Book Review: The Picture of Dorian Gray
Title: The Picture of Dorian Gray
Author: Oscar Wilde
Length: 254 pages
Genre: Fiction
Plot Summary: In Victorian London, a handsome young man named Dorian Gray becomes the muse of artist Basil Hallward, who paints his portrait. Influenced by the hedonistic philosophy of Lord Henry Wotton, Dorian wishes that the portrait would age instead of him. His wish comes true, allowing him to pursue a life of debauchery and sensual pleasures while maintaining his youthful appearance. As Dorian indulges in increasingly immoral acts, the portrait bears the marks of his corruption, growing hideous over time. Haunted by his misdeeds and the grotesque portrait, Dorian ultimately attempts to destroy the painting, leading to a shocking and ironic conclusion.
Review: I can’t quite reconcile my feelings about this novel. The exploration of living life in the pursuit of hedonism felt rather hollow and meaningless — perhaps intentionally so. It reads almost like a satire, highlighting the emptiness of such a lifestyle. I found myself hoping that the conclusion of this pursuit would lead to some deeper meaning, but instead, the story resolves itself through convenient deaths that tie up loose ends. That said, Oscar Wilde’s writing is undeniably beautiful. Perhaps that was the entire point — the novel itself serves as an art form devoid of meaning, a work of exquisite prose to admire but ultimately empty, embodying the very essence of hedonism.
Rating: 2.5/5
