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A review by duskk_novels
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Oscar Wilde creates the rich, narcissistic, influential aristocrat, Dorian Gray, whose irresistible youth captivate and lure in all those who meet him. An appearance so perfect and unforgettable that the painter, Basil Hallward produces a splendid portrait of Gray. A masterpiece of spotless youth and glorious beauty, so great that Gray himself falls in love with it.
Completely absorbed with the portrait, Gray wishes in a moment of pride and madness, that he may maintain his incomparable youth and beauty forever, and the portrait instead withers and decays with age. Unknowingly, Gray 'barters' his soul and his prayer is answered. While the world continues to see the 'mask' of youth that Gray wears, the portrait slowly begins to degrade and deteriorate as the years pass. What Gray does not realise is not only does the portrait age, but after every sin he commits, it transforms deeper into a hideous, grotesque creature of unfathomable ugliness. The portrait becomes a physical embodiment of his soul, conscience and the deadly sins he commits whilst hiding behind the façade of his mask of youth.
The first quarter of the book was very dull and tedious. Not a lot was happening and Wilde tended to drag on a few topics which was tiring and boring to read. It seemed dramatic and unnecessary. At one point, I hated the book and was close to DNFing. However, after the first 100 pages, the book completely transformed. A series of events was finally uncoiling with a fabulous sense of mystery and mind-shattering plot-twists. We see such strong character development which was enjoyable to read. Wilde's use of language was my favourite thing about the book. His writing was elegant and effective at making the reader understand the depths of critical elements in the story like influence and sin. The book magnificently touched upon real-life issues (e.g. corruption) and was filled with important lessons to teach.
Wilde's intriguing concepts and skill of producing such poetic lines with powerful meanings was admirable and has made 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' my favourite classic so far. I wish I picked it up sooner.
Completely absorbed with the portrait, Gray wishes in a moment of pride and madness, that he may maintain his incomparable youth and beauty forever, and the portrait instead withers and decays with age. Unknowingly, Gray 'barters' his soul and his prayer is answered. While the world continues to see the 'mask' of youth that Gray wears, the portrait slowly begins to degrade and deteriorate as the years pass. What Gray does not realise is not only does the portrait age, but after every sin he commits, it transforms deeper into a hideous, grotesque creature of unfathomable ugliness. The portrait becomes a physical embodiment of his soul, conscience and the deadly sins he commits whilst hiding behind the façade of his mask of youth.
The first quarter of the book was very dull and tedious. Not a lot was happening and Wilde tended to drag on a few topics which was tiring and boring to read. It seemed dramatic and unnecessary. At one point, I hated the book and was close to DNFing. However, after the first 100 pages, the book completely transformed. A series of events was finally uncoiling with a fabulous sense of mystery and mind-shattering plot-twists. We see such strong character development which was enjoyable to read. Wilde's use of language was my favourite thing about the book. His writing was elegant and effective at making the reader understand the depths of critical elements in the story like influence and sin. The book magnificently touched upon real-life issues (e.g. corruption) and was filled with important lessons to teach.
Wilde's intriguing concepts and skill of producing such poetic lines with powerful meanings was admirable and has made 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' my favourite classic so far. I wish I picked it up sooner.