The Picture of Dorian Gray (1891) by Oscar Wilde is book two for my classics challenge, choose a gothic classic, hosted by Ann at Search For Wonder. I thought I would be reading Dragonwyck by Anya Seton but I decided to go with The Picture of Dorian Gray instead.
And having read Lady Windermere's Fan by Oscar Wilde a few years ago I knew what a talented and witty writer he was but I was taken aback by the brilliance of The Picture of Dorian Gray. It's one of those classics where you know why it's a classic. Here for example is the cynical Lord Henry Wotton who upon first meeting young Dorian at the unveiling of his portrait tells him:
"Because to influence a person is to give him one's own soul. He does not think his natural thoughts, or burn with his natural passions. His virtues are not real to him. His sins, if there are such things as sins, are borrowed. He becomes an echo of some one else's music, an actor of a part that has not been written for him. The aim of life is self-development. To realize one's nature perfectly—that is what each of us is here for. People are afraid of themselves, nowadays ... Courage has gone out of our race. Perhaps we never really had it. The terror of society, which is the basis of morals, the terror of God, which is the secret of religion—these are the two things that govern us"
The irony is that Lord Henry who warns Dorian not to be influenced by others makes sure at their first meeting to influence him in a very dangerous way:
"The moment I met you I saw that you were quite unconscious of what you really are, of what you really might be. There was so much in you that charmed me that I felt I must tell you something about yourself. I thought how tragic it would be if you were wasted. For there is such a little time that your youth will last—such a little time"
And it's that advise that puts fear into Dorian about losing his beauty and youth, a fear that was not there before Lord Henry came into his life. Dorian now terrified of growing old says a prayer to remain always young. He is granted his wish. And Dorian spurred on by Lord Henry's worldview begins to lead a life of debauchery. He remains young and beautiful as the years go by but his portrait, locked away in the attic, becomes more and more hideous.
Lord Henry is a scoundrel but I didn't finish the book feeling empathy for Dorian Gray either. Lord Henry certainly influenced Dorian but Basil Hallward the painter of Dorian's portrait was a true friend to Dorian and he warned him about Lord Henry but Dorian would not listen.
The Picture of Dorian Gray is a great novel and I do recommend it. But one thing I will say is that in quite a number of 19th century classics you will run into prejudice and unfortunately it's here in Dorian Gray as well. It's a shame because this book is brilliant but I am glad we live in somewhat more enlightened times.
I read this one back around the end of the 1990s, maybe into the 2000s, at least 20 years ago anyway. I remember thinking it was excellent but not much else so perhaps it's time for a reread. I'd also quite like to read a biography of Oscar Wilde, he was such a fascinating character. I gather the Stephen Fry film is good but I haven't seen it. Excellent review, Kathy!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Cath and I rdo ecommend a reread. I also liked Wilde's play Lady Windermere's Fan and they have some productions you can watch online. I too would like to read a biography of Wilde and Oscar Wilde by Richard Ellmann won the Pulitzer Prize. I haven't read it but I hear it's the definitive biography.
ReplyDeleteThat's the biography I actually own! My copy has a pic of Stephen Fry on it, from the movie. I must be intended to read it this year so I've put it on my tbr soon pile. I'll see about a copy of Dorian Gray too, it's probably very cheap for Kindle, I think I originally read a library copy.
DeleteThis is a great book. I imagine it must have been a bit startling in its day. And Dorian definitely makes his own choices. It's sad that he went down the path he did. Just shows how easily people can turn to the dark side. (Sorry for the Star Wars reference, but those movies were a huge part of my childhood, so there you are. ;D )
ReplyDeleteIt really is excellent and like Cath I would like to read a biography of Oscar Wilde. I know he had a hard life and was persecuted by the courts which was so unfair. But he lives on through this great novel.
DeleteKathy, I am glad you reviewed The Picture of Dorian Gray and glad that you recommend it. It is on my classics list, and I just realized that I have a paper copy to read, I thought I just had an ebook.
ReplyDeleteHi Tracy, glad to hear The Picture of Dorian Gray is on your classics list. It's a real work of art and a philosophical book in some ways but very readable and what an excellent writer Wilde was. I look forward to your review!
DeleteIt's quite a premise to sell one's soul like that. I'm sure most of us might make the same mistake. But Dorian should have heeded the warning. I have not read Wilde but he seems one of the giants of English classics. Nice job.
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely a classic worth reading and not very long. I have now read Frankenstein, Dracula, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and Picture of Dorian Gray and for me Frankenstein and Dorian Gray are the standouts.
DeleteGreat review of a classic. I have mixed feelings about it that have shifted over time. Here is a post based on my 2009 rereading of the novel: https://janegs.blogspot.com/2009/10/picture-of-dorian-gray.html
ReplyDeleteI stand by what I said then--great premise but overblown and would have worked better as a short story.