The Picture of Dorian Gray - Oscar Wilde
The picture of Dorian Gray, by Oscar Wilde, projects a
world where all of life's paths leads to self-destruction.
The moral of this book could be that mans chief end is to
develop his nature to the fullest by "always searching for
new sensations", and that when the soul gets sick the way
to cure it is to deny the soul nothing, for "nothing can
cure the soul but the sense, just as nothing can cure the
senses but the soul". Alternatively, Wilde may equally be
offering a sense (the book) to jolt our souls out of self
worshipping by graphically depicting the path and end that
vanity can lead to. One of my all time favourite books.
David
posted by wlw at 6:46 PM
3 Comments:
This reminds me of Quentin Crisp (sometimes better known as The Naked Civil Servant) - anyone who hasn't yet should have a listen to "An Evening With Quentin Crisp". These are some of the best sentiments on style and vanity I've ever heard, and it's extremely funny. Now that I think of it, I'll put together some more information and start a discussion on Quentin. It's well worth it. I'd be interested particularly to hear your opinion Dave on how Crisp contrasts with Wilde. They are very similar characters really, although Crisp didn't hold Wilde in very much esteem at all.
I agree Dave, a great book indeed. I'm sure you have already read it, but if not, have a look at 'The Importance of Being Ernest'. It is my favourite of all Wilde's work.
I haven't read "The improtance of Being Ernest" but it is on my list (an ever expanding list) and yes Tim, I would be interested in listening to it. Bring it along next Monday.
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