Exploring the Layers of Decadence

This chapter investigates the multifaceted concept of decadence as it pertains to historical, cultural, and artistic contexts. It highlights prominent figures such as Oscar Wilde and the societal dynamics of the 1890s, while also connecting contemporary issues of gender and race to the anxieties surrounding decadence. Through its examination of past and present attitudes, the chapter reveals a persistent cycle of societal concern over perceived decay and moral decline.