Everything wrong with Dorian Gray (2009) in 637 words... spoilers!

When I discovered there was a movie version of The Picture of Dorian Gray I was pretty excited to see it. I love watching books I've read come to life. However, like most cases, the movie was nothing like the book. Standing on it's own, Dorian Gray would be a pretty good movie, nothing special though. However, when you compare it to the book it's pretty inadequate to say the least. Here's some reasons why:

1. Dorian is a scrawny dark-haired young boy... nothing like described in the book. Where are his golden locks and muscular physic?
2. Colin Firth was another casting mistake. Although he looked similar to how I pictured Lord Henry Wotton, how could I possible picture him as a negative influence and overall pretty sleazy man, when I just watched Mamma Mia two days earlier?
3.  The movie opens with Dorian stabbing Basil over and over. Although I appreciate the dramatic aspect, it's a bit of a spoiler for people who haven't read the book.
4. Basil's painting goes on display in the movie, and people love it. This contrasts the book, because Basil was adamant on not showing anyone the painting. 
5. Sibyl Vane doesn't kill herself by poison, but instead drowns... more on that later.  
6. Instead of indulging on materialistic items, the movie version of Dorian Gray expresses his lack of a soul by having a lot of sex. Definitely not my favorite montage. 
7. Basil and Dorian get very intimate in the montage mentioned above. Although there was hinting of that in the book, Wilde never came right out and said they were gay or bisexual.
8. Although Dorian kills Basil exactly how it is described in the book, movie Dorian doesn't blackmail his house servant into disposing Basil's body. Instead, Dorian chops it into pieces then throws the pieces into a river, the same river Sibyl committed suicide in. That part was very hard to watch. On top of that, the pieces are found, and there is a hunt for the murderer (Dorian is never considered).
9. Sibyl Vane's brother does try to kill Dorian twice, just like in the book. The first time the depiction is word for word, however, the second time it was much different. The short version is that James Vane chased Dorian on to train tracks, almost killed Dorian, then was hit and killed by a train. Nothing like the book. 
10. Not only does the painting age, but it literally comes to life. You can hear it moaning and groaning throughout the movie, and at one point it stretches out of the painting. 
11. One of the BIGGEST differences is that Basil has a daughter who falls in love with Dorian. Dorian tries to resist her charm, but fails. To say Basil was upset when he found out would be a severe under-exaggeration. 
12. The final scene is super dramatic, just like in the book, but the movie strays quite a bit from the original ending. Basil ends up confronting Dorian about his relations with his daughter, and sees the painting. Dorian tries to kill him in attempt to keep his secret, but fails, and Basil ends up locking Dorian in the attic and lighting it on fire. Dorian then says a tearful goodbye to his lady-friend (Basil's daughter), and confronts the painting at last. The painting, which is really gross at this point, emerges from the canvas while Dorian attempts to stab it. Finally, the painting smashes into Dorian's face at the same moment that Dorian plunges the sword though the canvas. The movie ends, just like the book. Dorian's lifeless body is shown looking really old and disgusting, and the painting returns to it's original state. 

So if any of that confused you, I suggest watching the movie and reading the book for clarification. You probably won't regret it. 

If you want to learn something, read this book

Well, I can honestly say I did not expect this book to end the way it did.  After reading the last line I genuinely had to take a moment to compose myself. As shocking as it was, I am overall very happy with the end of The Picture of Dorian Gray. It gave me the perfect amount of closure, while still causing me to think about every aspect of the book. The only thing that I wish had been clarified was who the devil was. My suspicion still lies on Lord Henry Wotton, because of his incredibly negative influence on Dorian, but I suppose I will never really know.

So, with the conclusion of this book came my conclusion that the main themes of The Picture of Dorian Gray revolve around vanity, the value of youth and beauty, and negative influences

Vanity: Dorian's first mistake:
I'm not sure how to incomes this theme into one sentence, but vanity certainly is highlighted throughout this book. It is the source of Dorian's corruption. His obsession with his youth and appearance is what drives him to sell his soul to the devil. After that, everything he does is to please himself. He finds pleasure in material things, that are ageless and beautiful, just like himself. Wilde writes:"nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing".This highlights Dorians complete lack of regard to priceless things, like relationships. Dorian feels free of any and all social constraints, he does not care to make personal connections, and (quite brutally) ends one of his only pure relationship. Dorian is overflowing with vanity, and in the end it causes his death. This shows that one should not focus on the materialist aspects of this, i.e. appearances, money, jewels, etc. Doing so only makes one vain, and vanity only leads to further corruption.

Youth and Appearance: 
Youth is something easily taken for granted, and in Dorian's case, it becomes more than that. Dorian was so desperate for youth that he gave up the one thing that make him human, his soul. By selling his soul to the devil (Harry?), Dorian paid the ultimate price. It was creepy to watch him change from a vain but innocent young man, to a (still) vain and deadly statue of his former self. Oscar Wilde put into perspective how youth is a blessing not to be taken for granted. Dorian did not cherish his youth, and in the end that is what destroyed him.
Due to his beauty Dorian was exempt from his actions. Dorian literally confesses to murdering Basil, and it is brushed aside due to peoples perception of him. It seems he was able to do anything he wanted, and no one cared because he was so attractive. Only in his death was he punished. Wilde highlights how this is the case in our society, both in the time of publication and now. People are often exempt from their wrong-doings due to looks and social status. This is encompased by the painting of Dorian. Dorian does not have to bear the consequences for any of his actions, instead they are represented on the picture.

Steer clear of bad influences:
Obviously Dorian did not avoid being negatively influenced by Lord Henry Wotton. This book shows the strong effects of negative influence, especially if you do nothing to avoid it. Dorian easily succumbed to Harry's influence, and greatly change his personality because of it. Oscar Wilde shows how you must develop yourself as an individual, and not mold your personality around others in your life, especially when it is in a negative light.

All of these themes are very relevant today. They revolve around the titled and wealthy percent of population, making Wilde's overall message aimed at wealthy upperclass citizens. The Picture of Dorian Gray highlights societies corruption, and is completely relevant even today.

This book was completely different than I expected. I dove in anticipating fantasy and magic, and found dark humor and irony. Although it was not what I though it would be, I am very happy to have read The Picture of Dorian Gray. It definitely challenged me in new ways, and introduced me to an author I greatly enjoy.

THIS BOOK IS AP!!!!

At this point in my high school career I have read my fair-share of AP worthy books, so, I can state with full confidence that I believe The Picture of Dorian Gray makes the cut. 

Here are some reasons why:

1. It's confusing. Not in the I-want-to-throw-this-book-across-the room-and rip-it-to-shreds kind of way, but in a way that forces the reader to think beyond what is stated on the page. Each sentence is a challenge you have to conquer, which makes finishing reading assignments very rewarding. Oscar Wilde holds nothing back when it comes to long words, and crazy run on sentences. 
2. There are so many allusions that it's impossible not to take a quick "google break" and look something up. May it be a reference to greek gods, or Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde is never without a good allusion. 
3. All of the allusions are backed by motifs. Each character seems to be linked to a certain thing, may it be flowers, or a painting. For example, to emphasize Dorian's obsession with youth, Wilde compares him to Narcissus and links him to a (once) timeless painting. These motifs, although not too hard to decipher, emphasize important attributes each character possesses. 
4. The characters are complex, and each is very unique. They don't just stand around and say things, but that make the reader feel what they are feeling. They evoke emotion not through cheesy phrases or cliché actions, but by speaking and acting in a way that connects you to them. 
5. This book is far from a fleeting memory, meaning it is constantly in the back of my mind. There have been occasions where, in the middle of class, I will make a random connection I never thought of before, or think of a prediction I'm certain will come true. I also have found myself quoting it at random times, and expecting people to understand my reference (s/o to Hannah for being the only person who actually does).  In my opinion, a good book never fully leaves your mind. 
6. Lastly, like I said before, it's just a good book. The plot, although not filled with fantasy as I expected, is riveting, and keeps me in my toes. Also, the characters are genuinely interesting, making me develop strong opinions on all of them. I do not dread the next reading assignment, this is actually a book I look forward to sitting down to read. 

Despite being only 3/4 of the way done with The Picture of Dorian Gray, it has proved to be a challenging, but overall rewarding read. With this new section of reading came a LOT of knew information, which I won't spoil incase want to read this book. Let me just say, things got pretty crazy. Despite currently disliking all of the (still living) characters, especially Dorian, I really am enjoying this book. So, for anyone looking for an AP level book, I highly suggest The Picture of Dorian Gray. I will definitely be referencing it on my AP Exam. 

I've already run out of sticky notes...

There's something about the way that Oscar Wilde writes that makes every sentence seem important. His words are meticulously placed, and sentences excruciating long, but every part makes be want to read more. I'm probably wasting a lot of sticky notes.

The entire preface of The Picture of Dorian Gray emphasizes the depth in which Oscar Wilde writes.
Here are a few example:
"It is the spectator, and not life, that art really mirrors." (pg. viii)
"Those who find ugly meanings in beautiful things are corrupt without being charming. This is their fault." (pg. vii)
"All art is quite useless." (pg. viii)

However, that is only the beginning. The key factor of his writing seems to be run-on sentences. Although there are few description department, they are very abundant in any dialogue in this book. Especially that of Lord Henry Wotton. Each word he speaks is meticulously placed, and the vocabulary is usually confusing (at best). However, these sentences are what made me fall in love with Oscar Wilde's writing style. There is not a point in this book were I have found an irrelevant sentence. Each has an intended meaning, the challenge is deciphering what that meaning is. Here is an example of just that. In this passage Henry Wotton is putting in his two-cents on Sibyl Vane's suicide (by the way, Sibyl Vane commented suicide).

"She has played her last part. But you must think of that lonely death in the tawdry dressing-room simply as a stage lurid fragment from some Jacobean tragedy, as a wonderful scene from Webster, or Ford, or Cyril Turner. The girl never really lived, and so she has never really died." (pg. 75)

I could not imagine every writing something like that. Despite my lack of understanding of some of the vocabulary and illusions, I still struck by the message this passage delivers. This is the case for almost any dialogue in this book.

Another important aspect of Oscar Wilde's writing is illusions and motifs. In this section it becomes apparent that the literal picture of Dorian Gray has been, and will continue to be, a large motif in this book. In the beginning it is introduced as Basil's best work yet, a masterpiece. Even Basil himself is shocked by the sheer excellence of what he has created. From then in becomes a symbol of youth and longing. Dorian envies the panting, because it has frozen his face in time, while in real life he continues to grow older. Overall, the painting highlights just how important youth and beauty are to the main characters in this book. Another main motif is that of flowers. They are abundantly in the first few chapters, represent purity and beauty. As the book progresses, the seem to develop mostly around Sibyl, as she is commonly compared to a rose. Although roses are beautiful flowers, they also have sharp thorns. I believe this flower is chosen because of Sibyl's impact on Dorian's life. She was a beautiful young woman, and Dorian was enticed by her beauty. However, her death seems to be the last straw in Dorian Gray's sanity. He changes drastically, even Basil says: "something has changed you completely...you talk as if you have no heart, no pity" (pg. 79).

The main illusions in this book focus on mythologic, literary, and philosophical works. The most abundant, however, is Shakespeare. All of Sibyl Vane's characters partake in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. It can be noted that on the night she killed herself, she was playing the lead, Juliet. Like the character in the play, kills herself. Unlike Juliet, her attempt to ingest poison is successful, and she does not have no resort to stabbing herself.

Oscar Wilde certainly jam-packed this book with a lot of different literary styles, making it both an challenging and rewarding read. Although it can be frustrating sometimes, I can honestly say I am eager to read anything he writes.

Dorian Gray and Company

Oscar Wild is kind to the reader in A Picture of Dorian Gray, and introduces a mere three main characters. Each is quite unique, and very different form the next. 

Basil Hallward:
Basil Hallward is a painter, who is completely devoted to his work. He disappeared around three years ago, but it is not explained why or how. Just that his return caused "a public excitement". Hallward uses Dorian Gray as his muse, and, consequently, creates the best work of his life. However, he doesn't not share it with the world because he believes it shows too much of himself.
I would have to say my feelings towards Basil are pretty neutral. He has yet to exhibit any personality traits that make me greatly like, or dislike him. I feel like I need to read more of the book to really develop an opinion on him. I definitely know he will continue to be a pivotal character in this novel. 

Lord Henry Wotton (aka Harry):
Better known (at least in my mind) as "Basil's Friend", Lord Henry Wotton is a frequent visitor to Basil Hallward's studio. He is very outgoing and talkative, and is quite willing to share his opinion on anything. Basil describes him as a "very bad influence on his friends".  Lord Henry Wotton seems like a man who always gets his way.
I'm currently not a fan of Lord Henry. Maybe it's because he's arrogant, or maybe its just because any time he speaks I have to reread the section multiple times to fully understand what is going on.  For example, here is a part of one of his rants:
"..the mutilation of the savage has its tragic survival in the self-denial that mars our lives. We are punished for our refusals. Every impulse that we strive to strangle broods in the mind and poisons us. The body sins once, and has done with its sin, for action is a mode of purification. " (pg. 13)
That is only a fraction of the passage. 
I have a feeling that Lord Henry Wotton is going end end up being the main antagonist in the story, which means that Dorian Gray will sell his soul to him in exchange for enteral youth... but that has not been clarified yet. 

~of course~

Dorian Gray:
Dorian Gray is a young, attractive, seemingly perfect man.
His mother was equally as beautiful, which caused quite a ruckus when she decided to run away with a penniless man. Their marriage was cut short when Dorian's father was murdered. Nearly a year later his mother died, leaving Dorian alone. He grew up with a loveless man, Lord Kelso, which shaped him into the impressionable and needy character he is today. 
Dorian seem quite impressionable, and for that reason Basil warns Lord Henry not to pay him too many compliments. Within the first five chapters it is evident that Dorian has picked up on many of Lord Henry's traits. 
It is also in the first five chapters that Dorian starts to obsess over his youth. He says:"How sad it is! That I shall grow old, and horrible, and dreadful. But this picture will remain always young. It will never be older than this particular day of June... If it were only the other way! If it were I who was to be always young, and the picture that grow old! For that - for that - I would give everything... I would give my soul for that!" (pg. 19)
This is clear foreshadowing. It is very obvious that that Dorian will do exactly what he says in that quote. 
Although I feel like I shouldn't like Dorian Gray, I can't help but be intrigued by his character. Any passage involving him makes me more curious about how he is going to develop. 

There is one more seemingly important character introduced by the name of Sibyl Vane, however I do not believe she is a main character. Although in this first section of reading, her role is a short one, it is clear that she will be important in the future. 


Sibyl Vane:
She is only introduced in the last couple of pages of chapter four, but it is clear that Sibyl is going to play a large role on Dorian's development. She seems like the female version of Dorian, meaning she is described as quite attractive. She is also portrayed to be in a slave-like situation, where she must work as an actress for a man for three years. As a result I'm guessing she is quite poor. Dorian becomes infatuated with her, after watching her act in Romeo and Juliet. At the end of chapter five it is revealed that her and Dorian are engaged. 
They're engagement does not seem based on mutual love, because Dorian feels "in love" with her while watching her act. Each night she pretends to someone else, so he never really meets the real Sibyl. I doubt this marriage will last. 
I honestly don't have enough information of Sibyl to develop a opinion on her, but from what I've learned so far, I think I'll like her. 

After finishing my first section of reading I found myself very relieved. It was not that I did not enjoy the first five chapters, I was just grateful that there was not going to be a crazy web of characters to keep track of (s/o to Song of Solomon).