There are countless amounts of brilliant books that need to be read. However, one of the most gorgeously written books ever is The Picture of Dorian Gray. Not only does Oscar Wilde write in an eloquent manner, but the themes and lessons that he focuses on can easily relate to every person inhabiting the Earth. Within this novel, it’s easy to find that it is hard to divide any character into either good or evil. Yet, this makes the novel all the more relatable as every human tends to have flaws.
If you are someone who enjoys both philosophy and reading, then The Picture of Dorian Gray is the perfect book for you. Within the novel, one of the main characters, Lord Henry, continuously throws out his carefully thought opinions as he shapes the main character, Dorian. Lord Henry is the witty character that you can’t help but simultaneously hate and love. He never fails to put in his two cents and his views of the world around him are like no other.
In life, people face countless amounts of serious questions and themes that ultimately lead to their purpose. Since the beginning of time, people have always adored beauty and intelligence however, what is uncertain is if these two factors are truly of any importance.
In The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde focuses on these themes with his main characters Dorian Gray, Lord Henry, and Basil Hallward.
Dorian Gray is a handsome young man who knew no foul and committed no harm. He was like a shimmering pure diamond that was innocent and captivating. However, the two men he meets- Basil whom praises him for his beauty and Lord Henry who strikes him with his wit- ultimately encourage him to his unfortunate downfall.
One theme that Wilde focuses on is youth. All those who are living in their youth pray for their gift to never fade while all those who sit in their aging skin pray to be replenished. Everyone finds terror in aging and Wilde discusses the importance of aging through his main character Dorian Gray.
Another theme Wilde discusses within his novel is beauty. In life, some people are born looking appealing whereas some are not given the same gift. However, Wilde discusses whether beauty truly is a gift or not. Within The Picture of Dorian Gray, most characters sense that Dorian Gray is a good man solely from the gorgeous look on his face.
Innocence is also discussed throughout Wilde’s novel. He makes his readers question whether innocence is perpetual or are we all simply bound to lose it? Yet, throughout the novel Wilde proposes a deeper question, about whether innocence has ever truly been present?
All that Wilde explores within this novel is not to completely be taken to heart. Wilde is only enlightening his readers on some of his ideas. However, this novel is perfect in opening reader’s minds for them to explore what they truly believe on these topics of innocence and youth.
