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A review by feedingbrett
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
5.0
Wilde doesn't spend a great deal of time trying to ease you into its philosophical tendencies, rather, it pushes you deep into its thematic and aesthetic waters. Insight into the characters and the novel's themes are immediate, and might I say, stimulating. There is a flow in its words that stirs one's hunger for the ideas that it is trying to impart to its readers, whilst tying such an approach with its goals to invest in its characters; a sense of care that is felt in the titular character's undoubtful descent and with no means to spare him from criticism.
Speaking of criticism, The Picture of Dorian Gray, also advertently places the concept of art under scrutiny. Time and time again, we are treated to conversations that explored the nature of art itself and the canvas that it exists upon, may that be the actual portrait that houses the vanity of Dorian or the perspective of some of the novel's characters of their lives and the world that they interact with. It also speaks upon the ease of corruption of the human soul, the tendency to favour one's own needs and desires, whilst disregarding others'. It is this relationship between humanity and art that resonates with me and encourages me to reflect on my own relationship with it.
It wouldn't be hard for me to believe if there were a number who would find Wilde's writing to be superfluous, pretentious, and overly dramatic, as it steers clear from the practicality of human existence. However, I see that also as a necessary evil to the criticism that Wilde is trying to showcase here. Even in the choice of centring its own narration into the isolated world of Dorian is a form of critique of that self-importance, one that never for a moment dwells on romanticising such luxurious and pompous pursuits. Yet, managing to still do so whilst keeping his readers' interest in following such a protagonist.
Whilst at present, my thoughts on the novel are glowing, comprehension and a fuller sense of appreciation would be attained in subsequent visits within the course of my lifetime. But at this moment, I cannot help but be an advocate for its necessity to be read.
Speaking of criticism, The Picture of Dorian Gray, also advertently places the concept of art under scrutiny. Time and time again, we are treated to conversations that explored the nature of art itself and the canvas that it exists upon, may that be the actual portrait that houses the vanity of Dorian or the perspective of some of the novel's characters of their lives and the world that they interact with. It also speaks upon the ease of corruption of the human soul, the tendency to favour one's own needs and desires, whilst disregarding others'. It is this relationship between humanity and art that resonates with me and encourages me to reflect on my own relationship with it.
It wouldn't be hard for me to believe if there were a number who would find Wilde's writing to be superfluous, pretentious, and overly dramatic, as it steers clear from the practicality of human existence. However, I see that also as a necessary evil to the criticism that Wilde is trying to showcase here. Even in the choice of centring its own narration into the isolated world of Dorian is a form of critique of that self-importance, one that never for a moment dwells on romanticising such luxurious and pompous pursuits. Yet, managing to still do so whilst keeping his readers' interest in following such a protagonist.
Whilst at present, my thoughts on the novel are glowing, comprehension and a fuller sense of appreciation would be attained in subsequent visits within the course of my lifetime. But at this moment, I cannot help but be an advocate for its necessity to be read.