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Reader discussion: The Picture of Dorian Gray
Public reader discussion about The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde.
The Only Novel Oscar Wilde Ever Wrote | The Picture of Dorian Gray
By sunQuill
Dorian Gray honestly feels like one of those books that’s way more than it looks—pretty on the surface, but then you keep noticing the messed-up stuff and the whole moral gray area. When it came out in 1890 people freaked out about it, especially because Wilde basically leaned into aestheticism without backing down, and a bunch of Victorian critics called it immoral.
There’s also that line Wilde wrote about how the “immoral” books are just showing people their own shame, which kind of makes sense for why the book sticks with you. And it’s extra unsettling to think this was his first and only novel. He got famous for stuff like The Importance of Being Earnest, but then his career got cut short after that really publicized trial and his conviction in 1895.
After he got out, it seems like his health and mood just went downhill, and he never wrote another novel again.
The Picture of Dorian Gray
By roundJar
Ugh, I’m really sad to say I had to stop reading this (DNFd it). I was hoping it was just a pacing/timing issue. I made it maybe 120 pages in, but I just needed a break from all the jewelry and embroidery descriptions 😬
In regards to The Portrait of Dorian Gray, does anyone else think that Dorian didn't sell his soul?
By ShorePrologue631
I mean, I can see how you could argue the Devil (or at least someone acting like the devil’s advocate) ended up taking his soul… but part of me wonders if anyone else doesn’t buy that.
And does anyone actually suspect Basil Hallward?
This might sound off the wall, but I kind of think Basil hid his soul in that portrait to keep Dorian safe, like he was trying to protect him. What do you all think?
The Picture of Dorian Gray: Wrap-Up Post
By WildHeron1980
Congrats on getting through the novel! If you’re up for it, our Moby Dick read-along kicks off on the 23rd, so you can jump in then.
For the discussion, I’m curious—did you end up liking it overall? Like, what would you rate it out of ten?
Also, what did you think of Wilde’s writing—his wording, style, and all the imagery?
And the characters were kind of hard to like for a lot of people… did that mess with your enjoyment, or were you mostly fine with it either way?
Any themes that stuck out to you that you want to share?
The Picture of Dorian Gray -Oscar Wild
By silver_cougar4061
Is Snape seriously going to try his luck with Lily like that? Maybe he should’ve just stayed in the robes.
Which version of The Picture of Dorian Gray do you recommend for study purposes?
By goldenforest2004
Hey everyone! I’m the narrator and I’m starting to put together an audiobook of *The Picture of Dorian Gray*. I wanted to ask if anyone has a go-to version they’d recommend on Amazon for two things: 1) the unabridged text, and 2) notes/annotations that give more background so you can get extra context on what’s going on, plus insight into the characters and the kind of norms people had back then.
I read it a long time ago and I really loved it, but this time I want to get into each character’s head and catch all the little details of the era so I can perform it in a way that feels real and hits emotionally.
I might also share my process with followers on social media as I go, but for now I’m mostly just looking for suggestions on where to start for research.
Thanks a lot!