Comparison of two different literature mediums comparing society’s view on homosexuality. One written source and one media source.
There are many different literature mediums that have explored society’s views on homosexuality over time, including novels, plays, and films. In this response, we will compare and contrast two such mediums: the novel “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde and the film “Moonlight” directed by Barry Jenkins.
The Picture of Dorian Gray is a novel published in 1890 that tells the story of Dorian Gray, a young man who becomes infatuated with the idea of eternal youth and beauty. The novel explores themes of morality, decadence, and homosexuality, as Dorian’s relationships with various characters throughout the book are revealed to be same-sex relationships. At the time of its publication, homosexuality was not widely accepted in society and was often viewed as a taboo or deviant behavior. The novel was met with criticism and controversy due to its depiction of homosexuality, and Wilde was later tried and convicted for “gross indecency” due to his own homosexuality.
Moonlight is a film released in 2016 that tells the story of Chiron, a young African American man growing up in Miami. The film explores themes of identity, sexuality, and acceptance as Chiron struggles to understand and come to terms with his own homosexuality. The film was released at a time when society’s views on homosexuality had become more accepting, but the film still touches on the difficulties and challenges that can be faced by individuals who are part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Both the novel “The Picture of Dorian Gray” and the film “Moonlight” explore society’s views on homosexuality, but they do so in very different contexts. The novel was published at a time when homosexuality was not widely accepted and the characters faced significant societal stigma and discrimination due to their sexual orientation. In contrast, the film “Moonlight” was released at a time when society’s views on homosexuality were becoming more accepting, but it still portrays the struggles and challenges that can be faced by individuals who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. Both mediums offer unique insights into society’s views on homosexuality and how these views have evolved over time.