The Picture of Dorian Gray

Written and set in 19th century England, this gothic psychological thriller is a classic horror story, refreshingly free of the graphic blood and gore that seems to be the standard horror theme these days.

The story begins with Dorian Gray, a young man of extraordinary good looks, having his portrait painted by his friend Basil Hallward. In the midst of posing for the portrait enters Lord Henry, a pompous and self-important character that convinces an innocent Dorian that his looks are his most important characteristic and that he will have tremendous power over people because of them. He tells Dorian that he should enjoy them while they last as like everything else they will fade with time and so will the power that comes with them.
Taking his words seriously, a naïve and melancholy Dorian wishes that his looks would last forever and instead of time ravaging his face and body, his portrait would age instead, leaving him forever young. As the story moves along and to Dorian's increasing dismay, he starts noticing that his wish has been granted… with a twist. The portrait is noticeably growing more hideous as Dorian's behaviour becomes progressively more callous and contemptible.
Though dated, the story is fast-paced, well written and an easy read. Its lighter side pokes fun at the aristocracy and their total uselessness while its darker side reveals the level of shallowness and depravity of human nature.

I read this for school and had always heard great praise about it. When I started to read it i expected something more supernatural and instead got a self involved conceded man. The over all idea that Wild provided of manipulation and good vs evil was well shown in the novel as well as the most innocent turning to evil.

The picture of Dorian Gray is a story depicting the human soul and the negative implications of narcissism. In addition, it also takes a unique artistic perspective on the importance of preserving “innocence”. First published in 1890 in Lippincott’s monthly magazine it was decried immoral. That being said, The Picture of Dorian Gray was a novel simply ahead of the time it was published. In revising the text the following year, Wilde included a preface, which serves as a useful explanation of his philosophy of art. The purpose of art is to have no purpose. In order to understand this claim fully, one needs to consider the moral climate of Wilde’s time and the Victorian sensibility regarding art and morality. The Victorians believed that art could be used as a tool for social education and moral enlightenment, as illustrated in works by writers such as Charles Dickens. Not too entirely stray from this novel, the preface in itself is truly a masterpiece. I highly recommend this novel to those who have a serious and sincere interest in the arts.

Honest to God, Dorian Gray could be the only book I was allowed to read for the rest of my life, and I would not grow tired of it. I cannot explain how much impact it has had on my life, and how much it has changed me as a person. this sounds cliche and ridiculous, but it also has changed the way I look at everybody else.
I could go on until the Second Coming about my favourite book, but one cannot truely appreciate this masterpiece simply by reading a review by some stranger over the internet. You must experience this work of amazing fiction for yourself.
Thank you for taking time to read this, and thank you, Oscar Wilde.