When I think of Oscar Wilde, I think of a razor-sharp, witty dialogue satirising society in the Victorian era via extremely quotable passages. In The Importance of Being Earnest, Wilde has nailed this art to perfection and offers it in concentrated form, leaving out any serious context. Did I mention, I love this play?
The Picture of Dorian Gray is considerably darker, even if the sharp, witty dialogue, mostly coming from Lord Henry, is still present. The novel deals with serious themes and I also got the impression, that it is a quite personal.
“The sitter is merely the accident, the occasion. It is not he who is revealed by the painter; it is rather the painter who, on the coloured canvas, reveals himself. The reason I will not exhibit this picture is that I am afraid that I have shown in it the secret of my own soul.”
Basil, the artist who paints the picture of Dorian Gray, doesn’t want to exhibit his master piece. He is afraid the world may see sides of him, he’d rather not show. Oscar Wilde didn’t seem to suffer from similar qualms. Basil’s infatuation with the young and beautiful Dorian Gray mirrors Wilde’s own affections and the opinions on art and aestheticism expressed throughout the novel seem to coincide with Wilde’s own views as expressed in essays such as Art and the Handicraftsman.
Wilde himself noted in a letter: “Basil Hallward is what I think I am: Lord Henry what the world thinks me: Dorian what I would like to be—in other ages, perhaps”
The three key characters all represent a specific set of values and Wilde explores the dynamics and tensions between these values throughout the novel.
Lord Henry, the seducer:
When Dorian Gray first enters the scene, he is young and innocent. Both Basil and Lord Henry take an interest in Dorian, but whereas Basil has his best interest at heart, Lord Henry seeks to influence and even manipulate the young man with his views on the hedonistic lifestyle. So is he the culprit, rather than Dorian?
“The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it. Resist it, and your soul grows sick with longing for the things it has forbidden to itself.”
I couldn’t help being charmed by the witty, articulate, unapologetic Lord Henry. Wouldn’t we all want someone like him in our lives? Even if Lord Henry does influence Dorian in an unfortunate direction, ultimately I believe, we aren’t responsible for the actions of other people. Lord Henry himself seemed to live a life within the norms, despite his amoral advice to Dorian. I’ll even forgive his view on women.
My dear boy, no woman is a genius. Women are a decorative sex. They never have anything to say, but they say it charmingly. Women represent the triumph of matter over mind, just as men represent the triumph of mind over morals.
Basil Hallward, the principled admirer:
Basil represents the sensible and principled voice, trying to counteract Lord Henry’s dubious influence. Ironically, Basil’s infatuation with Dorian was back then considered just as sinful as anything Dorian Gray may have done. The Picture of Dorian Gray was published in three different versions with the second and third version toning down Basil’s infatuation with Dorian until it could be interpreted as an artist’s admiration of his subject. Still, even in the first edition, the homosexual undertones are relatively vague [see comparison from lithub here].
Dorian Gray, the ultimate hedonist:
Dorian is the personification of hedonism and vanity. We see how he gradually takes it further and further, until there is no way back. Society’s obsession with youth and beauty is how it all starts. Dorian quickly realises how possessing these qualities gives him power and opportunities. Does this sound familiar? Now, more than a century later, this theme is as relevant as ever. People today also seem willing to go to extremes to achieve youth and beauty. If Dorian Gray have lived today, he might not have needed to sell his soul; a bit of botox and surgery would have done the trick. All the way through I hoped for some kind of redemption for him. From time to time he did express doubts and intentions to change. Alas, it was not to be.
✧
The Picture of Dorian Gray is a must read for Oscar Wilde fans. Not only is it bursting with quotable passages, but I also felt, I learned more about the writer behind the words. Wilde’s tragic destiny [he was imprisoned in 1895 for gross indecency and died five years later] really puts the writing into perspective.
There is no such thing as a moral or an immoral book. Books are well written, or badly written. That is all.
Title: The Picture of Dorian Gray [1890] Author: Oscar Wilde Format: Audiobook Genre: Classics
Brilliant take on the book! I absolutely loved the idea of securing youth even though it is unnatural and slightly creepy. It seemed novel and creative at the time. As much as I hated how women are described, I still rather liked the book for it’s novelty and because I like Oscar Wilde’s works in general. Interesting review!
Thanks so much! 😀 It really is a brilliant idea and it’s amazing how the “painting in the attic” has become a concept integrated in popular culture. I just finished a detective novel, where it was mentioned in connection with the superintendent looking particularly young for her age.
You’re right, this book is incredible. Great post too. I’ve loved reading it! X
Thanks so much. And we completely agree about the book. I can’t believe I haven’t read it earlier, since I’ve loved Oscar Wilde’s plays since I was quite young.
I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
👍😊
Thanks for this post and review, and reminding me of this book – which I have somewhere on the shelves. I read it a couple of times and loved it – with a caveat – the part where the body is gotten rid of is one of the most horrific things I have read. It was, and then it wasn’t. However, the dialogue is the thing – there are parts you have to read quickly because the characters are speaking quickly. One of the greats.
You are welcome! I could easily see myself rereading this at some point as well. And of course you are right about getting rid of the body; that scene was horrible! Oh, I hadn’t thought about reading it quickly, but I see what you mean. In his plays the dialogues are often quick and concise, almost like a verbal game of pingpong!
Pingpong! Exactly.
Loved reading your thoughts on this 🙂 It’s one of my favourite books ever and definitely my favourite work by Oscar Wilde. I’m so interested in his life and you really can’t find more heartfelt, witty and profound writing than his x
I am glad you enjoyed it! 😊 Oscar Wilde is one of my favourite writers and I completely agree about his writing being heartfelt, witty and profound. My blog’s subtitle We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars is another Wilde quote taken from Lady Windermere’s Fan.
One of my favourite quotes! I also love “With freedom, books, flowers, and the moon, who could not be happy?” 🙂
Ah yes, that is a beautiful one as well! And so true 🙂
Love this book, agree it’s so quotable!
Absolutely, Oscar Wilde’s works are generally very quotable!
I read this back in – what? – the 1960s I suppose. I’m sure I’d get far more from it now. Time for a re-read!
That is quite a while ago! I suppose one never really forgets the plot, since it is such an iconic story, which is often referred to in popular culture.
Great analysis of the characters! Damn, I totally forgot Lord Henry had such horrible views on women — other than that, he’s really awfully charming. Honestly, Oscar Wilde himself sounds like he was a real fun person to hang out with (though possibly a bit dramatic). Love his writing!
Haha, I guess Lord Henry did have a lot of horrible views, but he was so charming, so he could get away with it. Yes, Wilde must have been an interesting character to hang out with and he certainly had a lot of strong views on various subjects.
So glad you enjoyed it, great review! I did too, though that was a few decades ago. It would be good to revisit it
Thanks! I suspect it is one of these books, you can easily reread several times and still enjoy!
I really admite this book – it’s chilling, and so very timely even today!
Yes, quite timely. I suppose vanity and the longing for youth is something which will always be relevant for the human race.
It’s so long since I read this I only have the vaguest memory of it – maybe time for a re-read! However I have to own up to not being quite such a fan of Wilde’s witty aphorisms as many people are – they often feel too contrived and artificial, especially when put into dialogue. They work wonderfully as quotes, though! How was the narrator?
It is some months since I listened to it and don’t really remember the narrator that well. But I am sure, I’d remembered if he were really bad! All in all, I think it worked well on audio.
One I have never read and you’ve convinced me that I should!
I hope you will, Sandra. In my view it is such eloquent writing – and quite a powerful story as well.
I love this book! Really enjoyed your review too.
Glad to hear that! And thanks for stopping by!
What a great analytical review, Stargazer! I’ve heard so much of this book but..I have not read it! Boo to me LOL BUt the quote by Lord Henry….OMG what an ar**! In today’s world, he should be cancelled! >| Brilliant review, my friend!
Thanks Jee! I know, it’s a terrible quote about women, but Lord Henry (and Wilde) speaks with such eloquence, wit and charm, so it’s impossible to get really mad at him.
I felt as if I read the book again when I was reading this review. Great analysis. It is one of my favourite books
Thanks so much! It really is a great book and I can’t believe I haven’t read it before!
I totally agree that this book doesn’t have Wilde’s characteristic lightheartedness.
Yes, it is rather dark and gothic. But enjoyable, nevertheless.
This is one of my favorites, and I enjoyed reading your thoughts on it! What you mentioned about Wilde seeing the three men as different perceptions of who he is is really interesting.
I’m glad you enjoyed reading my thoughts, especially seeing it’s a favourite of yours. Yes, it’s quite interesting how Wilde saw the three different characters in relation to himself. I believe he must have been an interesting personality judging by his writing.