Nordau’s warning- Aesthetics under siege

Abstract

This research paper delves into the contrasting ideologies of Max Nordau, a prominent critic of the 19th century, and Oscar Wilde, a renowned aesthete and playwright, in the context of late Victorian society. Nordau's theory of degeneration, which condemned deviations from societal norms as signs of cultural decay, is analyzed alongside Wilde's deliberate embrace of excess, maximalism, and aestheticism. By juxtaposing Nordau's conservative views against Wilde's avant-garde approach, this paper explores how Wilde's subversion of Victorian beauty standards challenged prevailing notions of aesthetics, morality, and individuality. Through an in-depth examination of Wilde's works and Nordau's critiques, this research sheds light on the intellectual and artistic tension of the era, highlighting the clash between traditional values and emerging avant-garde movements.