Review/Recommendation

At the conclusion of the novel, I was left with feelings of satisfaction. The book didn’t completely blow me away but it was still adequate. It is surely not the best book I’ve ever read but it nevertheless offered a strong message and an entertaining plot line. My main issue with the book is that I fell like I’ve read it before. The ending was very predictable and the plot was very stagnant. I also wish there would have been more imagery. I never once developed a mental map of the area in which the characters lived. I couldn’t pick up on the type of environment or even characteristics of the time period.  Lastly, I found the text to be rather different than I am used to. The characters spoke in long monologues that were well structured and thought out. Oscar Wilde did a very good job of using language and being descriptive, but so much of it was through dialogue that lasted for pages. However, there were many aspects of the book that I did enjoy.  For example, I liked the diction in the book. The words the characters used were authentic and helped put a date on the dismantled setting. Also, the book offered a very sincere and honest message that could be applied anywhere. The book addressed many things in life that would otherwise be overlooked, which is why I recommend it to others. If you’re interested in a late 1800s, dramatic novel, than this would be a good choice.  I believe one could benefit from the exceptional use of words and the life-long messages buried deep within them.

Predictions

I have a strong feeling that things are not going to end well for Dorian Gray. I think this book will take a tragic twist based on the way the conflicts ore forming. Earlier in the novel, as Sibyl Vane’s brother was preparing to embark on a long trip, he warned that if Dorian wronged his sister, than he would track him down and kill him. Sibyl took the threat very lightly and said she would probably laugh about it someday. I think that the purpose of this was to foreshadow Doran’s fate. Later in the novel, Dorian was so cruel to Sibyl that she committed suicide by poisoning herself. I predict that Sibyl brother will stay true to his promise, track down Dorian Gray, and kill him. As for Dorian’s internal struggle with aging, I also do not think this will end well for him. I predict that the painting will drive him to insanity. Lord Henry will continue to pressure Dorian into living his life to the fullest by ranting on about deep subjects. However I don’t think Dorian will continue to put up with his friends. I think he will eventually turn on them and go about his life alone. His portrait will continue to age and reveal the true evil within himself. I have no doubt that blood will be shed before the end of the chapter. It is also safe to say that Dorian Gray’s internal conflict will be the causes of many other peoples’ misfortune.

Characters

The people in this book act very differently than I expected. I find it strange the way they talk to one another. Firstly, Lord Henry is constantly going on long tangents about deeper life meanings. It is uncommon for a person to engage in lengthy monologues in everyday conversation. Not only does Lord Henry do this but also the other characters. Although I didn’t live during this time period, I find it hard to believe that everyone in late 1800s England is an experienced philosopher. The characters themselves however are constantly changing. Dorian Gray has been complemented on many occasions by Lord Henry and Basil Hallward. They always tell him how beautiful he is. This praise has made Gray more aware of his beauty and he is gradually getting more ignorant. This ignorance is especially apparent in Dorian’s relationship with Sibyl Vane. Gray is very mad to her for not being a good actress to the point where she killed herself. This behavior is much different than the humble Dorian that appeared in the earlier chapters. His sudden realization of his good looks has pushed him to the point where even he questions his own sanity. Gray’s closest friends, Lord Henry and Basil Hallward, have also changed on account of Dorian’s new behavior. They, especially Lord Henry, are extremely supportive of Dorian and are constantly praising him for his beauty. Overall, it seems as though all the characters have become obsessed with Dorian and now the entire plot revolves around him and his beauty.

Unexpected Plot Developement

In this chapter, there was a lot more character development, especially with Lord Henry and Dorian Gray. During the chapter, Lord Henry (who is sometimes referred to as Harry) goes to visit his Uncle. His purpose in doing so is to obtain more background information on his new friend Dorian Gray. His Uncle knew of many people during the time. Uncle George tells about how he knew Dorian’s mother. We learn that Gray is the grandson of Lord Kelso and son of Lady Margaret Devereux. George then goes on to tell about Grays broken past and haw both his parents died. Later, Harry travels to his Aunt’s house for dinner and we learn that Lord Henry’s brother is marrying an American woman. They have a long conversation about this topic, so I assume it will play some role in future chapters. Towards the end of the book, Dorian leaves with Lord Henry instead of meeting with Basil. The background knowledge in this chapter was a surprise to me. Dorian’s past is far different than I thought it would be. Also, Dorian and Henrys sudden obsession with each other is not at all where I though the book was heading. I ultimately found this abundance of information to be quite unexpected.

Confusion

There were certain things in this chapter that I found to be very confusing. Firstly, I could not understand the relationship between Lord Henry and Dorian Gray. Lord Henry is a character that is very smart. He often talks in length about more serious topics and deeper life lessons. At one point, Lord Henry was talking about all of the bad things he heard about Gray from his aunt. However later, in the garden at Basil’s studio, Lord Henry talks to Dorian about his potential and how beautiful he is. I found this relationship to be rather odd and uncommon. It seems as though the characters are talking in circles and saying things that are not necessarily true. Another aspect of this section that was confusing was Dorian Gray’s feelings about his portrait. When he saw it, he loved it and realized how beautiful he actually was. But when he realized he would get older, he started to cry. He then goes on to say he wishes the picture would age and his actual body wouldn’t. I don’t understand how he hopes to accomplish this. Overall, I have found the characters’ behavior to be rather strange and it has me bewildered.

Initial Likes and dislikes

Chapter one so far is very interesting. The book starts out at the birth of the painting that is the focal point of the whole story. The painter, Basil Hallward has painted this picture of a man. When Lord Henry sees it, he wonders why the artist doesn’t sell it. Hallward later confesses that a part of him is lost in it. He is also reluctant to tell Henry who is in the painting. I like how this book already has secrecy. The book got off to a fast start which is something that I find valuable in a novel. The plot is already developing and the major conflict is forming. Later in the chapter, the book develops even more when we learn more about the artist and his history. This gives the reader a better understanding of the plot and the setting as well as more in-depth analysis of a character. I can only wonder what the significance of the man in the picture is. It is apparent that the rest of the novel’s conflict will in some way revolve around this painting. That is why I think it was great for the author to begin the story by describing how it came about. It successfully sets up a foundation on which the plot can develop.

The Picture of Dorian Gray Reflection

The reason I chose to read The Picture of Dorian Gray is because the pot and setting were intriguing. I think it would be pleasant to read a book from based in this late 1800’s time period. This is a time period that I have not often read about and I want to learn and experience it. Also, the conflict in this story seems to be one that would teach me some sort of lesson in the end. The character’s struggle within himself appears I hope will be interesting to read about. The fact that the plot is so unique, especially for the time period, made the book stand out for me. I look forward to the experience of following this character and analyzing his internal conflict.  I want to know more about the character and his relationships with others. I have confidence that The Picture of Dorian Gray will be a fun and interesting novel.