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realpaulina's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
I wanted to like it more, it an classic piece and has so many good options but somehow I couldn’t. I understand the lesson that’s coming out of it etc. but for me this story wasn’t engaging at all and I don’t the see the beauty of writing style
frwwwuuuq's review against another edition
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
marie1405's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
ladysarah's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
earlgreydugong's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
saraireads's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 Stars
Very interesting portrayal of the importance of a good conscience and the consequences of our choices.
Throughout the book I felt sorry for Dorian Gray, for how easily he was influenced, for the downward spiral that his life ended up being. He had so much potential.
I picture the Lord Henry as a little devil and Basil Hallward as an angel, and both of them were on each side of Dorian's shoulders throughout his life trying to give him advice. Unfortunately for Dorian he ended up listening more to Lord Henry, who was insufferable to me and quite grating with his constant superiority and flippant theories of life.
I was surprised at how much symbolism Wilde used in this novel, and how often philosophy was discussed between characters. As they discussed the value of beauty, the influence of art, how youth is of highest priority--I couldn't help but think how juvenile and immature it all sounded. Grown men and women discussing how frivolity and pleasure are all that truly matters in the world just reeks of desperation and a childish mind.
But it was a great way to really look at the reasons for Dorian's cruel actions and what drove him to be who he was. He wasn't strong enough to withstand these childish impulses and so he made horrible choices that haunted him and negatively affected those around him.
The ending was very fitting. I was only sorry to see how many people were destroyed by Dorian's actions and how they had to suffer only to have him refuse to take responsibility for what he did even at the very end. Dorian blamed everyone and everything but himself and in that one final act where he wanted to once again just get rid of anything standing in his way, he finally met his end.
Overall I really enjoyed the themes discussed in this book and I think Wilde was extremely brave to publish such a controversial story (I know that it wasn't received well in his time). There were some passages I re-read so that I could really absorb everything being said, and it was a great "character study" of human behavior. Not the best classic I've read, but definitely something I think everyone should read.
Very interesting portrayal of the importance of a good conscience and the consequences of our choices.
Throughout the book I felt sorry for Dorian Gray, for how easily he was influenced, for the downward spiral that his life ended up being. He had so much potential.
I picture the Lord Henry as a little devil and Basil Hallward as an angel, and both of them were on each side of Dorian's shoulders throughout his life trying to give him advice. Unfortunately for Dorian he ended up listening more to Lord Henry, who was insufferable to me and quite grating with his constant superiority and flippant theories of life.
I was surprised at how much symbolism Wilde used in this novel, and how often philosophy was discussed between characters. As they discussed the value of beauty, the influence of art, how youth is of highest priority--I couldn't help but think how juvenile and immature it all sounded. Grown men and women discussing how frivolity and pleasure are all that truly matters in the world just reeks of desperation and a childish mind.
But it was a great way to really look at the reasons for Dorian's cruel actions and what drove him to be who he was. He wasn't strong enough to withstand these childish impulses and so he made horrible choices that haunted him and negatively affected those around him.
The ending was very fitting. I was only sorry to see how many people were destroyed by Dorian's actions and how they had to suffer only to have him refuse to take responsibility for what he did even at the very end. Dorian blamed everyone and everything but himself and in that one final act where he wanted to once again just get rid of anything standing in his way, he finally met his end.
Overall I really enjoyed the themes discussed in this book and I think Wilde was extremely brave to publish such a controversial story (I know that it wasn't received well in his time). There were some passages I re-read so that I could really absorb everything being said, and it was a great "character study" of human behavior. Not the best classic I've read, but definitely something I think everyone should read.
nancy_pocono50's review against another edition
3.0
I understand why the story is a classic. Some of the lines are funny and clever. The story is very clever. Feels like the full version I read had a bit too much padding. I may enjoy the original magazine version more.
chan190739's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
issa_library's review against another edition
4.75
"The picture of Dorian Gray". I was confused on how to rate this book, because while it's not my favorite one I definitely think that it's a great work with an amazing writing and I would definitely recommend it.
Starting with a plot, we have three characters: basil-the artist-hallward, henry-the misogynist-wotton and dorian-the drama queen-gray. Basil paints the picture of dorian and Henry tells the young man that he won't be young forever. Dorian being dramatic as usual says <i>"Youth is the only thing worth having. When I find that I am growing old, I shall kill myself."</i> so he wishes to be young forever and for the picture to grow old, which, surprisingly, happens.
Now dorian realizes that not only does the picture grow old, it also shows his souls, his sins. And, let's say, once Dorian sees that his actions have no consequences, he goes off the rails. Oscar Wilde does an amazing job showing the shallowness, selfishness and vanity of these people.
Another thing I LOVED about this book is writing. It was absolutely beautiful, the way Wilde writes is just 🤌🤌🤌 and don’t get me started on the DIALOGUES. Brilliant.
Overall, I think it’s definitely worth reading and I’d probably give it 4,5 - 4,75 stars.
Starting with a plot, we have three characters: basil-the artist-hallward, henry-the misogynist-wotton and dorian-the drama queen-gray. Basil paints the picture of dorian and Henry tells the young man that he won't be young forever. Dorian being dramatic as usual says <i>"Youth is the only thing worth having. When I find that I am growing old, I shall kill myself."</i> so he wishes to be young forever and for the picture to grow old, which, surprisingly, happens.
Now dorian realizes that not only does the picture grow old, it also shows his souls, his sins. And, let's say, once Dorian sees that his actions have no consequences, he goes off the rails. Oscar Wilde does an amazing job showing the shallowness, selfishness and vanity of these people.
Another thing I LOVED about this book is writing. It was absolutely beautiful, the way Wilde writes is just 🤌🤌🤌 and don’t get me started on the DIALOGUES. Brilliant.
Overall, I think it’s definitely worth reading and I’d probably give it 4,5 - 4,75 stars.