This is one of those works that, as an English major and former literature teacher, I felt I SHOULD have read. The premise also interested me: Dorian Gray's portrait reflects his age and immoral actions, while he stays young and attractive.
I'm not usually a fan of Victorian era literature. (I LOATHE Jane Austen.) The writing style was a bit much for me at times, and I found myself skimming, but overall the plot was interesting enough to keep me reading to the end.
Things I found interesting:
* Oscar Wilde's homosexuality very subtly peaking through in his characters. According to the forward, he toned it down a lot from the original version that was published in a magazine and caused quite a stir.
* The use of opium by the upper class. I knew it existed (i.e. Lewis Carroll), but the opening scene with one character smoking an "opium-laced cigarette" mid-afternoon fascinated me.
* The attitude of the British upper-class towards Americans. I found it hilarious that they seemed to consider Americans to be a completely different race, as if they weren't the descendants of the British and other European settlers. One character remarked that s/he wished America had never been discovered. (Of course, maybe some Brits still feel that way ; )
I'm not usually a fan of Victorian era literature. (I LOATHE Jane Austen.) The writing style was a bit much for me at times, and I found myself skimming, but overall the plot was interesting enough to keep me reading to the end.
Things I found interesting:
* Oscar Wilde's homosexuality very subtly peaking through in his characters. According to the forward, he toned it down a lot from the original version that was published in a magazine and caused quite a stir.
* The use of opium by the upper class. I knew it existed (i.e. Lewis Carroll), but the opening scene with one character smoking an "opium-laced cigarette" mid-afternoon fascinated me.
* The attitude of the British upper-class towards Americans. I found it hilarious that they seemed to consider Americans to be a completely different race, as if they weren't the descendants of the British and other European settlers. One character remarked that s/he wished America had never been discovered. (Of course, maybe some Brits still feel that way ; )
Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
