The Picture of Dorian Gray: Dorian Gray is the subject of a full-length portrait in oil by Basil Hallward, an artist impressed and infatuated by Dorian's

Name: The Picture of Dorian Gray: Dorian Gray is the subject of a full-length portrait in oil by Basil Hallward, an artist impressed and infatuated by Dorian's
Price: 19.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9782491251444

✍️ Oscar Wilde

Reader Score

4.6

(1 review)

$19.99

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A novel about a man whose portrait ages while he remains young.

Wilde crafts a tale where Basil Hallward paints Dorian Gray, becoming infatuated with his subject. This artistic obsession leads to an introduction to Lord Henry Wotton. The aristocrat shares a hedonistic perspective that captivates Dorian. The narrative follows the consequences of this influence. It explores how the pursuit of beauty and pleasure affects one’s character. The work is organized around the interactions between these central figures. It reflects on the nature of art and its power to shape reality. The story does not offer a simple moral lesson but rather presents a complex examination of desire and consequence.

Key Themes

Hedonistic philosophy Aesthetic beauty Moral corruption

Literary Context

Oscar Wilde wrote this work in the late nineteenth century. It emerged from the aesthetic movement, which prioritized beauty over moral instruction. The text reflects Victorian anxieties about decadence and public morality. It challenges contemporary norms by questioning the value of traditional ethics.

Difficulty

●●● Challenging

Recommended For Fans Of

H.P. Lovecraft · Edgar Allan Poe · Anne Rice

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Horror Fiction

🏛 Les Prairies Numeriques 📅 2020 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9782491251444

📝 Description: The Picture of Dorian Gray: Dorian Gray is the subject of a full-length portrait in oil by Basil Hallward, an artist impressed and infatuated by Dorian's

Oscar Wilde presents a narrative centered on Dorian Gray, whose likeness is captured in oil by Basil Hallward. The artist views Dorian’s beauty as the catalyst for his creative evolution. Through this connection, Dorian encounters Lord Henry Wotton, an aristocrat who introduces him to a hedonistic philosophy. This worldview takes root in Dorian, setting the stage for his moral descent. The story examines the tension between aesthetic appreciation and ethical responsibility. It draws on Gothic traditions by exploring how vanity and indulgence corrupt the soul. The text relies on the dynamic between these three figures: the painter who sees divine beauty, the subject who seeks eternal youth, and the philosopher who encourages decay of character. Wilde structures the plot around Dorian’s internal struggle as he navigates a life dedicated to pleasure. This edition suits readers interested in late nineteenth-century literature and philosophical fiction. It appeals to those analyzing the relationship between art and morality. The book may not suit readers seeking straightforward adventure or historical nonfiction. Those preferring modern minimalist prose might find Wilde’s ornate style challenging. The narrative remains focused on the psychological impact of Lord Henry’s teachings on Dorian Gray.

💎 Our verdict on The Picture of Dorian Gray: Dorian Gray is the subject of a full-length portrait in oil by Basil Hallward, an artist impressed and infatuated by Dorian's

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Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Wilde crafts a compelling tale where artistic infatuation catalyzes a hedonistic descent, blending Gothic horror with psychological intensity. The narrative excels in depicting the tension between beauty and moral decay through the dynamic trio of painter, subject, and philosopher. It suits readers analyzing art's power to shape reality rather than those seeking simple entertainment. While the ornate prose may challenge some, its exploration of desire offers profound insight into character corruption. This work remains a vital study in the consequences of indulgence, appealing to fans of cosmic and psychological horror who appreciate layered thematic depth over plot-driven simplicity.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

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Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking a complex examination of desire and consequence will find this narrative deeply rewarding. It appeals to those interested in the psychological impact of hedonistic philosophy and the corruption of the soul through vanity. The book offers a sophisticated look at how aesthetic appreciation can clash with ethical responsibility, making it ideal for analytical minds. Those who enjoy exploring the dynamic between artistic obsession and moral decay will appreciate its nuanced portrayal of character interaction. It is not suited for those seeking straightforward adventure but rather for readers willing to engage with ornate prose and philosophical depth.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Wilde crafts a compelling tale where artistic infatuation catalyzes a hedonistic descent, blending Gothic horror with psychological intensity. The narrative excels in depicting the tension between beauty and moral decay through the dynamic trio of painter, subject, and philosopher. It suits readers analyzing art's power to shape reality rather than those seeking simple entertainment. While the ornate prose may challenge some, its exploration of desire offers profound insight into character corruption. This work remains a vital study in the consequences of indulgence, appealing to fans of cosmic and psychological horror who appreciate layered thematic depth over plot-driven simplicity.