J's Musings

Not a book review,

By Janx 🙂

I recently finished reading this amazing piece of literature, and I absolutely had to share it with you people. This book has been the death of me for around a month and if it weren’t for my craving to read the end, I would have put it in the freezer.

The journey from boy to man to civilian in Dorian’s life is so delightful and corrupt, that one ought not to read it unless one is immune to influence. The boyish charm Dorian possesses maintains itself throughout, even when Gray’s innocence starts slipping away. 

Story Line…

Dorian Gray is a boyish and beautiful subject for Basil Hallward. Basil’s muse is how we are introduced to the boy. After meeting an acquaintance of Hallward’s, Dorian’s perspective of the world slowly starts changing. 

As the world around him corrupts, so does the boy. It is a beautiful journey of someone who is marred by his love for beauty.

Not a review, a warning…

This book stopped inches away from corrupting my core values. It allowed me to vicariously experience a life filled with sensation and sin. The allure of that beautiful carelessness left me yearning for more. If it hadn’t been for the ethics instilled in me since childhood, I might have gone mad trying to keep that pleasure alive in my life. Wilde’s writing makes every sensation feel incredibly real. 

Literary Insight…

The language used is certainly heavier and more dramatic than today’s time, emphasizing Dorian’s personality while maintaining a third-person perspective. Cultural references are subtly woven in and a constant hook to keep readers connected to and immersed in the story.

This is a powerful piece of literature meant for those who appreciate the complexities of human psychology and the consequences of unrestrained desires. I highly recommend ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ to anyone who finds pleasure in the moral dilemmas of society within a captivating narrative.

Wishing you something you need,

Janx 🙂

Picture Credits: derasalm on Pinterest