Oscar Wilde wrote The Picture of Dorian Gray in 1890, shortly after he had completed a successful tour of the United States. Wilde’s novel told the story of a young aristocrat, Dorian Gray, whose life is changed forever when he has his portrait painted. The painting shows Dorian not just as he looks in his youthful prime, but also as he will appear in the future. Dorian’s wish that the painting age while he remains young is granted, and the story follows the consequences of his vanity and his relentless drive for pleasure.
The Picture of Dorian Gray was an instant success, and critics praised Wilde’s handling of the moral theme and style of writing. Despite its success, however, it was also controversial, largely because of its moral implications. Those who read the book closely could see the themes that Wilde was exploring, such as the idea of a spirit of idleness and the consequences of unchecked hedonism. As a result, many readers were deeply disturbed and the book was publicly condemned for its immoral content.
Even so, the public outcry only increased the book’s popularity. Wilde himself was unapologetic and publicly defended the book, pointing out that most of the characters in the novel were destroyed by their own excesses or by their own shallowness, rather than by external sources. His point was that true wisdom lies in moderation and self-discipline, and he express this idea not only in The Picture of Dorian Gray but also in later works such as The Ballad of Reading Gaol.
The Picture of Dorian Gray is widely considered to be Wilde’s masterpiece, and is still read and studied today. It is a vivid depiction of the dangers of vanity and excess, and of the power of art. Wilde’s exploration of morality and his witty dialogues and wordplay have ensured that the novel remains relevant and enjoyable, more than a century after it was first published.
Beginning and Publication of the Book
The Picture of Dorian Gray was originally a story written by Wilde as a short piece. The story was published in Lippincott’s Monthly Magazine in 1890, and after an immediate and strong response from readers, Wilde began working on an extended version which was published as a novel in 1891. With the help of editor J.M. Stoddart, Wilde revised and expanded the story for the magazine publication, creating a longer and more developed narrative.
The original version of The Picture of Dorian Gray was considered by some to be scandalously immoral and it was poorly received by the public and the critics. Its subject matter, which touched on topics such as sexuality, hedonism, and moral decay, as well as its stylistic playfulness, made it controversial for its time. Despite this, Wilde was determined to publish the story and persisted in finding a publisher.
His efforts were rewarded when Lippincott’s agreed to print the story. In April of 1890, the story was printed in the magazine, and it was an instant success. The story was widely acclaimed by London’s literary elite, with writers such as William Butler Yeats and George Moore praising it. The critical and public reception of the story was so strong that Wilde’s publisher, Ward, Lock, and Co., commissioned him to turn the story into a full-length novel.
Wilde began work on the novelized version of the story in April of 1890. He completed the expanded version in November of the same year, and it was published in July of 1891. Although he made some changes to the plot and characterization, much of the novel follows the same structure and theme as the original version. The novel version was both a commercial and critical success, further enhancing Wilde’s reputation as a writer.
Summary of the Work
The Picture of Dorian Gray tells the story of a young man named Dorian Gray, whose life is forever changed with the painting of a portrait. After having his portrait painted, Dorian wishes that the painting would age instead of him, and his wish is granted. Thus begins a tale of a lifetime of corruption and vanity, as Dorian indulges his every whim and allows himself to become a victim of his own selfishness and pride.
The story follows the consequences of Dorian’s decisions and behavior, as he gradually descends into a life of hedonism and depravity. Along the way, Wilde explores several topics including mortality, morality, beauty, and art. He also uses the story to criticize destructive and amoral behavior, making the reader consider the dangers of vanity and the importance of self-control.
The novel had a strong impact on the literary world, and it remains admired for its powerful themes and its elegance and style of writing. Rather than relying on straightforward plot and characterization, Wilde uses satire and wit to drive his narrative and explore the book’s themes. He also uses vivid descriptions of artistic works to add depth and imagery to his storytelling.
The Picture of Dorian Gray is a timeless tale of immorality and its consequences. It continues to be studied and enjoyed by readers more than a hundred years after its first publication.
Reception and Impact
The Picture of Dorian Gray was an immediate and huge success with readers, both in England and the United States. Critics praised Wilde’s handling of the moral theme and the style of writing, pointing out the uniqueness of his approach to the narrative and his use of stylistic playfulness. It quickly became a bestseller, and Wilde was hailed as a great writer of his time.
The novel was also controversial because of its perceived immorality. As Wilde’s work was becoming more popular, so was its reception among literary professionals. Although some welcomed its insights and thought-provoking themes, some found it to be an example of decadence and an embodiment of the spirit of idleness and lax morality.
Despite the public backlash, the book continued to be a success. It was seen by some as an example of modern literature and was lauded for Wilde’s exploration of the darker side of human nature. By the early 1900s, it had become a canonical work in English literature.
The Picture of Dorian Gray also had a profound impact on other writers. Wilde’s wit and unique narrative style inspired many authors and some of his works, such as The Importance of Being Earnest, were used as examples of perfect banter. His exploration of morality throughout the novel was also a source of inspiration for many authors.
Today, the novel is still widely read and studied in schools, colleges, and universities. It continues to be an important part of the English literary canon, and its themes remain relevant and thought-provoking.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
The Picture of Dorian Gray has had a huge impact on culture in many ways. The novel’s themes of vanity and corruption have become part of popular culture and have been used in plays, films, and television shows. Wilde has also been cited as an influence by a number of different artists, such as Andy Warhol, who was inspired by Wilde’s exploration of beauty and decay in the novel. His works continue to be widely read and studied today.
The novel has also been the subject of many adaptations, most notably the 1945 film of the same name. This adaptation was well received and its success further cemented the novel’s reputation as a classic work of literature. Other adaptations have included a 2003 musical and a 2009 TV mini-series. It has also been the subject of a number of modern retellings, such as the 2009 novel The Picture of Dorian Gray by author Chris Humphreys.
The Picture of Dorian Gray has had a lasting legacy. Its exploration of morality and its vivid depictions have made it a timeless classic, and it continues to be read and studied by readers today. Its themes and messages still have relevance today, and it is a testament to Wilde’s genius as a writer and his talent for crafting a compelling and thought-provoking story.
Writing Techniques
Oscar Wilde was known for his unique writing style and his skillful use of satire and wit. He often used a rhythmic style of writing, with pauses, long and short sentences, and alliteration. In The Picture of Dorian Gray, he often breaks the traditional narrative structure, presenting the story in fragments and allowing the reader to draw their own conclusions. He also uses various literary techniques to explore the themes of morality and vanity in the novel.
Wilde often uses art as a reference point in his writings, and The Picture of Dorian Gray is no exception. He uses vivid descriptions and symbolism to portray the decay of Dorian’s soul, as well as to hint at the moral consequences of his actions. He also often uses irony in his writings, both to emphasise the themes of his work and to add depth and humour to his characters. His use of irony and alliteration adds a playful element to the narrative, and makes it an enjoyable and thought provoking read.
Wilde was also incredibly skilled at creating believable and well rounded characters. The characters in The Picture of Dorian Gray, such as Dorian, Lord Henry and Basil, are all multi-faceted and realistic, and they are used to explore the themes of the novel. Wilde pays attention to minute details such as body language and facial expressions, creating characters that feel real and that the reader can identify with.
Wilde was a master craftsman, and his works continue to be admired and studied to this day. The Picture of Dorian Gray is a testament to his skill and creativity as a writer, and his unique techniques are still influential and can be seen in many modern works.
