The Picture of Dorian Gray - Literature Classics , Complete Edition
ADDITIONAL CONTENT :
+ Active Table of Contents
+ The Author Biography
+ Annotation of The Picture of Dorian Gray
- Plot Summary
- Characters Lists
- Adaptations
OVERVIEW:
The Picture of Dorian Gray is the only published novel by Oscar Wilde, appearing as the lead story in Lippincott's Monthly Magazine on 20 June 1890, printed as the July 1890 issue of this magazine. Wilde later revised this edition, making several alterations, and adding new chapters; the amended version was published by Ward, Lock, and Company in April 1891.
The novel tells of a young man named Dorian Gray, the subject of a painting by artist Basil Hallward. Basil is impressed by Dorian's beauty and becomes infatuated with him, believing his beauty is responsible for a new mode in his art. Dorian meets Lord Henry Wotton, a friend of Basil's, and becomes enthralled by Lord Henry's world view. Espousing a new hedonism, Lord Henry suggests the only things worth pursuing in life are beauty and fulfillment of the senses. Realizing that one day his beauty will fade, Dorian (whimsically) expresses a desire to sell his soul to ensure the portrait Basil has painted would age rather than he. Dorian's wish is fulfilled, plunging him into debauched acts. The portrait serves as a reminder of the effect each act has upon his soul, with each sin displayed as a disfigurement of his form, or through a sign of aging.
The Picture of Dorian Gray is considered a work of classic gothic fiction with a strong Faustian theme.
REVIEWS:
5 Stars Review : Nicole Sweeney - Goodreads
The Picture Of Dorian Gray is classic that I have read more than a few times, and every time I finish it I want to start from the beginning again. It’s a wonderful book. When Dorian Gray moves back to London where he befriends Basil Hallward and Lord Henry Wooten. Hallward is a painter and Gray commissions him to paint a portrait of him. Lord Henry tells Dorian that beauty and youth are the only things worth having. Dorian believes everything Wooten tells him and wishes to stay forever young, whilst Basil’s portrait would age instead. His wish is granted and Gray lets go of all morals. As a result of the guilt and shame of the way he has led his life, Dorian meets his demise.
The Picture Of Dorian Gray is a very powerful novel. Wilde provides a strong criticism towards society - that everyone is obsessed with the idea of beauty. (which is even more true today than it was when the book was originally published in the 1800s) The book is a fantastic read with Wilde’s wonderful use of language and his incredible wit. (Incidentally the remake of the film adaptation is also highly enjoyable) A Classic everyone should take the change to read, definitely filed under ‘1001 books to read before you die.
5 Stars Review : Heidi - Goodreads
I love the ability that Wilde to provide amazing descriptions that allowed me to feel exactly what the character felt. The book took me a while to get into, but once the story picked up it was good.
This story is about Dorian Gray and how changes into a cruel, corrupt & selfish encouraged by his "friend" Lord Henry and how society chooses not to believe that he posses these qualities simply because he is extremely handsome, comes from a respected family and is wealthy.
This book reminds me of a classic version of Less Than Zero.
The end of the book is a good example that no matter how charming anyone can be or how successfully you can keep your secret, the truth will eventually come out.
5 Stars Review : Lisa - Goodreads
One of my favorite books. It's a fantasy book with a message. It's creepy, haunting, & eye opening.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT :
+ Active Table of Contents
+ The Author Biography
+ Annotation of The Picture of Dorian Gray
- Plot Summary
- Characters Lists
- Adaptations
OVERVIEW:
The Picture of Dorian Gray is the only published novel by Oscar Wilde, appearing as the lead story in Lippincott's Monthly Magazine on 20 June 1890, printed as the July 1890 issue of this magazine. Wilde later revised this edition, making several alterations, and adding new chapters; the amended version was published by Ward, Lock, and Company in April 1891.
The novel tells of a young man named Dorian Gray, the subject of a painting by artist Basil Hallward. Basil is impressed by Dorian's beauty and becomes infatuated with him, believing his beauty is responsible for a new mode in his art. Dorian meets Lord Henry Wotton, a friend of Basil's, and becomes enthralled by Lord Henry's world view. Espousing a new hedonism, Lord Henry suggests the only things worth pursuing in life are beauty and fulfillment of the senses. Realizing that one day his beauty will fade, Dorian (whimsically) expresses a desire to sell his soul to ensure the portrait Basil has painted would age rather than he. Dorian's wish is fulfilled, plunging him into debauched acts. The portrait serves as a reminder of the effect each act has upon his soul, with each sin displayed as a disfigurement of his form, or through a sign of aging.
The Picture of Dorian Gray is considered a work of classic gothic fiction with a strong Faustian theme.
REVIEWS:
5 Stars Review : Nicole Sweeney - Goodreads
The Picture Of Dorian Gray is classic that I have read more than a few times, and every time I finish it I want to start from the beginning again. It’s a wonderful book. When Dorian Gray moves back to London where he befriends Basil Hallward and Lord Henry Wooten. Hallward is a painter and Gray commissions him to paint a portrait of him. Lord Henry tells Dorian that beauty and youth are the only things worth having. Dorian believes everything Wooten tells him and wishes to stay forever young, whilst Basil’s portrait would age instead. His wish is granted and Gray lets go of all morals. As a result of the guilt and shame of the way he has led his life, Dorian meets his demise.
The Picture Of Dorian Gray is a very powerful novel. Wilde provides a strong criticism towards society - that everyone is obsessed with the idea of beauty. (which is even more true today than it was when the book was originally published in the 1800s) The book is a fantastic read with Wilde’s wonderful use of language and his incredible wit. (Incidentally the remake of the film adaptation is also highly enjoyable) A Classic everyone should take the change to read, definitely filed under ‘1001 books to read before you die.
5 Stars Review : Heidi - Goodreads
I love the ability that Wilde to provide amazing descriptions that allowed me to feel exactly what the character felt. The book took me a while to get into, but once the story picked up it was good.
This story is about Dorian Gray and how changes into a cruel, corrupt & selfish encouraged by his "friend" Lord Henry and how society chooses not to believe that he posses these qualities simply because he is extremely handsome, comes from a respected family and is wealthy.
This book reminds me of a classic version of Less Than Zero.
The end of the book is a good example that no matter how charming anyone can be or how successfully you can keep your secret, the truth will eventually come out.
5 Stars Review : Lisa - Goodreads
One of my favorite books. It's a fantasy book with a message. It's creepy, haunting, & eye opening.
