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A review by jnestwd
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
What does it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?
Wow, bold of Oscar Wilde to drop this bombshell of a classic and then never write another novel again.
The Picture of Dorian Gray serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers of putting youth, beauty and aesthetics above all else.
It also serves as a stark reminder of how hollow life can become if you gain everything you've ever wanted, without having to work for a single thing. How entitled and self-obsessed one can become when people will do anything for you at the drop of a hat, just to be in your orbit.
It's impossible not to draw modern day comparisons between Dorian Gray and the likes of deified pop-culture icons such as Taylor Swift, The Kardashians and the Royal Family. How much that level of worship and idolisation would change a person, despite their best efforts to remain true to themselves.
There is a reason this novel is considered a Classic. The fact that Oscar Wilde wrote this in 1890, and yet the themes and ideas still ring true more than 100 years later is a testament to the roots within human nature with which this story is ground.
We can all relate to Dorian Gray in his unrelenting pursuit of youth, beauty and popularity.
We can relate to Lord Henry and his regrets for youth lost and ultimate fear of mortality and inevitable death.
We can relate to Basil, for pouring his whole heart and soul into something which is ultimately meaningless and outside of his control.
This is a story that will stay with me, and I will be truly better for it.
Wow, bold of Oscar Wilde to drop this bombshell of a classic and then never write another novel again.
The Picture of Dorian Gray serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers of putting youth, beauty and aesthetics above all else.
It also serves as a stark reminder of how hollow life can become if you gain everything you've ever wanted, without having to work for a single thing. How entitled and self-obsessed one can become when people will do anything for you at the drop of a hat, just to be in your orbit.
It's impossible not to draw modern day comparisons between Dorian Gray and the likes of deified pop-culture icons such as Taylor Swift, The Kardashians and the Royal Family. How much that level of worship and idolisation would change a person, despite their best efforts to remain true to themselves.
There is a reason this novel is considered a Classic. The fact that Oscar Wilde wrote this in 1890, and yet the themes and ideas still ring true more than 100 years later is a testament to the roots within human nature with which this story is ground.
We can all relate to Dorian Gray in his unrelenting pursuit of youth, beauty and popularity.
We can relate to Lord Henry and his regrets for youth lost and ultimate fear of mortality and inevitable death.
We can relate to Basil, for pouring his whole heart and soul into something which is ultimately meaningless and outside of his control.
This is a story that will stay with me, and I will be truly better for it.