Oscar Wilde's Dorian Gray | Summary & Analysis

[@katharinemiller8882]

I just finished this novel for the first time and am listening through discussions on it, I loved this! Do you think perhaps the reason for the ambiguity in the description (or rather lack thereof altogether) of his "lifestyle" during those 18 years was so that each reader would insert their own ideas of what that could be? Thus personifying the story for each reader in a way.

[@ArnellaHobler]

That is a valid theory! It makes sense though that Oscar Wilde would want to tickle the reader's imagination like this. So glad you enjoyed the video! :)

[@Forkeymem1984]

Excellent👍👏

[@tde02021]

Big fan of Lord Henry and his role as a slightly chauvinistic quote machine. But the statements he makes, when considered, carry a deeper meaning as you so well interpreted. I vaguely recall Lord Henry being envious of Dorians youthful looks near the end of the books when they sit by the piano? Otherwise I would also subscribe to the devil theory. Or he could still be the devil and wishes to bring it up for some light torment of our corrupted Dorian.

[@ArnellaHobler]

He did say that he found it remarkable that Dorian had held onto his youth, but I still find that it fits the theory since he seems to know how Dorian is feeling at other times, too. Like when he said he would like to know someone who's committed a real murder, a comment that made Dorian very anxious. Regardless, it's more of a fun theory and shouldn't be taken too seriously :)

[@KatTalks]

Great job as always!

[@KatTalks]

I think the point of the painting in the plot is that Dorian feels there is no consequence for his actions - because he won't get ugly if he's coldhearted or rude. But then, of course, your looks aren't everything, and there were definitely other consequences. And people forgive Dorian a lot more too, because he's beautiful - but what's on the outside doesn't match what's on the inside, and slowly society starts to see it.

[@ArnellaHobler]

Thanks Kat!! ♥ That's true, I didn't think of that! So the painting is more of a symbol, really, rather than a plot device. It's interesting about appearances not always matching the inside, because historically speaking people would associate beauty with goodness/success. Like when a good-looking characters does something immoral everyone is so surprised simply because they were attractive. Or when a child isn't conventionally beautiful the people around them feel like they couldn't possibly do well in life. Looks aren't everything, sure, but in Victorian society, it kind of was. That makes this story even more symbolic, in a way. Love you input, as always!

[@mauve9266]

Great video! Thought I must say i disagree with the supposed unimportance of the pairing. I think it’s of central importance, I think without it you have a different story altogether. What with the Faustian pact being the catalyst for essentially the entire novel and I also think the whole ‘purpose (or lack thereof) of art’ message wouldn’t have been conveyed as well had the painting (or some sort of artistic work) not been present to physically embody some of the ideas of the preface. I also consider basil’s murder incredibly important but that’s partly based in some of my own convoluted theories.

[@ArnellaHobler]

You do make a good argument, I'm inclined to agree. It has been a while since I read the book now and it has given me a different perspective. Sometimes, first impressions are not the most brilliant. But I'm glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@DeleuzeGuattari]

Everything is so cute. The way u look, the way u speak.

[@ArnellaHobler]

Thank you!