A review by documentno_is
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

challenging funny reflective fast-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

Beauty corrupted by society. An impressionable young man is corrupted by his peers but also ultimately responsible for the choices he makes. It’s a novel about the dangers of influence, of being a sponge who takes in ideals without criticism. A life of vanity and hedonism corrupts the soul, numbness and distraction from the pains of reality turns you cold, callous, and corrupt. 

 

It’s funny how often this is on book ban lists for description of hedonism when this book is essentially a parable for what happens if you don’t prescribe to a very Christian western morality. Its explorations of unchecked desire, icons, and wealth hoarding are pretty explicit and in a lot of ways it reminded me of A Christmas Carol with a more interesting frame narrative. There is the further exploration of vanity and beauty in regard to art, it seems to me Wilde would not advocate for separating art from the intentions of the author and I tend to agree with him. 

 

I really like the descriptions of Dorian with his fair hair and Scarlett lips, it’s very theatrical and campy. Harry was cartoonishly evil in a very satisfying way “ women are a decorative sex, “ Jesus Christ. Loved the homoerotic undertones, could lose the general racism of the 1800s but the novel is decidedly modern for the time of its writing. I also liked the descriptions of the more horrific elements, the picture itself and its slow descent into disfigurement as Dorian became more corrupted was told in lingering suspense and drama, in a really poignant way. 

Wilde's philosophies/ beliefs are pretty limiting and I can't say I'm totally sold on his view of the world but it was an interesting read on political and social discourse of his time.