Book Review: The Picture of Dorian Gray
Written by Grace Hessian
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Book Review
First published in 1890, The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is a Victorian gothic novel that follows the vain and handsome Dorian Gray who becomes frightened of his own mortality. Entranced by his own appearance and that of his new portrait, he makes a pact with the universe. The portrait shall age and Dorian Gray will retain his youthful appearance. As Dorian sinks into a life of sin, his portrait reflects his soul's moral descent and begins to show hatred and evil in his painted features, while Dorian maintains a youthful and innocent face. The book explores the value of beauty and a face of innocence in society and explores the toll that an immoral life can take on an individual and those around him.
This book is a relatively fast read and while you certainly do not feel for Dorian Gray or for where his corrupt life has led him, you become attached to his life. The story also shows Dorian's mentality while he slips into his immoral life which is fascinating to read his thought process while he begins to live his corrupt existence. You find yourself eager to find out what he will do next and how his actions are going to catch up to him, if they ever do. The ending is shocking and satisfying and we get one last glimpse into the disturbing effect that his life has had on Dorian.
The Picture of Dorian Gray is in the public domain and PDFs of the story can be found online. This story can also be found in the Library at the Dock, Melbourne City, North Melbourne, and Kathleen Syme Libraries. It can also be found at the Uni High physical and online libraries.