A review by genz_reads_classics
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

dark tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

The book itself may not be special but holy CRAP those last 8 chapters had me shook.

First off, the characters are brilliant! (I’m sorry if I’m bad at analyzing character, that’s one of my main weaknesses. This book is very based in human thought and reasoning and i have trouble understanding those sorts of ideas. Which is why Harry is such a riot lmao) 

Basil Hallward is probably the best one, he’s just so caring! Lord Harry sure loves talking and holy shit his thoughts on women are problematic..
it’s so clear how his charm and cunning spread to Dorian and in turn corrupting everyone else Dorian ever met with. It’s so tragic how Alan and Sibyl ended up because of Dorian. James was also so compelling! His love and determination and the fact he DIED FROM SHOOTING AT A RABBIT OR SOMETHING AND DORIAN WAS HAPPY?!


 I swear Dorian is the most eerie character I’ve ever seen. He was perfectly calm talking to Harry, as managed to influence him so horribly.
especially the fact he was calm after killing Basil (which is a such a pretty name btw) aswell as his friends/lovers committing suicide and similar.
 

And the second Basil started giving good advice and care for Dorian he gets mad!
Poor Basil gets a dozen stabs to the neck. And then gets referred to as « the thing » for the next several pages. Horrific.


The ending was very good. If the book has me giggling and kicking my feet like a little goblin it’s a good one!
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