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.

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Dyssomnia t1_itnsgrl wrote

It's a huge metaphor for being obsessed with the peak of a man's sexual potency

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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'!

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EfficientAd9765 t1_ito03y9 wrote

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.

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Tea_4_thee t1_ito4zse wrote

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.

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Beiez t1_itosmw5 wrote

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.

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amayonegg t1_itp3sbl wrote

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?”

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Ok-Peak6794 t1_itp7m8b wrote

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.

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ThisIsMyHonestAcc t1_itpdd9n wrote

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.

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B3ARDGOD t1_itpegpj wrote

That book never gets old!

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Strong_Wheel t1_itpg0gu wrote

Hmm. I read it as a teenager. It was very impressive to me then.

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Formal-Cucumber-1138 t1_itphq80 wrote

This book blew me away when I first read it. It’s stunning in every way

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No-Reception3727 t1_itpl8ob wrote

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.

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Andjhostet t1_itpm87u wrote

It's truly a masterpiece. I reread it again this year and it hit even harder.

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bigfootandfriends t1_itpod05 wrote

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.

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No-Reception3727 t1_itpwl68 wrote

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).

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46_and_2_just_ahead t1_itq08ps wrote

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!

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Cyneganders t1_itq25qv wrote

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.

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IAmNotLookingatYou t1_itq2wol wrote

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.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25898262-doreen

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JackMcBryde OP t1_itqhmh8 wrote

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.

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EfficientAd9765 t1_itqk2ga wrote

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.

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AlecMorgan_ t1_itqrc02 wrote

why did you think it would be scary?

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m3nd4xiality t1_itrxj2q wrote

The first paragraph just draws you in. Such eloquent language.

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dj_hutch t1_itu3gwr wrote

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.

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