just out of morbid curiosity.
Congratulations on finishing the novel! Our Moby Dick read along will begin on the 23rd, if you would like to join us for that one!
Discussion Prompts:
- Did you enjoy the book overall? Marks out of ten?
- What do you think of Wilde's writing style and his use of language and imagery?
- Many comments were made on the fact that the main characters were quite unlikeable. Does this affect your enjoyment of a novel, or are you ambivalent about not liking the central characters?
- Are there any themes which stood out to you from the novel, that you would like to share here?
Please comment only on the content of chapter 4, without giving spoilers for the rest of the book. You can answer our discussion prompts or comment on whatever else stood out to you the most.
Discussion Prompts:
- What are your first impressions of Henry's wife Victoria?
- What did you think of Dorian's new infatuation with Sibyl Vane?
- Do you see any similarities in the way Dorian speaks of Sibyl and the way Basil spoke of Dorian in chapter 1?
- One month has passed since the events of chapter 3. Dorian seems to be more confident and outspoken. What do you think of this change?
- What a bombshell to end the chapter! Were you surprised? Will this be a good or a bad thing for Dorian?
Links:
Dramatic Reading from Librivox
Final Line:
> He opened it and found it was from Dorian Gray. It was to tell him that he was engaged to be married to Sibyl Vane.
I’ve absolutely fallen in love with Oscar Wilde’s character Lord Henry. His wit, silver tongue & the embodiment of all thing hedonistic left me waiting each time to see him in a chapter. Are there any books with a character like this that you all have encountered? Thanks!
While reading the picture of Dorian Gray something stuck out to me about the main trio of Dorian, Lord Henry and Basil Hallward. I’m sure someone else probably thought of this too, but the three of them represent a part of Freud’s theory of the psych, The Id, Ego,& super-ego.
Lord Henry represents the Id, which is our primal base desires and selfish side of our personality. Especially when he tries to mold Dorian to follow his philosophy of personal pleasure. The Artist Basil represents the Super-ego, he tries to tell lord Henry that Dorian is a good man and won’t succumb to his selfish actions. He even tries to lead Dorian in the right direction when he starts being corrupted. And Lastly Dorian himself represents the Ego. The middle ground between the two and easily manipulated.
This was probably already theorized and Freud didn’t think of his theory when the book was published, also I’m not an expert on psychology so take it with a grain of salt. What do you think of this observation?
Did anyone else find their specific storyline pointless, frustrating and downright boring? The world is in an existential crisis and Brona is on a comparatively trivial crusade to take over and Dorian, well, he’s just there fucking and killing to his hearts content. The other characters had tremendous depth while fighting to save the world and then there’s these two dimwits dancing around an empty ballroom and gathering girls to rule a world full of powerful witches, vampires and other monsters they’re no match for.
I eventually found myself skipping their parts.
I’m wondering if anyone feels the same way and if not maybe you can enlighten me about why these two morons added to the overall story?
Please keep discussion spoilers only up to the current chapter
Discussion Prompts:
- Dorian is frightened and remorseful for a few days, but it eventually seems to pass.
- Hunting and shooting, and a man is killed. Do you believe in fate and omens? Karma?
- This time it seems that Dorian finally has a conscience, and recognises that he has been entirely too self-centred.
- Dorian is excited to see that it was James who was killed. His reversal of attitude was swift!
Links:
Last Lines:
> As he rode home, his eyes were full of tears, for he knew he was safe.
Thank you all for reading and sharing your interesting, funny, and insightful comments! A Wrap-up post will be posted tomorrow to share your overall thoughts on the novel.
Discussion Prompts:
- What did you think of the ending? Was it satisfying? Surprising?
- What is your interpretation of the ending? Is there a moral to the story?
- Was the portrait like conscience to Dorian as he suggests here?
- Are Dorian's efforts to change his ways simply hypocrisy and vanity?
- Do you believe that the portrait was the cause of all of Dorian's sin, or was the portrait simply an excuse for his bad behaviour?
Links:
Final Line:
>It was not until they examined the rings that they recognised who it was.
Hello,
currently looking for something new to read and I've absolutely loved the books mentioned above because of the picture they painted. I like books that are related to arts and have a dark academia feeling to them. Or more simply books that have amazing descriptions and are quite lengthy in their sentences. I've also liked The Book Thief (Markus Zusak) for this exact reason!
I think that all these books provided very nice insight into their characters and had enough plot twists (whether it'd be in self-reflection or in action) for me to stay interested. Not necessarily looking for something that checks all the boxes just anything that vaguely relates to anything I've mentioned!
Thank you
Alfred Douglas's mom called Sybil and loved him.
Also they had similar behavior.
I've more double for Basil and Oscar because they aren't so similars.
Hello everyone!
I'm wondering if somebody could help me find some books similar to The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. What I'm especially interested in are deep dives into characters that are put into interesting (possibly fantastical?) situations. In Dorian Gray, Dorian is given eternal youth and the book is about the moral and emotional toll it takes on him. In Brewster's Millions by George Barr McCutcheon, the main character is promised a huge inheritance so long as he's able to rid himself of every penny he has--the catch being that he is unable to tell anyone the reasons for his extravagant spending. The novel deals with this dilemma in a delightful way.
Both of my examples are over a century old, but I'm especially interested to know if more modern books can scratch the itch. In addition to the central themes above, I'd preferably like the writing style itself to have that sort of playfulness with language that Wilde is known for and I think McCutcheon also achieves.
Thank you all for your help and your time!
Please keep discussion spoilers only up to the current chapter
Discussion Prompts:
- A week passes, and with seemingly no consequences or ill-effects, Dorian is throwing a party.
- What do you think of the dialogue in this book (especially this chapter)? Would it be more suited for the stage than a novel?
- Whilst we’re on broad topics, how do you feel Wilde has dealt with or portrayed men and women in this book? This chapter has some sharp remarks about perceived differences of the sexes.
- Dorian faints! Before you got to the last line, what did you think was the cause?
Links:
Last Lines:
> … but now and then a thrill of terror ran through him when he remembered that, pressed against the window of the conservatory, like a white handkerchief, he had seen the face of James Vane watching him.
Please keep the discussion spoiler free, discussing spoiler-y things up to our current chapter.
Discussion Prompts:
- Dorian sleeps well and is only concerned about himself initially. Did you feel his conscience breaking through during the chapter?
- I hope your French is better than mine, and the poetry on Venice made sense on context of the story. Have you seen Venice? (And thank you to u/willreadforbooks for the translation!)
- What did you think of Alan Campbell, how he was remembered by Dorian and then when he arrived?
- Dorian first beseeches then blackmails Campbell. I wonder what leverage he has?
- The cover-up continues. Will he be caught soon? The portrait continues to worsen.
Links:
Last Lines:
> But the thing that had been sitting at the table was gone.
Hello r/Books! We are a small reading community called r/ClassicBookClub, and we read and discuss a chapter of a classic book each day in a dedicated spoiler free discussion thread.
Our readers nominate and vote on the books we read, and the winning book for our next read is The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. We are coming to the end of our current reading and will begin The Picture of Dorian Gray on May 31st.
Pinned at the top of our subreddit is the Announcement post for the Dorian Gray reading.
Our first rule for books that we read is they must be in the public domain and we provide links to free versions from Project Gutenberg, Standard Ebooks, and audiobooks from Librivox. We also have a link to a dramatic reading from Librivox which should be fun!
Readers are free to choose whichever medium they want, and read in any language they are comfortable with.
In our sidebar you’ll find links for our current book, our rules, a link to our discussion archive, and links to our family of subreddits.
We just hit 1300 subscribers and would love to keep growing. So if reading one chapter of classic literature a day and discussing it with a group of fellow readers interests you, then come check us out.
If you have any questions please let me know, and I wish you all happy reading!
Please keep the discussion spoiler free, and only discuss things up to our current chapter.
Discussion Prompts:
- Sibyl Vane has an off night on stage. Before she gave her explanation for this, what did you think the reason was?
- What were you thoughts on Sibyl’s explanation for her performance?
- What was your reaction to the scene that played out in the greenroom between Sibyl and Dorian? Did Dorian’s behavior surprise you?
- Dorian notices a change in the portrait of him that Basil had painted. What did you think of that moment, and Dorians explanation for it?
- Dorian feels a bit of remorse at the end of the chapter. Was it more for his picture, his soul, for Sybil, or something else?
- Dorian says to himself that he won’t sin, he’ll stay away from Harry, and he’ll give Sybil a second chance. How likely do you think this is?
Links:
Last Lines:
> The birds that were singing in the dew-drenched garden seemed to be telling the flowers about her.
Please keep the discussion spoiler free, and only discuss things up to our current chapter.
Discussion Prompts:
- Basil arrives to console Dorian only to find Dorian doesn’t need to be consoled. What did you think of Basil and his reasoning to start the chapter?
- Dorian makes his rebuttal which seems to sway Basil as to why Dorian doesn’t need consolation. Did it sway you? Do you understand Dorian’s point of view?
- There will be an inquest into the death of Sibyl Vane. Does Dorian have anything to worry about or do you think he’s in the clear?
- Basil notices the covered portrait and wants to see it, and tells Dorian he wants to display it in Paris. What did you think of this scene as it played out? Were you worried about the outcome of this situation?
- Basil tells Dorian his secret, one we already knew. Were you hoping for something juicier? Dorian seemed let down by the secret. How did you react?
- Was the Dorian in this chapter different from the Dorian in the previous chapters? Did you notice any changes? If so, what do you attribute them to?
- Dorian plans hide the portrait away. Do you think someone will see it eventually? If so, who do you think it will be?
Links:
Last Lines:
> It had been mad of him to have allowed the thing to remain, even for an hour, in a room to which any of his friends had access.
Please keep discussion spoilers only up to the current chapter
Discussion Prompts:
- Dorian attends a party and enjoys playing a part.
- What did you think of the party and Dorian’s opinions of the guests?
- Are cracks appearing in Dorian’s constitution? Idle questions from Lord Henry fluster Dorian a lot.
- Two mysteries to tease us at the end of the chapter! After burning Basil’s belongings, Dorian is drawn to a ornate box containing a curious green paste. Ideas?
- Dorian drives off to somewhere a long way from his home. What is he up to?
Links:
Last Lines:
> “All right, sir,” answered the man, “you will be there in an hour,” and after his fare had got in he turned his horse round and drove rapidly towards the river.
Would the character be a good choice for a villian in Danny Phantom? How would Danny or someone else stop him? What would his powers be? Would he be destroyed or captured?
Please keep discussion spoilers only up to the current chapter
Discussion Prompts:
- Lord Henry prefers the city life. What’s your preference—the hustle and bustle or the quiet country way?
- Was it disconcerting to shift from Dorian’s relief that James is dead to him recounting how he’s a good person for not ruining an innocent woman?
- Wilde sneaks in that Alan Campbell committed suicide. Are we supposed to think that it’s in response to covering up the murder? The murder which Dorian tries to confess to doing!
- Dorian is certain about the soul, unsurprising as he feels he has traded his. What did you think of their long conversation on death, the soul, and recapturing one’s youth?
- Is Dorian a changed man now?
Thanks for the comments and commentary this week. It’s been a delight reading what everyone has thought and felt about this book. u/otherside_b will take us to the story’s end.
Don’t forget that we’ll start Moby Dick on 23-June! It’ll be a whale of a book.
I’ll sea myself out now.
Links:
Last Lines:
> As he reached the door, he hesitated for a moment, as if he had something more to say. Then he sighed and went out.
Thanks to everyone who voted to help decide our next book!
There are different versions of this story. There is the 1890 magazine edition that is 13 chapters in length, which had material deleted by the editor prior to publication. And there is the 1891 book edition that is 20 chapters in length. We are reading the 20 chapter book edition. If you are planning on picking up a physical copy, check the number of chapters in the book.
This is a fairly short book at 20 chapters, so as stated in the Finalists Thread we will be reading the second place book, Moby Dick, after finishing The Picture of Dorian Gray. We will make a separate post for that book when we are two weeks out from finishing Dorian Gray.
This should be pretty straightforward. We will read one chapter each day until completion, and the mods will post a discussion thread each day for each chapter. We will put up a thread for The Preface on May 31st, and begin Chapter 1 on June 1st.
Here are some free links to the book that users can download to their ePub readers or kindle, and also a link to an audiobook and a dramatic reading.
A Dramatic Reading from Librivox
These links are in English, but users are welcome to read in any language they are comfortable with.
Feel free to share your thoughts, and tell us below if you plan to use an eReader, read a physical copy, or use an audiobook, and also what language you plan to read in. Pics of book covers are welcome as well.
Given the controversy this book created when it came out, it should be a fun one to read and discuss.
Please comment only on the content of chapter 1, without giving spoilers for the rest of the book. You can answer our discussion prompts or comment on whatever else stood out to you the most.
Discussion Prompts:
- What are your first impressions of Lord Henry Wotton and Basil Hallward?
- What do you think of Basil's argument that it is better "not to be different to ones fellows"?
- What impression do you get of the relationship between Dorian Gray and Basil?
- Basil is concerned that he had put too much of himself into his portrait of Dorian. Thinking back to the preface, is there a warning of sorts implied here?
- Lord Henry is quite the man for the one liners. Did you have any favorites?
Links:
Final Line:
>“What nonsense you talk!” said Lord Henry, smiling, and taking Hallward by the arm, he almost led him into the house.
Please comment only on the content of chapter 3, without giving spoilers for the rest of the book. You can answer our discussion prompts or comment on whatever else stood out to you the most.
Discussion Prompts:
- We get some interesting back story about Dorian's family. Can you see any influence of this family history on Dorian himself?
- Henry decides that he will seek to dominate Dorian "and make that wonderful spirit his own". Does this change your view of Henry's character?
- Talk around the dinner table turns to the topic of America. I assume that a lot of our readers are American. What did you think of our characters opinions?
- Mr. Erskine considers Lord Henry "extremely dangerous". Do you agree with him?
- I was particularly impressed by Wilde's use of humorous quips and observations here. What was your favourite?
Links:
Final Line:
> “Ah! I have talked quite enough for to-day,” said Lord Henry, smiling. “All I want now is to look at life. You may come and look at it with me, if you care to.”
Discussion Prompts:
- We get to see things from Sybil's point of view. What impression do you get of her?
- What impression do you get of Sybil's mother and her brother, Jim?
- What did you think of Jim's warnings to Sibyl regarding Dorian?
- This chapter had a different feel to the previous chapters. Did you enjoy this change of scenery?
- What did you think about the chapters concluding scene, where the family secret is exposed?
Links:
Dramatic Reading from Librivox
Final Line:
>Of the threat she said nothing. It was vividly and dramatically expressed. She felt that they would all laugh at it some day.
Please keep the discussion spoiler free, and only discuss things up to our current chapter.
Discussion Prompts:
- Dorian takes Basil to see the painting. What did you think of his reaction, and the initial horror and final acceptance?
- What did you think of the murder and the ease with which it happened?
- Has Dorian covered his tracks well enough, or is there something that he has missed that will be his undoing?
- Dorian contacts Alan Campbell. Any speculation on who he is and what role he will play?
- Is there any hope for Dorian? Can he be redeemed?
Links:
Last Lines:
> Yes; that was the man he wanted.
Please keep the discussion spoiler free, and only discuss things up to our current chapter.
Discussion Prompts:
- We get a time lapse of Dorian’s life over the next several years. Did any part of it stand out to you?
- What did you think of the things Dorian became interested in during this period?
- What did you think of how Dorian is being talked about and received by society?
- There were a lot of descriptions in this chapter. Did you have any favorites?
- Any other takeaways from this chapter?
Links:
Last Lines:
> There were moments when he looked on evil simply as a mode through which he could realize his conception of the beautiful.
Please keep the discussion spoiler free, and only discuss things up to our current chapter.
Discussion Prompts:
- What did you think of Basil’s reaction to the news that Dorian was engaged and of what Henry said to Basil before Dorian arrived for dinner?
- Dorian tells how the proposal came about. Any thoughts on the scene he described?
- Did any part of the trios dinner conversation stand out to you?
- What do you make of Basil’s feelings at the end of the chapter? Was him riding to the theatre alone of any significance?
Links:
Last Lines:
> When the cab drew up at the theatre, it seemed to him that he had grown years older.
Please keep the discussion spoiler free, and only discuss things up to our current chapter.
Discussion Prompts:
- How would you describe Dorian during his interactions with people in this chapter?
- What did you make of Dorian’s inner thoughts on Basil?
- Mr. Hubbard asks to see Dorian’s painting. Did Dorian’s inner thoughts on how he’d react surprise you? How far do you think Dorian would go to keep anyone from seeing his portrait?
- What did you think of the book that Henry sent? Is this the book where Henry has been getting his ideas? Who do you suppose the author is?
Links:
Last Lines:
> “Ah, you have discovered that?” murmured Lord Henry. And they passed into the dining-room.
Please comment only on the content of chapter 2, without giving spoilers for the rest of the book. You can answer our discussion prompts or comment on whatever else stood out to you the most.
Discussion Prompts:
- We get to meet Dorian Gray. What are your first impressions?
- Henry's words seem to make a great impression upon Dorian, why do you think this is?
- What stood out to you from Henry's philosophy on life and his thoughts on the importance of youth?
- What did you think of Dorian's strong reaction to his portrait?
- What do you think of this tug of war over Dorian's affections between Henry and Basil?
Links:
Final Line:
> As the door closed behind them, the painter flung himself down on a sofa, and a look of pain came into his face.
Please keep the discussion spoiler free, and only discuss things up to our current chapter.
Discussion Prompts:
- What was your reaction to Sibyl Vane’s death?
- What did you think of Dorian’s reaction to Sibyl’s death over the course of the chapter?
- What were your thoughts on Henry’s assessment of the situation?
- Dorian started his day by confirming the picture had altered, and committing himself to marrying Sibyl once again. If Sibyl had lived, do you think Dorian would have tried to live sin free like he wanted to at the start of the chapter?
- Dorian does a complete turnaround from the start of the chapter to the end of it, and living sin free is no longer a concern to him. What do you attribute this to? Sibyl’s death? Henry’s words? Dorian’s own vanity or self desires? Something else?
- Just for fun, what would you do at this point if you were in Dorian’s position?
Links:
Last Lines:
> An hour later he was at the opera, and Lord Henry was leaning over his chair.
Please keep the discussion spoiler free, and only discuss things up to our current chapter.
Discussion Prompts:
- Dorian tries to pretend he doesn’t see Basil. Why do you think Dorian wants to avoid him? Why has Basil waited so long to go and see Dorian?
- What did you think of the conversation that took place between Basil and Dorian, and all the things that Dorian has been rumored to be doing?
- How would you describe Basil in this chapter? How about Dorian?
- Dorian intends to show Basil the portrait. Will Dorian regret this? How do you think Basil will react?
- Is there any hope for Dorian? Can he be redeemed?
Links:
Last Lines:
> “That shall be given to you upstairs. I could not give it here. You will not have to read long.”
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