Scan barcode
A review by dellydoos
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Well, well, isn’t she well-read? Feeling awfully good about myself to add this one to the list. The one and only, The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. What a treat it was.
In true gothic literature, this classic was a delight to read, with its rich and detailed prose and very homoerotic imagery. From the way the words rolled off the pages, to the way the characters spoke to each other in such adoring fashion. The book's satirical humour was also a refreshing surprise. It often danced on the edge of the absurd, poking fun at the hypocrisy and superficiality of the society it portrayed. Wilde’s wit shone through, bringing a lightness to the otherwise sombre themes that underpinned the narrative. A brilliant contrast.
I also couldn’t deny how darn smart I felt when reading this. I felt a certain sophistication, a kind of literary camaraderie with all those esteemed enough to have read this book. I came away wanting to speak how the characters spoke in the book, “Ah, my dear Basil. How Mr Gray got the better of you.”
Ah, the themes that flow through these pages! Life, death, morality, vanity, and the beguiling allure of beauty – all masterfully woven into a tapestry of thought-provoking contemplation. Dorian Gray's inner monologue was a journey of its own. It was wild, unpredictable, and often disturbingly captivating. Through his thoughts, we were given a glimpse into the complexities of human nature, the struggle between desires and morality.
However, there were patches where my enthusiasm waned. Some conversations seemed to stretch on unnecessarily, detracting from the narrative's momentum. The beginning, for all its lush prose, left me a bit bored as the story found its footing.
A glaring flaw lay in the treatment of women in the story. Their roles were limited and often relegated to the sidelines, a reflection of the societal norms of the time. It's also impossible to ignore the presence of antisemitism within the narrative, a dark reminder of the prejudices that marred the era. This inclusion was jarring and unsettling and marked my reading experience.
Even so, this classic is certainly a classic, and the sub-text of Mr Oscar Wilde’s own personal life really leant itself into the narrative of this book. Read up on his history if you haven’t, and things will begin to make even more sense for you. 3.5 / 5 stars.
In true gothic literature, this classic was a delight to read, with its rich and detailed prose and very homoerotic imagery. From the way the words rolled off the pages, to the way the characters spoke to each other in such adoring fashion. The book's satirical humour was also a refreshing surprise. It often danced on the edge of the absurd, poking fun at the hypocrisy and superficiality of the society it portrayed. Wilde’s wit shone through, bringing a lightness to the otherwise sombre themes that underpinned the narrative. A brilliant contrast.
I also couldn’t deny how darn smart I felt when reading this. I felt a certain sophistication, a kind of literary camaraderie with all those esteemed enough to have read this book. I came away wanting to speak how the characters spoke in the book, “Ah, my dear Basil. How Mr Gray got the better of you.”
Ah, the themes that flow through these pages! Life, death, morality, vanity, and the beguiling allure of beauty – all masterfully woven into a tapestry of thought-provoking contemplation. Dorian Gray's inner monologue was a journey of its own. It was wild, unpredictable, and often disturbingly captivating. Through his thoughts, we were given a glimpse into the complexities of human nature, the struggle between desires and morality.
However, there were patches where my enthusiasm waned. Some conversations seemed to stretch on unnecessarily, detracting from the narrative's momentum. The beginning, for all its lush prose, left me a bit bored as the story found its footing.
A glaring flaw lay in the treatment of women in the story. Their roles were limited and often relegated to the sidelines, a reflection of the societal norms of the time. It's also impossible to ignore the presence of antisemitism within the narrative, a dark reminder of the prejudices that marred the era. This inclusion was jarring and unsettling and marked my reading experience.
Even so, this classic is certainly a classic, and the sub-text of Mr Oscar Wilde’s own personal life really leant itself into the narrative of this book. Read up on his history if you haven’t, and things will begin to make even more sense for you. 3.5 / 5 stars.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Misogyny, and Antisemitism
Minor: Suicide