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This paper examines how The Picture Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde marks a critical turn in which he critiques late-Victorian upper-class privilege and moral immunity. While previous scholarship has predominantly analyzed the novel as a moral allegory or aesthetic treatise, this study employs cultural materialism as a theoretical framework to demonstrate how Wilde uses Dorian’s isolation of his portrait and subsequent hedonistic experimentation as symbolic representations of the aristocracy’s ability to shield him from moral and social consequences. Wilde’s text reveals how the English aristocracy could embody ideals of beauty and reap princely treatment while committing debauchery without reproach. Through Culler’s close reading method toward this novel, especially chapters eight and nine, this analysis reveals how Dorian’s act of hiding the portrait symbolizes social denial, while his obsessive aesthetic consumption reflects the practices of the leisure class. This shows that Wilde hints Dorian’s social circle accepts his sensual life simply because his appearance remains unmarred–a commentary on class privilege. By examining the specific textual elements and historical context of—especially—chapters eight and nine of this novel, this study contributes to the understanding of how Wilde’s novel serves as both a product of and commentary on the class structures and moral hypocrisy of late-Victorian England.

This research is mainly intended to reveal the old southern pride reflected in the characteristics of Amanda, a southern lady. In conducting this research, the writer uses qualitative research, in which the data are collected in the form of words and the writer is the key instrument. The data were taken from the work itself and other relevant books supporting the data. In analyzing the data, the writer uses a mimetic approach, which considers that literary work is a reflection and imitation of aspects of the universe. The result of this research shows that in the southern part of America before the Civil War, there was a custom called "southern gentility." This is one of the aristocratic values that consists of the manner of speech, the way of wearing the clothes, and the manner of treating the caller: the way to welcome and praise the gentleman caller, his wealth, and his beauty. This southern gentility represents old southern pride or honor. These values are reflected in Amanda’s attitude as an old southerner. However, a change in period is followed by a change in values; the aristocratic values mentioned above are no longer all relevant to the new South's way of life because they faded away after the Civil War in 1861-1865. Amanda, as an old southerner, has always held these values; however, realizing that they are no longer applicable in the present, she attempts to adapt the new southern values. Yet, she is too late to adjust because her son, who possesses new southern values, refuses to accept her advice, so he runs away.