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The picture of Dorian Gray

APOLLO CLASSICS

By Oscar Wilde

Alice in wonderland book cover with the white rabbit playing a trumpet

One of the most intriguing and controversial novels of the 19th century, Oscar Wilde's “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” This novel is an interesting combination of Gothic horror, philosophical exploration, and social commentary. At its core, it's about a young man named Dorian Gray, whose physical beauty remains unblemished while his portrait bears the marks of his moral decay. Imagine being able to indulge in every whim and desire without any visible consequences. That's the deal Dorian strikes, influenced by two pivotal characters: Basil Hallward, the artist who paints his portrait, and Lord Henry Wotton, the charming aristocrat who encourages Dorian to pursue a life of hedonism. As Dorian sinks deeper into a life of excess and moral corruption, his portrait becomes increasingly grotesque, reflecting the true state of his soul.


This novel isn't just about the supernatural element of the portrait. It also explores themes like the nature of beauty, the conflict between morality and desire, and the duality of human nature. Wilde uses Dorian's story to critique the superficial values of Victorian society and to question the cost of living a life devoted solely to pleasure.


€11,99 - Paperback

€3,21 - E-Book


Book Information


Author                 Oscar Wilde

Page count         210

Language             English

Genre                     Fiction, Satire, Literature

Format                    Paperback

Illustrated              Yes


APOLLO CLASSICS

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The Author

Lewis Carroll, or Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, sitting on a chair, looking to the left
Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)

To understand "The Picture of Dorian Gray," we need to know a bit about Oscar Wilde and the world he lived in. Born in Dublin in 1854, Wilde was a brilliant and flamboyant figure who captivated Victorian society. He was a master of wit, a champion of the aesthetic movement, and a critic of the era's rigid social norms.

Wilde's education at Trinity College Dublin and Oxford exposed him to classical literature and the emerging aesthetic philosophy, which emphasized the importance of beauty and sensory experience. Victorian England, meanwhile, was a place of stark contrasts: rapid industrialization and technological advancement alongside strict moral codes and class divisions.


Wilde's personal life and experiences are deeply interwoven with his work. His relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas and the scandal it provoked ultimately led to Wilde's trial and imprisonment for "gross indecency." This public downfall mirrored the themes of hidden sin and the double life explored in his novel. Wilde's life and his works challenge us to think about the true nature of beauty, the impact of societal norms, and the consequences of living authentically.


 


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Rated 4 out of 5 stars.

This edition is just so beautiful. Love the story also.

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