Submitted by JackMcBryde t3_ycq5o2 in books
This book hit different.
I began reading expecting to be a bit scared, as I was when I read Dracula. But it read like more of a book espousing some philosophy as Henry Wotton proffered his musings
The implications of Dorian Gray's life on his character were lost on me, as they were on him, it seemed. It wasn't until the end that the enormity of character development hit me.
I suppose that was what Oscar Wilde wanted.
That book never gets old!
That's clever. Just like Dorian. Haha.
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I'm always just struck by the sheer beauty of the language used in it. One of my favourite quotes:
"You must have a cigarette. A cigarette is the perfect type of a perfect pleasure. It is exquisite, and it leaves one unsatisfied. What more can one want?”
Hedonism in a nutshell. You always want more and live for the pleasure.
It's a huge metaphor for being obsessed with the peak of a man's sexual potency
"Every man sees his own sins in Dorian."
This comment makes me want to reread it. Lol
Unpopular opinion, but I really didn't like the book.
The philosophy of Henry felt more like his misogyny/biterness packaged in obtuse pretty words in an attempt to sound smart. It was so tedious to read. Dorian, and everyone else for that matter, seemed like an idiot to me for thinking he is saying something of importance.
And for such an interesting premise, I think Oscar Wild played remarkebly little with it.
I DO like the relationship of Dorian and the actress.
I mean I’m pretty sure Henry is supposed to be a horrible person, so it makes sense. I normally love unlikeable characters so this should’ve been right up my ally, but yeah I just could not get into it.
It actually really bothers me cause I can’t quite put my finger on why I didn’t like it, I think it’s the only book I’ve disliked without being able to come up with a reason for that dislike.
After reading it though I can see why Wilde was drawn to writing plays and I like his plays better, really. All. that. talking....
His dialogue is incredible tho
Oh it is. I like it better in the context of The Importance of Being Earnest, though.
Same. Especially those pages in which Dorians descent into hedonism is explained in what is one of the longest passages of „tell not show“ I ever read killed all excitement that I had left.
This is still my favorite book but man do i agree 100%
I agree, Henry's philosophy is certainly misogynistic and bitter, but I think that is what Wilde wanted. Dorian's decent begins and is fueled by his relationship with Henry.
The qualities of Henry's character suck. But the part his character plays in the novel drives Dorian's character development.
I'm not saying it's bad that he is portrayed the way he is. But the fact that anyone can take him even remotely serious is ridiculous to me.
He is the type of guy to answer a yes-no question with another question, not being able to have a normal conversation to save his life.
The fact that Dorian builds his whole persona around him is aggrevating. He isn't even the only one who praises him for it. I just wish someone would call him out for his shit.
This book blew me away when I first read it. It’s stunning in every way
It's truly a masterpiece. I reread it again this year and it hit even harder.
This book is amazing. I read it every few years and I pick up something new every time. It's really timeless. I shouldn't but I feel bad for Dorian.
There are three books, Dorian Gray, Jekyll and Hyde, and Metamorphosis. Similar context in all three. There’s something about them that doesn’t sit right with me but don’t know what.
It took a gay Irishmen's point of view of straight men, to make me weary of relationships with men. Even in 19th century Europe Oscar Wilde, was like nope.
Wait, what man in that book was straight? Basil and Henry both seemed pretty into Dorian, and Dorian also seemed pretty into Dorian.
Sorry lol. Just commenting on the author, who's Oscar Wilde. He's Irish and was gay ( he went on to have 2 sons and get married but I digress), it's just interesting to see his observation of society through his lens as a closeted queer man, particularly in the 19th century . I,100% believe Basil is into Damian, and Lord Henry, not really (I'm a bit sceptical).
Loved it.
We studied this one in Reception Theory, and the reception of it was such a product of the time, with each piece of writing reflecting what they knew/thought about Wilde and what had come out about his private life.
why did you think it would be scary?
I figured it would be a bit spooky being in the same vein as Jeckyll and Hyde with supernatural horror being the foundation of the plot.
Hmm. I read it as a teenager. It was very impressive to me then.
I've read this book many times over the years. Every time, I have a different experience with it.
I've read it and thought that it was sheer brilliance... and I've read it and thought that it was trite and shallow.
It's one of the most fascinating books that I've come across!
The first paragraph just draws you in. Such eloquent language.
I had the same type of reaction when I read it. I kept waiting for what I had heard was masterful storytelling, but had been somewhat underwhelmed ... until the payoff at the end. I almost think it was more suspenseful that way, as opposed to if I had heard nothing about it in advance.
So I lost a lot of interest in the book after the theater girl came into the story, the love story seemed fickle and too similar to Romeo and Juliet in my opinion. But, I happened to find a modern retelling of the tale, Doreen, by Ilana Manaster, that brought back my interest and its much easier to understand for those who might not enjoy such extensive prose or are just curious about how it would be if written from a Gossip Girl-esque point of view! I highly recommend fans of the original, or those too tired from the original, both give it a try.
God damn I tried to read that book but after few hours of getting absolutely nothing out of it I had to stop. All they did was talk about how amazing dorian is or some shit. Can't even remember much about it but the feeling of no thanks is clear in my mind.
Maybe I need to try again.
raccoonsaff t1_itny7za wrote
This book is one of my favourite books of all time! It really made me think about life, morality, materialism, greed, and so on!
I think it also is one of the most accessible classics - Wilde's writing is very readable today and feels easy to 'slip into'!