The use of ekphrasis in comparison of Edgar Allan Poess 'The Oval Portrait' and Oscar Wildes 'The Picture of Dorian Gray'

Focusing on the interplay between art and narrative, this seminar paper compares two stories from different epochs, each centered around significant portraits. It explores the complex and paradoxical relationships between art, life, and death, examining how these visual elements are conveyed through language. The analysis includes an overview of ekphrastic theory, a classification of narrative situations, and a comparison of the dynamics between observer and subject. Ultimately, the paper discusses the portraits' functions and their thematic importance within the stories.