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Hi! I just wrote a term paper on Oscar Wilde's Picture of Dorian Gray. Although I'm not a huge fan of his style, the themes of sin, guilt, and innocence fascinated me, and Wilde is obviously a larger-than-life character. It was a fun paper to research! I've been wanted to read Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? for quite a while! That title won me some points in a trivia game recently...
Oscar Wilde was one of the only "classic" authors I've read thus far. The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Earnest were the books I chose. Dorian Gray was so compelling, just because of the different dynamics. Obviously Wilde's style is one of a kind, and I truly mean that, but it see there were multiple themes in this book. The balance of good and evil, a care for ones image, materialism and even slight homosexual tendencies. Now, I don't think the characters were homosexual, but a lot of people do. There have even been parodies written (which I have not yet read), that take the homosexual references to the next level as I understand. To me, the love the characters have for one another is strictly a reflection of the times. A gentlemanly way of expressing friendship, perhaps. The Importamce of Being Earnest was just down right funny. A quick read that really lends a hand in understanding Wilde's POV. It was a joy reading these. I really just wish he wrote more.
I'd have to say I'm in the camp that says the characters were gay. The book was so salacious at the time that it was even used in his trial for gross indecency. The copy we read today is actually edited to take out some of the more overt references. My paper also encompassed the novel Dorian by Will Self, which adapts the story to the 90's gay scene. It was extremely graphic and violent-- sort of to the point of being ridiculous. But that was part of the fun of writing.. Looking at changing ideas of sin and innocence from Wilde's time to ours is a fascinating study.
But anyway..... Lol I get really into certain topics!
Fascinating indeed...He's truly been one of the more unique authors I've read this year.
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? is turning into a real good one too. I should finish it tonight sometime. although I don't need to finish it to know that I already recommend it to readers. It's already a doozie.
Im from the greater DFW area in Texas. I've read more books this year than I have in most of my life. I've been challenging myself to complete the /r/52book challenge. I'm only 6 books behind schedule, but for me with my busy schedule, that's impressive. Some of my favorite authors are King, Oscar Wilde, Frank Herbert and Robert Heinlein.
I recently just finished Casino Royale by Ian Fleming and The Murder of Roger Acroyd by Agatha Christie and really enjoyed them as well. I gotta catch up on this challenge. I'm going to knock out a few small books next, and I'm currently working on Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? By PKD.