Comparative Study on the Aesthetic Characteristics of The Nightingale and the Rose and The Narrow Door from the Perspective of Aestheticism

Abstract

Based on the aesthetic background of aestheticism, this paper studies the common and different aesthetic characteristics of the two works. By using the method of comparative research, this paper compares the characteristics of Wilde’s The Nightingale and the Rose and Gide’s The Narrow Door from the direction of tragedy, and analyzes the differences in story content, expression techniques, and emotional expression, to achieve a unique interpretation of beauty. Although the two have their emphasis on the expression technique and theme, they both embody strong aesthetic characteristics and a profound reflection on life, love, and faith. Through the comparative study of these two works, one can deeply explore their similarities and differences in tragedy, aesthetic view, and emotional expression, and reveal the unique interpretation and pursuit of beauty of the two writers under the background of aestheticism. Through the comparative study of this paper, can see that the two works have aesthetic characteristics, critical characteristics, death art characteristics, and faith complexes. Oscar Wilde’s The Nightingale and the Rose also has a scathing quality, while Andre’s “The Narrow Door” embodies a contradictory quality.