Reviews with content warning for Sexism - The Picture of Dorian Gray

Reviews tagging 'Sexism'

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

216 reviews

wowsmeows's review against another edition

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dark mysterious reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

"Beautiful sins, like beautiful things, are the privilege of the rich."

I went into Dorian Gray without knowing anything about it, and I really enjoyed it for the most part.

The main story is intriguing and there was a few unexpected moments that I really enjoyed. The three main characters (Dorian, Henry and Basil) are so incredibly unlikeable and would be tedious to know in real life, yet I still found them to be engaging. I think this book is a great example of how main characters do not have to be likeable for a story to be enjoyed.

The thing I disliked about the novel novels is that it feels like the story gets interrupted by the author going on a personal tangent and lecturing the audience. I really struggled through one specific chapter and I very nearly didn't pick it back up again. It felt very preachy and really interrupted the story.

Overall, I enjoyed The Picture of Dorian Gray and I'm glad I picked it up!

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libra_sun's review against another edition

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dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I went into this book with zero knowledge of the plot, and I think it was the right choice. I couldn't put it down, I wanted to know what was happening and I love the way the mystery unfolded. It was an amazing reflective piece on society's obsession with beauty, and it is still wholly relevant, especially with the rise of social media. The idea that being beautiful means you are good.
My one critique is that there is a bit of rambling in some passages, but it's kind of par for the course in these types of books.
Anyways, I thoroughly enjoyed and definitely recommend.

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diaday333's review against another edition

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dark mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

All I have to really say about this book is that the writing is beautiful. Everything description is absolutely lovely and the book is so quotable. “She was usually in love with somebody, and, as her passion was never returned…” It definitely deserves its spot as a classic. And honestly, I feel like it is a must read for everyone. We never actually learn about Dorian’s life and the things he does and what makes his soul so stained, but I think that’s actually a good thing. You can only image. After all, we only learn through rumors, all which Dorian does not confirm or deny. Also I was add chapter 11 was something else— and what I mean by that is that it was just straight yap 😭 overall, I will be thinking of this books writing style and quoting it until the day I die.

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liamray's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense 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

4.25

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lazmataz's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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olive_lol's review against another edition

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dark mysterious 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

3.5

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seanml's review against another edition

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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

4.0

I don't know if I completely bought the idea of Dorian's trajectory during the novel. However, I did enjoy much of it, and the ghost story-like ending especially. The novel's best product is Wilde's many many philosophical quotes and musings that pepper the pages - most of them said by the character Lord Henry, as much as I dislike him. 8/10.

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tadah's review against another edition

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dark funny 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

4.0

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kattypillar13's review against another edition

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dark mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The Picture of Dorian Gray is a difficult read if you like to root for characters in novels. That said, the characters are not designed to be likeable. The story reflects the problems of a culture obsessed with youth, aesthetics, and appearances, and it does so in a complex manner. It is a well-written novel which unsettles the reader and encourages them to reflect.

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rachael_jo's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad slow-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

4.0

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