BOOK REVIEW

The Picture of Dorian Gray

I think “The Picture of Dorian Gray” is a fascinating story about vanity, morality, and what it means to be human. The book makes you think deeply and keeps you interested from start to finish. Oscar Wilde’s clever writing and beautiful language make it enjoyable to read. The ending is appropriate, giving a moral lesson to Dorian’s sad story. I would give it 5 stars because of its deep themes and excellent writing.

Oscar Wilde

REVIEW BOOK

"The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it. Resist it, and your soul grows sick with longing for the things it has forbidden to itself."

The story takes place in London, England, during the late 19th century

Oscar Wilde was an Irish poet and playwright known for his wit and flamboyant style. He was a leading figure in the Aesthetic Movement, which advocated for "art for art's sake." Wilde's life was marked by scandal, including his imprisonment for "gross indecency" due to his homosexual relationships.

Notable fact about the author

-Dorian Gray: The protagonist, whose desire for eternal youth leads to his downfall.-Lord Henry Wotton: The antagonist, who influences Dorian with his hedonistic philosophy.-Basil Hallward: The artist who paints Dorian's portrait and represents the moral compass of the story.Sibyl Vane: A young actress who falls in love with Dorian and represents innocence and purity

Important Characters and Themes

“The Picture of Dorian Gray” tells the story of a young and handsome man named Dorian Gray. He becomes the subject of a painting by the artist Basil Hallward. Influenced by the hedonistic Lord Henry Wotton, Dorian wishes that he could remain young and beautiful forever, while the portrait ages instead of him. His wish is mysteriously granted.As Dorian indulges in a life of excess and moral corruption, the portrait becomes increasingly grotesque, reflecting the degradation of his soul. Despite his outward appearance remaining youthful and unblemished, Dorian’s actions lead to the ruin of many lives, including his own. In the end, tormented by guilt and the horror of his true self, Dorian tries to destroy the portrait. This act results in his own death, with his body becoming as withered and hideous as the portrait once was, while the painting returns to its original, beautiful state.

Brief summary of the book

Gothic literature is a genre that uses dark, mysterious, and supernatural elements to create a sense of horror and suspense. It often explores themes like decay, death, and the grotesque, and features eerie settings like old castles and haunted houses. The genre aims to evoke fear and fascination, highlighting the darker aspects of human nature and the unknown.

Genre: Gotchic literature

Symbols

- The Portrait: Represents Dorian's soul and the consequences of his actions.- The Yellow Book: Symbolizes the corrupting influence of hedonism and aestheticism