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This thesis questions the effectiveness of anti-racial discrimination mechanisms in France, particularly in relation to the national political culture. Considering the overall import of republican ideology in France, which emphasizes values of universalism, colour-blindness, and laïcité, there are significant implications for how institutional, legal and civil society actors have traditionally approached issues of racism in France. From primary data, gathered through fieldwork in France (consisting of a series of semi-structured interviews with key antiracist and anti-racial discrimination actors), this thesis highlights the ways in which the political culture impacts the anti-racial discrimination agenda. By taking into account the various levels of antiracism in France, this thesis constitutes a unique, holistic and race critical analysis whereby legal, civil society, institutional and non-conventional mechanisms are considered in conjunction with each other, instead of separately. Using “race” as an analytical tool for understanding the French context, this thesis offers a critical re-reading of French history, linking an ethnicized and racialized formation of national identity throughout key historical moments to contemporary forms of racism. This research thus argues that certain antiracist approaches based on republican ideology result in a limited understanding of racialized processes, which appears to constrain actors from producing effective mechanisms for challenging racism and racial discrimination.

This research delves into the complex themes of perception, art, and self in Oscar Wilde's novel "The Picture of Dorian Gray." Drawing from Wilde's philosophy of "Art for Art's Sake," the study explores the characterization of Dorian Gray through the perspectives of Lord Henry and Basil Hallward. The central question revolves around whether Henry's and Basil's individual understanding of Dorian accurately represents his true nature and how this perception influences the protagonist. To establish the philosophical foundation, Wilde's essays "The Decay of Lying" and "The Critic as Artist" are analyzed, highlighting the concepts of art, critique, and the artist. The symbolic significance of the portrait and mirror is examined, revealing their role in reflecting Dorian's duality and inner conflict but also working as an extention of Henry and Basil as Art Crtitics. By incorporating Ian Watt's theory of apprehension of reality, the paper explores the limitations of Henry and Basil in comprehending Dorian's true self. Dorian is viewed as a semi-art figure, both a work of art and a human being. The research aims to shed light on why Henry and Basil fail to truly see Dorian, ultimately enhancing our understanding of his characterization. Through a methodology encompassing close reading, analysis, and interpretation, this study contributes to existing scholarship by offering new insights into the intricate exploration of self-perception and the interplay between art and life in Wilde's only novel.