Works Cited

Works Cited

"NovelGuide: The Picture of Dorian Gray: Theme Analysis." Novelguide: Free Study Guides, Free Book Summaries, Free Book Notes, & More. <http://www.novelguide.com/ThePictureofDorianGray/themeanalysis.html>.

"The Official Web Site of Oscar Wilde." CMG Worldwide. 

             <http://www.cmgww.com/historic/wilde/>.

"Oscar Wilde - Biography and Works." The Literature Network: Online Classic Literature, Poems, and Quotes. Essays & Summaries. <http://www.online-literature.com/wilde/>.

Wilde, Oscar. The Picture of Dorian Gray. New York: Modern Library, 1992. 

Personal Reflection

The Portrait of Dorian Gray is a novel that provokes much thought upon one's own character. Throughout the novel it is difficult to analyze Gray without analyzing yourself in the same manner. Observing his narcissistic actions from a third party perspective makes it very easy to contemplate the possibility of some resemblance to myself. I am certain I do not share the same conceited qualities as Dorian Gray, however I have noticed that I share some of Gray's opinions on hedonism. Unlike Gray though, I would refuse to allow a book to dominate or rewrite my own personal doctrine, so I would not consider my thoughts upon the subject matter changed. This does not go to say that reading the novel has done nothing for me. As with reading any good work of classical prose, reading this novel has broadened my vocabulary and experience with literature. The more classic writings I read, the more I am able to grasp the plot and the subtle symbolic references that appear so much in this manner of writing.  Unfortunately, I learned that real focus is nearly impossible for me with topics that I do not consider interesting. I find it very easy to think about something interesting, even more so than the task at hand. Many times throughout the novel I was forced to set it down because I was not engaged enough to read it properly. I regret having my ponderings become more important than my studies, but it is true about me sometimes. Overall, I am glad I chose this novel. I appreciate the self analysis that the book provoked, and I recommend for anyone to read The Portrait of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde as well.

Apologia: Picture of Dorian Gray as a Classic Novel

Oscar Wilde's best known works may be plays such as The Importance of Being Earnest, but he is also a classic novelist due to his writing of The Portrait of Dorian Gray. This book is a typical classic. It was written in 1890, and is still read generation after generation. It is this lengthened public enjoyment of the novel that allows it to be defined as a classic. A classic must stand up to the test of time as well as relate to every generation. The Picture of Dorian Gray does exactly this exceptionally well because of its symbolic content. Although the time period and setting may be outdated (to some), the concepts of duplicity, aestheticism and involuntary influence will always be thought provoking. If the novel's themes were more elementary (perhaps if the novel were driven by action, or a setting based conflict), the same could not be said. The fact that The Picture of Dorian Gray has captivated readers spreading across three centuries is a clear testament that the ideas behind this book have the particular enduring quality that makes the novel a classic.

On the other hand, additional works by Oscar Wilde have stood against the rot of time and have not been labeled classic. This is because Wilde expertly tells the story at hand. His concepts are rich, but his description of the events of the story are even more rich. Online Literature  mentions this when it says, "Oscar Wilde's perfectly charming and witty manner of expression will enchant you in more ways than one. He is a master storyteller and drifts through the story like a gentle summer breeze through odour filled roses, giving you the feeling that you can literally smell the flower he is describing." At first the writing seems full of detail, but does little to draw the reader into the story. As the plot progresses though, Wilde's prose becomes more and more of a magnet pulling the reader in.

Lastly, although I disagree with the notion, Wilde's (in)famous life probably aided in the novel being considered classic. Wilde's tale was an interesting one, having been persecuted throughout much of it for practicing homosexual acts. In fact, Wilde worked hard and released several manuscripts of The Portrait of Dorian Gray in order to remove several homoerotic segments that could have (at the time) been branded indecent by much of the public. However, this did not protect the author from being imprisoned for his acts. His imprisonment made him more infamous than famous during his own day, but as times changed, these events did something else. These events differentiated him from other authors. This separation, -in tune with the former details- is what eventually led Wilde and his novel into the realm of classicism.

Reading Response #4 Dorian's Death

By the end of the book, Dorian has been through the majority of his life living a wicked life. He has defiled people, drove people to suicide, and lost other's jobs. After getting very lucky and having his potential murderer killed in front of him, he makes the decision to shape up and become moral. When he examines the picture to see if it has changed, he see's only and extra gleam of hypocrisy. It is obvious to him that he was even lying to himself, and that it was impossible to turn into the man he began the novel as.He attacks the painting with the knife used to assault Basil, but his physical violence towards it is reflected back on him, and he is killed. His painting reverts, and he is transformed into the old evil man he should have been. I thought this was a fantastic end to the book. Wilde adeptly sums up the moral behind the story very well, and once again applies the Gothic theme of supernatural events, as he had begun the story.

Reading Response #3 The death of Basil Hallward

After eighteen years of secret vices and questionable acts, Dorian is unexpectedly confronted by Basil Hallward, the artist behind the portrait that was doomed to age and decay for Gray. Dorian decides to show Basil his "soul." When Gray shows Basil the terrifically distorted image, he is overwhelmed with hatred. he grabs a knife and repeatedly stabs his old friend Basil. Dorian's hatred for himself and what he'd become was very great, but I think that this coupled with the possibility that Basil could be blamed in some form for creating the portrait that so trapped his evil appearance was the reason for Gray's homicidal  insanity.

Reading Response #2 Dorian's ultimate change

Dorian's ultimate change occurs when he reads Lord Henry's "yellow book." This book, which is about a young Frenchman who indulges in wicked pleasures is what changes Dorian Gray away from his (somewhat) innocent lifestyle. His transformation is shown to be real when he attends dinner with Lord Henry that evening and says, "Is insincerity such a terrible thing? I think not. it is merely a method by which we can multiply our personalities." Although the book is not immoral itself, Dorian allows it to affect his personal doctrine, and he soon begins to pursue exotic pleasures himself. Contrary to Lord Henry, he allows the book to dominate his life and decisions instead of seeing it as a work of art, indifferent to others.

Reading Response #1

After reading ahead, it is clear that Dorian Gray's wish that the picture of himself were to show his age and wear instead of his own image was a very important part of the novel. Gray makes this decision after praise from Lord Henry about his considerable youthful beauty. Henry explains to Gray that the qualities of youth fade quickly, and he suggests that Dorian live life to the fullest and always search for new sensations and pleasures. When Dorian makes this decision, he is immediately sealing his fate. I see this thought as his first act of impurity. Although the portrait is not finished and cannot project his change in personality, his giving in to not losing his impressionable aesthetics is an exceptionally vain act. It is also a clear sign that Dorian Gray is a vulnerable, insecure young man. These traits are the reason he is so easily moulded by Lord Henry's seemingly malicious persuasive speeches.