The Tarot of Dorian Gray
For
those who don't know, Tarot is a card game used for fortune telling.
Usually the “card reader” will have a deck of 78 cards. They may
ask the cards a question or just ask for a “general reading” on a
subject – in this case, the cast of Oscar Wilde's “the Picture of
Dorian Gray.”
For our project we applied the symbols and motifs of Tarot to the characters in the story, to see which cards would suit them on a symbolic level.
For our project we applied the symbols and motifs of Tarot to the characters in the story, to see which cards would suit them on a symbolic level.
Dorian Gray - 0. The Fool
There are a few cards which could work well for Dorian Gray, but we've settled on 0. The Fool.
This card represents new beginnings and impressionability, which is well suited for the novel's namesake. Oftentimes when the Fool appears in a spread it suggests the subject has been lead astray by an external force.
This card represents new beginnings and impressionability, which is well suited for the novel's namesake. Oftentimes when the Fool appears in a spread it suggests the subject has been lead astray by an external force.
Lord Henry - V. The Hierophant
Our card for Lord Henry is V. The Hierophant. As a person, the Hierophant seeks knowledge, education, and deeper meanings.
This card may also stand in for a system of belief. The Heirophant may be one who follows his own set of rules or an individualistic system of philosophies, such as Lord Henry's philosophies about experiences and hedonism.
This card may also stand in for a system of belief. The Heirophant may be one who follows his own set of rules or an individualistic system of philosophies, such as Lord Henry's philosophies about experiences and hedonism.
Basil - XVII. The Star
For Basil we sought a card which could show his artistic integrity, and we found that in XVII. The Star.
The star is symbolic of inspiration, generosity, and serenity. A subject under the gaze of the star could be regaining faith, looking forward to the future. We think this card is representative of the tender way in which Basil finds inspiration in Dorian. The Star may also be seen as a guiding beacon to one's own true nature.
The star is symbolic of inspiration, generosity, and serenity. A subject under the gaze of the star could be regaining faith, looking forward to the future. We think this card is representative of the tender way in which Basil finds inspiration in Dorian. The Star may also be seen as a guiding beacon to one's own true nature.
Sibyl - The Queen of Cups
Sibyl's character was a little more difficult to coordinate, and so the card we picked for her doesn't fall into the Major Arcana, unlike the others.
For Sibyl we chose the Queen of Cups – the feminine ruler of the Cup Arcana, which governs the elements of water, emotion, feeling, romance, and the arts. This only seemed appropriate for Sibyl's dramatic personality and her career as an actress.
This card may also represent the cultivation of a romance, like the romance she attempts to pursue with Dorian. Reversed this card indicates emotional manipulation and turmoil; in her relationship with Dorian, Sibyl is a perfect example of how the Queen of Cups may be experiencing a period of emotional unrest or abuse.
For Sibyl we chose the Queen of Cups – the feminine ruler of the Cup Arcana, which governs the elements of water, emotion, feeling, romance, and the arts. This only seemed appropriate for Sibyl's dramatic personality and her career as an actress.
This card may also represent the cultivation of a romance, like the romance she attempts to pursue with Dorian. Reversed this card indicates emotional manipulation and turmoil; in her relationship with Dorian, Sibyl is a perfect example of how the Queen of Cups may be experiencing a period of emotional unrest or abuse.
The Painting - XVI. The Tower
Lastly we can't forget the painting, a strong character in of itself. For the picture we chose XVI. The Tower.
The tower card represents the moment in which everything changes. Upheaval, crisis, falling. Those who fall under the shadow of the tower may come to a potentially unpleasant revelation. The tower may appear at a point where one has been forced to relinquish control.
We think of this card as a great representation of the final scene, when Dorian stabs the painting and his body is forced to bear its true form at last.
The tower card represents the moment in which everything changes. Upheaval, crisis, falling. Those who fall under the shadow of the tower may come to a potentially unpleasant revelation. The tower may appear at a point where one has been forced to relinquish control.
We think of this card as a great representation of the final scene, when Dorian stabs the painting and his body is forced to bear its true form at last.