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The Picture of Dorian Gray, Class Set. Level 4
The Picture of Dorian Gray is a philosophical novel by Irish writer Oscar Wilde. A shorter novella-length version was published in the July 1890 American periodical Lippincott's Monthly Magazine issue. The novel-length version was published in April 1891.
The story revolves around a portrait of Dorian Gray painted by Basil Hallward, a friend of Dorian's and an artist infatuated with Dorian's beauty. Through Basil, Dorian meets Lord Henry Wotton and is soon enthralled by the aristocrat's hedonistic beauty and sensual fulfillment are the only things worth pursuing. Newly understanding that his beauty will fade, Dorian desires to sell his soul to ensure that the picture, rather than he, will age and fade.
The wish is granted, and Dorian pursues a libertine life of varied amoral experiences while staying young and beautiful; all the while, his portrait ages and visually records every one of Dorian's sins.
The story revolves around a portrait of Dorian Gray painted by Basil Hallward, a friend of Dorian's and an artist infatuated with Dorian's beauty. Through Basil, Dorian meets Lord Henry Wotton and is soon enthralled by the aristocrat's hedonistic beauty and sensual fulfillment are the only things worth pursuing. Newly understanding that his beauty will fade, Dorian desires to sell his soul to ensure that the picture, rather than he, will age and fade.
The wish is granted, and Dorian pursues a libertine life of varied amoral experiences while staying young and beautiful; all the while, his portrait ages and visually records every one of Dorian's sins.
Paperback
First published June 1, 1890
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
February 20, 2024
actually it was an 1.5 stars read but because i was so disappointed by me not liking it that i gave it 1 star.
the only interesting thing about this story was reading it while having oscar wilde's life and political opinion in the back of my mind. something i got only to do because this edition features a more throughout introduction to the author.
thanks god it was so short. i'd probably have dnf it. yes, wilde's numerous plays could have been an indication to me: very basic writing style. and also, he's against moral writings? then what the hell was that? not a novel about how being vain is gonna ruin your life? yeah, that's exactly what i thought...
the only interesting thing about this story was reading it while having oscar wilde's life and political opinion in the back of my mind. something i got only to do because this edition features a more throughout introduction to the author.
thanks god it was so short. i'd probably have dnf it. yes, wilde's numerous plays could have been an indication to me: very basic writing style. and also, he's against moral writings? then what the hell was that? not a novel about how being vain is gonna ruin your life? yeah, that's exactly what i thought...
Displaying 1 of 1 review