Reviews

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

bmwilson38's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

ace_rds's review against another edition

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dark tense slow-paced

3.75

yasmeenkarolia's review against another edition

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dark 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

rachelheatherlee's review against another edition

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challenging dark mysterious reflective tense 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

4.0

adelez's review against another edition

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dark mysterious 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

4.0

alnauman12'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

osamatheauthor's review against another edition

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5.0

4.5/5

When a book portrays itself as a masterpiece of art and pigments.
When a book holds a mirror for looking into it and finding yourself.
When a book shows what actually resides in the abyss of one's mind.

The intensity of The Picture of Dorian Gray can be understood by imagining a world in which the power of art and words collide and merge. I sincerely believe that you can grasp something from each page of this book, even being an apprentice. The way Oscar Wilde romanticized art and its forms; the way Oscar Wilde created magic through the formation of treasure that holds onto the alluring spark of words yet shows the hollowness one suffers from. When one possesses all the beauty of the world but still feels nothingness of one's existence by being part of a loop or otherwise even.

This book helped me know myself better. Simultaneously, I suffered from the enigma of self, too. As Oscar Wilde wrote, 'He wanted to be where no one would know who he was. He wanted to escape from himself.'

The following points illustrate my observation and understanding of this book:
1. Self-admiration can be fatal.
2. Intellect is the real beauty one can hold onto.
3. Even if art has limitations, it can express anything anywhere.
4. The fulfillment of self cannot be sufficient unless the proper values are coordinated.
5. Mind is the house of innovation.
6. What if the mystery lies among the seen and not unseen?
7. Unconsciousness is the real deal one ought to handle.
8. If knowing all is fascinating, not knowing anything is more of a fascination.
9. The realization that comes from the self cannot be contradicted by others' opinions, even if they are forced to do so.
10. A void is a barrier to get rid of the unwanted emotions.
11. Art is supposed to reveal novelty.
12. So, one can't escape from oneself, right?
13. One has to treat life artistically.

miabarranco's review against another edition

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dark reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

alatarie's review against another edition

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4.0

"Knowledge would be fatal. It is the uncertainty that charms one. A mist makes things wonderful."