The Picture Of Dorian Gray – Oscar Wilde

READ FOR BOOKCLUB
Chosen by Rachel

There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about and that is not being talked about.

This 1891 novel focuses on Dorian Gray, a young man of great beauty. An artist friend paints his portrait and Dorian is so taken by the artwork, he declares that he would give his soul if he could remain eternally young while the portrait grows old.

In this gothic, magical novel Dorian gets his wish. His image in the painting gradually degrades while Dorian himself stays youthful and handsome. His soul, as he announced, is lost and he becomes selfish, ill-behaved and callous towards those in his life.

You will always be fond of me. I represent to you all the sins you never had the courage to commit.

As an examination of the relationship between art and life, there have been many interpretations of the book over the years.

❍ “Talk about the book with a thousand morals – this is it. With impressive characterisation in a minimum of words, Wilde had produced a cast of characters that cross the spectrum of humanness, and who befriend and shock you in equal measure. There is so much to think about here: the purpose of art, the superficiality of society, the secrecy of homosexuality and then to learn about the aestethicisim movement … this book is a life changer.” – Rachel

I don’t want to be at the mercy of my emotions. I want to use them, to enjoy them, and to dominate them.

❍ “The prose is beautiful if sometimes hard to follow (for me anyway!) in this incredible study of hedonism, vanity and selfishness. Dorian’s character deteriorates rapidly and the terrible consequences of the trading of his soul is revealed at the horrifying end. Interestingly this book served as evidence against Oscar Wilde during his trials as it contains homosexual references and themes. There is an obvious disdain for women throughout which can be tedious however the witty exchanges between the characters more than makes up for this. A moral tale that I would love to re-read again and again – if only to be able to remember more of his quotable quotes!” – Jo

The books that the world calls immoral are books that show the world its own shame.

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Published 1891
Ward, Lock & Company
176 pages