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A review by lucyreadsss
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
4.0
✰✰✰✰/5
●“Experience is merely the name men gave to their mistakes.”
● “Behind every exquisite thing that existed, there was something tragic.”
This book was unlike any I have ever read before. I enjoyed reading a different genre than I am used to, a gothic novel. With the Picture of Dorian Gray Oscar Wilde crafted a novel that is one of a kind and has for over a century received many contrasting opinions and caused much controversy. Wilde was very ahead of his time with his views and concepts, causing disapproval from many around him.
Dorian Gray is such an interesting character to me. A young, innocent, almost-child that is manipulated by his 'friend' Lord Henry and by society. Throughout the book he is constantly told how beautiful he is and is pressured into believing his beauty and youth is more important than anything. This leads Dorian to make a huge decision that influences the trajectory of his life.
Lord Henry Wotton is also a very intriguing character. Adored by many of the characters, Wotton has a malevolent side that leads him to manipulate Dorian into believing his poisonous beliefs. Lord Henry represents the snake and Dorian the Adam who takes Henry's bait. His careful, gradual manipulation leads Dorian into a downward spiral of corruption and violence. Wotton's nature and actions reminded me of that of Iago's in Othello, perhaps Wilde took inspiration from Shakespeare as he references him at various moments throughout this novel.
The only real criticism I had of this book was that it was a little slow at times and the main intriguing plot points seemed to be focused in about the last 50 pages of the book. It is also not an easy read. If you want a quick simple read this is not that kind of book. Although this book is quite short, it is a highly intellectual and thought-provoking read.
Wilde does an effective job of describing the Aesthetic Movement of the Victorian era in England. However he also does an effective job in highlighting the effect of morality on the characters. In doing so, he critiques the giving in to one's impulses thoughtlessly as a result of the pressures of the Aesthetic Movement and how it harms not just yourself but those around you. The characters and settings paint a detailed picture of the privileged, elite, upper-class dominating London in the late nineteenth century.
Overall, the evolution of Dorian was well thought out and executed. When we first meet Dorian, he is very innocent and vulnerable. Once he begins his journey from innocence and vulnerability to self-corruption, he grows in confidence and self-assurance, knowing his mind well enough to be outspoken in disagreement. And, I thought the use of the transforming painting made an interesting literary device and plot developer. As someone who does not often enjoy classics/old novels and sometimes finds them difficult to follow, this book was understandable and often kept me captivated. Wilde truly was a writer ahead of his time and still to this day his work is appreciated and analysed by many around the world.
●“Experience is merely the name men gave to their mistakes.”
● “Behind every exquisite thing that existed, there was something tragic.”
This book was unlike any I have ever read before. I enjoyed reading a different genre than I am used to, a gothic novel. With the Picture of Dorian Gray Oscar Wilde crafted a novel that is one of a kind and has for over a century received many contrasting opinions and caused much controversy. Wilde was very ahead of his time with his views and concepts, causing disapproval from many around him.
Dorian Gray is such an interesting character to me. A young, innocent, almost-child that is manipulated by his 'friend' Lord Henry and by society. Throughout the book he is constantly told how beautiful he is and is pressured into believing his beauty and youth is more important than anything. This leads Dorian to make a huge decision that influences the trajectory of his life.
Lord Henry Wotton is also a very intriguing character. Adored by many of the characters, Wotton has a malevolent side that leads him to manipulate Dorian into believing his poisonous beliefs. Lord Henry represents the snake and Dorian the Adam who takes Henry's bait. His careful, gradual manipulation leads Dorian into a downward spiral of corruption and violence. Wotton's nature and actions reminded me of that of Iago's in Othello, perhaps Wilde took inspiration from Shakespeare as he references him at various moments throughout this novel.
The only real criticism I had of this book was that it was a little slow at times and the main intriguing plot points seemed to be focused in about the last 50 pages of the book. It is also not an easy read. If you want a quick simple read this is not that kind of book. Although this book is quite short, it is a highly intellectual and thought-provoking read.
Wilde does an effective job of describing the Aesthetic Movement of the Victorian era in England. However he also does an effective job in highlighting the effect of morality on the characters. In doing so, he critiques the giving in to one's impulses thoughtlessly as a result of the pressures of the Aesthetic Movement and how it harms not just yourself but those around you. The characters and settings paint a detailed picture of the privileged, elite, upper-class dominating London in the late nineteenth century.
Overall, the evolution of Dorian was well thought out and executed. When we first meet Dorian, he is very innocent and vulnerable. Once he begins his journey from innocence and vulnerability to self-corruption, he grows in confidence and self-assurance, knowing his mind well enough to be outspoken in disagreement. And, I thought the use of the transforming painting made an interesting literary device and plot developer. As someone who does not often enjoy classics/old novels and sometimes finds them difficult to follow, this book was understandable and often kept me captivated. Wilde truly was a writer ahead of his time and still to this day his work is appreciated and analysed by many around the world.