Sarah+J-+Research+Paper+Outline

Thesis -In almost all of his works, Wilde emphasizes the important influence of a mentor by transforming his characters in a positive, and at times a negative direction.

Introduction Definition of a mentor, especially a mentor of the same gender -Greek Mythology & derivation of mentor -Effect of same gender mentor: article

Point I Mentors in The Picture of Dorian Gray -Negative Influence & the Positive Influence: Wotton & Basil

Possible Quotes: The painter laughed. "I don't think there will be any difficulty about that. Sit down again, Harry. And now, Dorian, get up on the platform, and don't move about too much, or pay any attention to what Lord Henry says. He has a very bad influence over all his friends, with the single exception of myself."

"There is no such thing as a good influence, Mr. Gray. All influence is immoral--immoral from the scientific point of view."

"Because to influence a person is to give him one's own soul. He does not think his natural thoughts, or burn with his natural passions. His virtues are not real to him.”

Point II Mentor in The Lady Windermere’s Fan -Lady Windermere & Her Mother Transformation

Point III Connecting to Wilde’s Life: Wilde & Walter Pater (Homosexual mentor and aestheticism) Mentors in Wilde’s Other works: “The Happy Prince,” “A House of Pomegrantes,” “Importance of Being Earnest” -Use Author Criticism: Clifton Snider

Conclusion Relate Wilde’s life and his ideals to the idea of mentor