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

dark mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Review 
If I were to describe this novel in one sentence it would be ‘the psychological study of the sinful side of the human personality’. It is a stunningly written juxtaposition of the perfection that we try to convey to the world and the imperfection that lies underneath our surface. There's nothing particularly interesting about the characters per se, but what is remarkable is the choices they make when having to decide between right and wrong; good and evil; virtue and sin. In his inteligent and theatrical way, Wilde explores those dark and complex chambers of the human soul where we dare not to go. It shows the selfishness and superficiality behind our intentions and the crude darkness our thoughts can contain. Perhaps Dorian is to us all the sins we never had the courage to commit. And perhaps that’s also why this is a fascinating novel: we aren't meant to like it, but we are meant to read it. Especially the parts we may be most afraid to face. 

Summary 
The portrait of Dorian Gray is the best work Basil Hallward has ever accomplished for the sitter is himself perfection in person. But Dorian has never been fully aware of his beauty and youth. Not until he meets Lord Harry Henry who opens his eyes to what one has to lose to the passage of time. Determined to preserve his physical prime, he wishes that his portrait suffers all the wounds and scars of life instead of his body. From then on, he is destined to see what lies behind the veil of his apparent perfection; what happens when not even beauty can save a corrupted soul. 
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