With the weather cooling down and the skies getting darker, what better way to reel in the season than with a good old Gothic novel? Let’s dive right into a re-read of one of my all-time favorites, The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde.
In summary, the novel follows the story of a man named Dorian Gray who becomes infatuated with the idea of eternal youth. His genius idea? Strike a Faustian bargain and trade his soul for an ageless portrait. Sounds like a flawless plan, right? Well, as Dorian revels in a life of decadence and vice, his portrait ages and reflects the true moral decay within him. The novel explores the consequences of unchecked hedonism and the corrupting nature of vanity.
Woo, that was a mouthful. What you really have to take away is that this book- for lack of better words- is “chefs kiss.” It is the perfect mix of the dark and supernatural blended with satire and humor. I remember being pleasantly surprised by my first read. The comedic relief and humorous dialogue that had me audibly laughing alone in my room at 1 am contrasted my preconceived notion of it being very dark and serious due to its Gothic nature.
Let’s start with the structure of the book. It’s divided into two parts: Dorian’s early life and his adult life. The 18-year gap between these two sections makes clear that Wilde designed it as a cause-and-effect narrative. In the beginning, the character, Lord Henry, plants the seeds of hedonism and vanity. In the second half, Dorian’s life unravels into a whirlwind of debauchery and tragedy.
Today, the themes in this novel are more relevant than ever. Society is a bit like Dorian, fearing the fading of our beauty and placing aesthetics above everything else. We’ve got our anti-aging products, surgeries, and media filled with highly edited images that perpetuate the stigma around aging. Dorian’s prayers for eternal youth echo through the ages.
Fair warning, there are a few things I didn’t quite enjoy. Wilde’s writing reflects the deep-rooted misogynistic beliefs of the Victorian Era. I think page 45 says all that needs to be said: “We have emancipated them, but they remain slaves looking for their masters, all the same. They love being dominated.” Insert thumbs-down.
Regardless, this book remains on my podium of literature. It’s a Gothic gem that remains as relevant today as when it was first penned, inviting readers to confront their own reflections in the portrait of Dorian Gray.