DG: Preface

It is evident that art is of great significance to this author and will be mentioned throughout the novel in some shape or form. Wilde speaks of the art behind art, if you will. He speaks very highly of artists, stating that they are the "creator of beautiful things" (Wilde 1). I get the impression that Wilde is not fond of an artist's audience or spectator. He refers to these spectators as 'critics'. One would assume that a 'critic' would appreciate genuine art just as an artist does, but Wilde brings up the possibility of one being corrupt if they find "ugly meanings in beautiful things" (1). The conclusions Wilde has drawn are extremely bias. He speaks very highly of art and even commences this preface with the statement that ALL art is beautiful. Along with that, he claims that one who fails to see the beautiful meaning in the beauty of art is corrupt. However, this is not accurate. The word beautiful is a subjective term but Wilde uses it from an objective standpoint, thus being the reason for his insubstantial statements.