This is one of those novels that will stay with me for a long time. I know a couple of re-reads will be required for me to fully appreciate every aspect of this story. I’m a fan of Gothic horror and this was an iconic entry in the genre. The writing in this is so visual and poetic, a perfect representative of the aestheticist movement of the late 19-th century Wilde was a major part of.

The story of Dorian Gray and his descent into corruption, decay and sin is very layered. This book tackles social norms and expectations and the influence of interpersonal relationships. Wilde expertly dissects and critiques the moral hypocrisy and self-righteousness of the Victorian era aristocracy and nowhere is this shown more clearly than through the character of Lord Henry Wotton. Perhaps the most interesting person in the story, he is a staunch hedonist, one who has no care for the consequences of his actions yet never seems to really live out any of his own convictions, though he instills them so deeply in Dorian that he essentially corrupts and ruins him through his influence.

The biggest taboo of the time of its publication is clearly the subtle yet very present homoeroticism reflected in Basil’s connection to Dorian and the various relationships between the male characters in the book. Even the concept of a painting reflecting Dorian’s “most terrible secret” is an allusion of hiding one’s sexuality from the world and carrying the burden of that shame. It is an incredible and iconic piece of queer classic literature, one that was so revolutionary and scandalous at the time it had landed the author (a gay man himself) in jail.

There are themes of hereditary doom and the carrying of a past familial burden in this one as with most Gothic novels of the 19-th century and it is particularly interesting to consider this when discussing the concept of Dorian’s existential crisis towards the end of the story. Had he cursed himself by wishing the painting to perserve his soul, leaving him a beautiful but shallow creature or had he been predisposed to this cruel fate as most of his ancestors were ?

There is so much more I can say about this book and even more that I’m sure to find on a re-read, but I think this story boils down to the idea that endless hedonism and the pursuit of youth and beauty as the only things that matter in life can lead one down a very dark path. It is a concept that we see in all forms of media time and time again, but it remains a relevant topic to this day (I just thought of The Substance, and how Elizabeth/Sue’s story is quite similar to Dorian’s own dillemma. The Faustian sacrifice of one’s very soul for eternal beauty and youth, but ultimately not being able to free yourself through it).

Appreciated the Shakespeare references as well.

Will definitely enjoy coming back to this.