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As the title suggests, "Oscar Wilde: Aesthetics and Criticism" focuses on a very important subject in Oscar Wilde's books: the purpose of art. During this time, Wilde was a very avid supporter of Aestheticism, which was the idea that art had no other purpose than being beautiful. This criticism is one that also highlights the works that Wilde has done that focuses on Aestheticism, such as "The Picture of Dorian Gray", "The Portrait of W.H", "The Decay of Lying", "The Critic as Artist", etc. It also enforces the fact that all of Wilde's works are intertwined, and work towards the goal of promoting aestheticism. Also, this criticism backs up Wilde's argument that "art in its highest form is something more and other than a mere reflection of the natural world" and praises Wilde, saying that he holds a "prominent place…in our cultural landscape to this day." After all, we see his words and influence everywhere, whether it be on cards or in movies. Wilde truly was the face of the Aesthetic movement, and continues to be so through his one and only novel ("The Picture of Dorian Gray") and other short works.

"The Decay of Lying" by Oscar Wilde is a criticism based solely on the topics of Aestheticism. Aestheticism was an ideal that Oscar was passionate about, as he was one of the more influential people of the Aesthetic movement during the late 1800's. The ideal held that art should not be used as a form of social education and enlightenment, that "art need not any other purpose than being beautiful". This essay is very critical in enforcing Oscar Wilde's views and opinions, as many of the points made in "The Decay of Lying" parallel those inside "The Picture of Dorian Gray." One quote stands out when it comes to Aestheticism, and it is this: "Lying and poetry are arts-arts, as Plato saw, not unconnected from each other-and they require the most careful study, the most disinterested devotion" (Wilde). This sentiment was very evident in "The Picture of Dorian Gray": in the novel, the painter would end up making the portrait of Dorian Gray a very personal work of art, one that goes against the rules of Aestheticism. In the end, the painter would face the consequences of this, dying in the end in result of caring so much of the painting. The other part of Aestheticism dealing with the idea that Art should not be used as a form of learning and enlightenment is seen here, in which he uses an example to reinforce it. He states that "the most obvious and the vulgarest from in which this is shown is in the case of the silly boys, who, after reading the adventures of Jack Sheppard… pillage the stalls…, break into sweetshops at night,… etc" (Wilde). Again, this parallels Dorian Gray: in the beginning of the book, there is this yellow book that Lord Henry gives Dorian Gray. This piece of literature would soon change Dorian's life: he becomes obsessed with it, living the way it says to live, and would become an evil, corrupt man because of it. Here, it is obvious of the lesson Wilde is trying to convey to the audience: that literature

Argument: Jon Krakauer is too emotionally invested in the tale of Chris McCandless to write an unbiased and factual book. Claim: In his book, Into The Wild, author Jon Krakauer "makes his presence known throughout the novel" and "fails to see that in fact his authorial presence is both inescapable and distracting to the reader". Evidence: Krakauer writes about the emotions and feelings of McCandless in his, Krakauers, own words, instead of simply relaying facts. The author of this article, 'erinberman' writes that "If Krakauer had wanted to remain a silent author, he would have let Chris's words speak for themselves, instead of try to capture the essence of his fleeting thoughts and emotions." PURL: http://erinberman.wordpress.com/2010/04/11/into-the-wild-by-jon-krakauer-book-review/

"The Philosophy of Beauty" is an essay that delves into Aestheticism, Wilde's life, and his works. He criticizes Wilde for his outlook on Aestheticism and how his philosophy of beauty was "never quite sincere," and that he did not write with "his heart in his mouth, but merely with his tongue in his cheek." He also criticizes where the writing, in the end, had gotten him, implying that the movement was in vain: after all, it did not help him towards the end of his life. It wasn't something that would become quite a revolution. This is perfect for a Literary Criticism because it looks at the other side of the argument, that Aestheticism really isn't as grand as Wilde or others had believed or still believe

Argument: Dexter Filkins, of the New York Times Book Review, delivers a tough critique of Where Men Win Glory by Jon Krakauer. Filkins believes that "This would have been a better book had it been a hundred pages shorter." Claim: Much of the background about Pat Tillman's life is unnecessary. Also, the tiny details that Krakauer recounts are "banal and inconsequential." Evidence: "Tillman doesn't arrive in Afghanistan until Page 230." The book is supposed to be about the death of Pat Tillman, and the ensuing cover-up, but Krakauer talks too much about Tillman's early life and the NFL. However, once Tillman reaches Afghanistan and Krakauer starts telling the story he promised, the book takes a turn for the better. Filkins writes "The death of Tillman is handled deftly" and that "Krakauer performs a valuable service by bringing them [facts] all together". http://go.galegroup.com.lib.chandleraz.gov/ps/i.do?id=GALE|A207732676&v=2.1&u=chandler_main&it=r&p=LitRC&sw=w

Argument: Krakauer does superb research before writing his books, often digging into the past of the people or issues he writes about. This research manifests itself in his writing through an intricate understanding of the subject. Claim: In Under the Banner of Heaven, "proving his capacity for exhaustive research, Krakauer does an impressive job of chronicling the early history of the [Mormon] faith". This research can be seen in other books as well. Evidence: Krakauer chronicles how Joseph Smith went about "receiving a message from an angel named Moroni leading him to a hillside near his home in Palmyra, New York" and he "examines the Mountain Meadows Massacre of 1857, wherein Saints disguised as Indians slaughtered 120 of 137 settlers who ventured onto Mormon turf". All this proves Krakauer's research capabilities. PURL: http://go.galegroup.com.lib.chandleraz.gov/ps/retrieve.do?sgHitCountType=None&sort=RELEVANCE&inPS=true&prodId=LitRC&userGroupName=chandler_main&tabID=T001&searchId=R1&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&contentSegment=&searchType=BasicSearchForm&currentPosition=5&contentSet=GALE|H1100080168&&docId=GALE|H1100080168&docType=GALE&role=LitRC