The Picture of Dorian Gray
Oscar Wilde's Only Novel
Oscar Wilde’s only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, was originally published, in a condensed version, in 1890. It was then revised and published, in the form that readers are now familiar with, in 1891.
Gothic Horror
The Picture of Dorian Gray is a fine example of the Gothic horror genre and is considered a classic of modern English literature. The book provoked strong controversy, with it’s portrayal of amoral decadence and the implication of homosexual relationships. For these reasons the book was not well received in its own time. This is perhaps the reason that Wilde did not delve into the world of the novel again. However, despite The Picture of Dorian Gray having a somewhat poor reception, Wilde went on to find massive success as a playwright.
The Search for Eternal Youth
The novel tells the story of the eponymous Dorian Gray, a young man who is obsessed with youth and beauty. Gray’s friend, Basil Hallward, paints a beautiful picture of Dorian which Gray treasures. He is, however, consumed with jealousy that the picture will remain forever youthful while he will grow old. Thus, he accidentally discovers the secret to eternal youth.
With this discovery comes the knowledge that Dorian may live a life without consequences and therefore pursues hedonistic pleasures with no consideration for the effects. He remains handsome and physically untainted by his excesses. The portrait, however, bears the marks of his actions. It becomes older, and the fouler Dorian’s deeds the more disfigured the portrait becomes. Gray hides the painting in an attic room to ensure no-one learns his secret.
Gray becomes a more and more dislikeable character, as he breaks hearts with no compunction. The first to fall victim is a young actress, Sybil Vane, who is treated so badly by Dorian that commits suicide. Eventually, Hallward, who seems to have a romantic fascination with Dorian, finds out about the painting and Dorian murders him in a fit of anger.
Who Wants to Live Forever?
Eventually, the knowledge of the portrait becomes a continual source of torture to Dorian. Furthermore, when Gray discovers that Sybil’s brother James is out for revenge he decides to redeem himself, and vows to alter his ways. He is particularly determined to treat his latest conquest, Hetty Merton, well. However, following a marked improvement in his behaviour there is no improvement in the portrait. In fact, it is even more repulsive than before. Gray laments that there is no way out of his hellish nightmare, or is there?
The Picture of Dorian Gray is a well-written witty novel, as is expected of Wilde. It is at times comedic and at others terrifying. This is obviously deliberate on the part of the author, but can at times seem a little confusing. The darker moments of the book lose some of their impact due to the pithy comments that Wilde cannot seem to suppress. It is, however, a thoroughly enjoyable read and an interesting examination of society’s preoccupation with youth and appearance. It is an age old tale of ‘be careful what you wish for.’
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