet. The following year, in collaboration with music from Igor Stravinsky, The Rite of Spring was first shown to a French audience. The story follows the plot of a pagan folklore of selecting a young girl to dance and later to be sacrificed for the spring celebration. The audience hated both the choreography and the music due to its distinct variation from the traditional motifs seen in ballet. It created the famous riot that occurred after its premier, tomatoes and all. In the later part of Nijinsky’s life, he was sent to a mental asylum, deterring mental health, and was diagnosed with schizophrenia. It’s not a big reach to say that the understanding of mental illness was treated with a matter of illegitimacy at this time, and this affected Nijinsky in his life and choreography. 

Over a hundred years later, The Rite of Spring is regarded in a completely different sense. Audiences have become more progressive, and studies on mental health have become vital in medical research. Today, his ballet is vital in the “ballet canon.” Primarily due to the controversy created by this piece. I was lucky enough to see this ballet recently at the Charleston Gaillard Center, and it was incredible to see life. They used the original choreography, and the dancers completely embodied the spirit of both the ballet and Nijinsky himself. 

Unfortunately, Wolfe passed away before The Rite of Spring hit the stage. But I believe he would have enjoyed this kind of experience. The ballet has created such polarizing opinions, much of which he favored in his writing of the aphorism. Nijinsky’s work was new, complex, and, most importantly, thought-provoking. Ballet is considered a “high culture” art, and by taking motifs of highly sexual scenes and pagan sacrifice seen as less than to high culture, Nijinsky is flipping that narrative and introducing it to that crowd. I completely agree with Wilde’s thought process in this aphorism, and I think this ballet is a perfect example of it. Art is subjective, and I believe a well-rounded audience of different opinions can truly deem a work worthy of study. I personally love this element of the arts and what has always drawn me to them.