Though not more than a century old, The Picture of Dorian Gray has been named a classic by most (if not all) literature-lovers. As Oscar Wilde's only novel, it takes a special place among his works, which were primarily plays. The timeless book tells about the “masks people wear to cover their faces and the faces people wear to cover their masks.” Not everyone portrays their true self, and some do whatever they can to hide their corrupted soul. Everyone has tried to hide at some point – you cannot deny it.
Wilde tells this timeless truth through the story of a young man who wishes to be young and beautiful his whole life. (Doesn't everyone?) The man, Dorian Gray, has his portrait painted by an aspiring artist. When the painting is complete, Dorian declares he wishes he could be as beautiful as the painting his whole life. Well, his wish comes true. He stays beautiful forever, but as he aims his life at pleasure over morality, his soul gradually withers and so, in turn, does the painting. The painting ages and displays the truth of his soul: ugliness and cruelty. Dorian's insensitivity eventually leads a friend to suicide, and the wicked desires of his heart lead him to murder his closest friend. Dorian, although seemingly youthful, innocent, and charming, becomes a monster.
This book is magnificent. It doesn't blatantly explain Dorian's monstrosity because most of the dialogue is frivolous and thoroughly Victorian, but not hard to understand. The theme is so universal and frightening that this book should be mandatory reading.
Everyone has been afraid, at some point, to show their true colors, and everyone, at some point, has wished to stay young and beautiful forever. The Picture of Dorian Gray shows the terrible outcome if that wish becomes reality. I do not want to give away the ending, but I think you'll find it disturbing.
The language of the book is wonderful. Although not simple, it is not incomprehensible either. There is a perfect harmony between simplicity and elaboration. I definitely recommend this book to readers of all levels; the dark story will intrigue anyone.
Wilde tells this timeless truth through the story of a young man who wishes to be young and beautiful his whole life. (Doesn't everyone?) The man, Dorian Gray, has his portrait painted by an aspiring artist. When the painting is complete, Dorian declares he wishes he could be as beautiful as the painting his whole life. Well, his wish comes true. He stays beautiful forever, but as he aims his life at pleasure over morality, his soul gradually withers and so, in turn, does the painting. The painting ages and displays the truth of his soul: ugliness and cruelty. Dorian's insensitivity eventually leads a friend to suicide, and the wicked desires of his heart lead him to murder his closest friend. Dorian, although seemingly youthful, innocent, and charming, becomes a monster.
This book is magnificent. It doesn't blatantly explain Dorian's monstrosity because most of the dialogue is frivolous and thoroughly Victorian, but not hard to understand. The theme is so universal and frightening that this book should be mandatory reading.
Everyone has been afraid, at some point, to show their true colors, and everyone, at some point, has wished to stay young and beautiful forever. The Picture of Dorian Gray shows the terrible outcome if that wish becomes reality. I do not want to give away the ending, but I think you'll find it disturbing.
The language of the book is wonderful. Although not simple, it is not incomprehensible either. There is a perfect harmony between simplicity and elaboration. I definitely recommend this book to readers of all levels; the dark story will intrigue anyone.
This piece has been published in Teen Ink’s monthly print magazine.
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