"Oscar Wilde's only novel The Picture of Dorian Gray (1891) is a classic instance of the aestheticism of the late 19th century's English literature," as Ernest Dempsey writes in his review. He further writes, "Women, America, faithfulness, stupidity, marriage, romance, humanity, and weather are just some of the numerous targets of Wilde's criticism, which the readers receive from the sharp but sweet tongue of Lord Henry."

In the Preface to his novel, Oscar Wilde writes, "All art is at once surface and symbol. Those who go beneath the surface do so at their peril. Those who read the symbol do so at their peril. It is the spectator, and not life, that art really mirrors. Diversity of opinion about a work of art shows that the work is new, complex, and vital. When critics disagree, the artist is in accord with himself. We can forgive a man for making a useful thing as long as he does not admire it. The only excuse for making a useless thing is that one admires it intensely."

Here's the review of The Picture of Dorian Gray, by Ernest Dempsey. Read the complete text. What are your thoughts about this famous novel? Did you enjoy it? Hate it? Have you read it?



Blogs That Link Here