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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
feels anachronistic reading such an eloquent and verbose book in an age so concerned with productivity and efficiency. It makes me wonder how much our cultural intellect has been diluted, given that in its day this was an instant classic but to the modern reader so many of the references to classic literature and art is lost.
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is one of those books that you should read if you want to feel guilty. Full of amusing dark paradoxes and sin, it made me take a second look at my life. Well done, Wilde.
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
slow-paced
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I think the character work was great and well-put together. The last chapters of the book were riveting, even though I felt that the beginning/middle of the book started off a little slowly. The message of the novel reflects the fickle nature of society, and how I love books that comment on broken societies. Dorian Gray was such a good character in the sense that he was so absorbed in himself he didn't see his own flaws. The book not only highlighted the importance of confession, sin, and soul; but also the effects of influence. I genuinely felt so bad for Basil in the end: his work falling off and his muse leaving him and trashing his painting and then killing him. Even the side characters were astoundingly well rounded: Alan, James, and Sybil to name the most prominent. I was invested at every turn, and I would like to say that this was one of the better classics I've read. Truly being a unique and strange premise of a supernatural painting that warps as one's soul shrivels, I liked reading it and it was interesting to dissect.
In comparison to my other AP Lit summer novel, Frankenstein, I would say that this one takes the cake by way of writing and character strength, however, I really enjoyed the use of dual perspective and unique storytelling in Frankenstein. Both novels explored the flaws of human nature, ranging from self-destruction, ambition, and being power-hungry to vanity and the repercussions of one's actions. Both themes are extremely prevalent today, and in conclusion, I would rank this summer's English course a 9/10. Both books were solid. Thanks, Amanda.
In comparison to my other AP Lit summer novel, Frankenstein, I would say that this one takes the cake by way of writing and character strength, however, I really enjoyed the use of dual perspective and unique storytelling in Frankenstein. Both novels explored the flaws of human nature, ranging from self-destruction, ambition, and being power-hungry to vanity and the repercussions of one's actions. Both themes are extremely prevalent today, and in conclusion, I would rank this summer's English course a 9/10. Both books were solid. Thanks, Amanda.