2025 Reading Challenge discussion

This is the discussion thread for The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde Chapter 1-5

I started a few days early, so I am also going to post a few days early lest I accidentally reveal happenings that are to come...

I am really enjoying this so far. I love the conversations between Dorian, Basil, and Harry. I could probably read an entire book just of that, which is probably why I did not care for chapter 5 quite as much because it focuses on (view spoiler)[ Sybil. Although she is intriguing as well. (hide spoiler)].

I also like reading a book written so long ago. Some of the ideas are almost word-for-word criticisms of the world currently, such as women needing to paint themselves and being perfectly satisfied as long as they can look 10 years younger than their daughter. But then there are some dated ideas as well, such as the travesty and complete humiliation of not being married to your kids' dad. Also, it says in here somewhere that Americans' distinguishing characteristic is that they are completely reasonable. I'm not sure that's the case anymore.

Read 1 chapter....not sure how I like it. Is it all conversations between those three SarahKat?? (didn't check your spoiler seeing I'm only at chapter 2)...

SarahKat, I thought the same thing as you did about the ideas Lord Henry brought up. Am I wrong for also not enjoying chapter five as well? Like you I enjoyed the conversations between all three of the men. I also liked how Basil always said “you don’t really believe that do you?”. It made me think how many worldviews have I spewed off and I REALLY didn’t believe them.

Susy wrote: "Read 1 chapter....not sure how I like it. Is it all conversations between those three SarahKat?? (didn't check your spoiler seeing I'm only at chapter 2)..."

The first 3 chapters are a lot of talking. Then plot begins to develop and other characters are introduced.

A'Dailya wrote: "SarahKat, I thought the same thing as you did about the ideas Lord Henry brought up. Am I wrong for also not enjoying chapter five as well? Like you I enjoyed the conversations between all three of..."

Basil is my favorite, but like you (and Lord Henry), I do have a tendency to spew worldviews that I don't actually hold in the heat of discussion.

I finished the first chapter. It's a bit slow but I expected that. This is one of those books that I will just pick away at. I'm glad I have a whole month to finish it. There are some terrific quotes so far and the book has a timeless feel in many ways.

Randy wrote: "I finished the first chapter. It's a bit slow but I expected that. This is one of those books that I will just pick away at. I'm glad I have a whole month to finish it. There are some terrific quot..."

I found after each chapter reviewing the sparknotes for each one helped. It helped me comprehend scenes that were difficult at first to understand because of the language.

So far I am liking it. Only have read chapter one cause I couldn't wait. I have noticed it is a bit slow.

The first thing I did in 2018 was read the first chapter! I found it very witty and look forward to more. I’m reading a chapter a day on the Serial Reader app.

One chapter in and enjoying it so far! Looking forward to getting stuck in. Happy New Year all!

On chapter three now...some of the ideas are so exquisite I have to go back and re-read. Not dense, either. Wilde is genius. So different than contemporary reads I generally stick with (2018 is my year for classics, too!) but actually more relevant than alot of what I read in 2017...liking it so far.

So how many of us would sell our souls not to age? The book so far seem relevant today. How many people go under the knife not to look aged.

It will be a slow go for me right now, but this is also the first time I am reading Wilde. We’ll see how this goes.

Just finished chapter one, usually take Wilde pretty slowly so I can digest and enjoy the prose (which is exquisite). I know the first chapter seems slow (this is one of my all time favorites so this is a re-read) but it is honestly one of my favorite chapters. The description of the garden, always in motion, always so dramatic, really makes me want to be there, and sorta makes me feel surrounded by it, the quiet bustle of nature. The arguments, especially any that ever involve Lord Henry always delight me. There is a deep side with Basil, representing those that feel just a little too much (especially artists) and there is the humorous, witty (and downright sarcastic) side with Lord Henry. He likes to play with ideas much as children play with toys. And so many of the ideas represented are as relevant today as they ever were. There's also quite a bit of foreshadowing here disguised as friendly banter.

Chrissy wrote: "The first thing I did in 2018 was read the first chapter! I found it very witty and look forward to more. I’m reading a chapter a day on the Serial Reader app."

hadn't heard of that app but it's really neat so thanks for mentioning it!

This is my second time reading the first chapter of this book (and my first Wilde). It was difficult to consume for me the first time around as I read it in my own time and did not fully appreciate the prose.
Now reading it the second time, with more literature history behind me I was able to enjoy the witty banter. Lord Henry (Harry) seems to me to be capable of turning any argument to his advantage, he could talk you into buying a left-handed screwdriver.
I took a larger theme from the first chapter, and this was that beauty stems from stupidity and I think this is truer than ever before in today's society if we look at the current celebrity environment (ignorance is bliss).
Basil's argument though, stating any distinction marks you for fatality, runs true today also, as we are all striving to differentiate ourselves.
I look forward to reading more!

Zachariah wrote: "This is my second time reading the first chapter of this book (and my first Wilde). It was difficult to consume for me the first time around as I read it in my own time and did not fully appreciate..."

"he could talk you into buying a left-handed screwdriver" that is great

Janine wrote: "It will be a slow go for me right now, but this is also the first time I am reading Wilde. We’ll see how this goes."

Same here!

I just read the first chapter and wow, just wow. The language is beautiful!

I like it when Lord Henry visits his uncle and he talks about not needing money, because he buys everything with credit and doesn't worry about paying. That was my attitude when I was younger Paying for it now.

We (Zachariah and I) finished Chapter 2 and having gotten older since my last read, this hits me a bit harder than the last time around. Not just the bits about youth but the revelation and personal change that Dorian undergoes, seeing himself and the world for the first time. Still so witty, I feel like this is a book I should read once a decade because more and more of it becomes personally relevant.

Well, the second chapter finished. What I would give to be a fly on the wall for the conversation between Harry, Basil & Dorian (or a fly on Harry's shoulder). He is definitely the most intriguing character for me so far.
The discussion about giving into temptation is an important one in life I think, we should take every opportunity we can.
"The mutilation of the savage has its tragic survival in the self-denial that mars our lives." I mean this is how we treat outcast as a society. We reject and cast aside different and unique people. The self-denial of these thoughts or feelings scars us just as much as those that scar others for it. Food for thought...

Hello all & Happy New Year.
I'm re-reading Picture of Dorian Gray for the challenge- it was already on my to read again shelf. I love Wilde's use of language & wit; the first chapter has already delivered. The conversation between Lord Henry and Basil is a beautiful exploration of the artist in the art being created.

Sunni wrote: "Just finished chapter one, usually take Wilde pretty slowly so I can digest and enjoy the prose (which is exquisite). I know the first chapter seems slow (this is one of my all time favorites so th..."
Wilde is a master at banter as well as revelaing the underpinings of English society. I forgot how much DG discusses art & beauty and the nature of the artist.

I've read through the first seven chapters quite quickly (much to my surprise). I tried to read this when I was in high school, and I didn't even make it past Harry's first philosophical soliloquy. However, I have a much better understanding of Victorian society and, thus, a much greater appreciation for the banter between Basil and Harry and Harry's general musings on life, art, and society. I'm really enjoying it so far (view spoiler)[(especially since I just made it to first mention of the portrait's alteration...) (hide spoiler)]

I've finished chapters 1-6. I'm enjoying it a lot more than I thought I would. I thought it would take me all month to read but I'm thinking I can have it done in the next few days.

The language seems fairly easy to understand. I had to re-read a few passages. Like the whole conversation between Sybil and her brother, because I kept losing track of what was happening.

Heather wrote: "So how many of us would sell our souls not to age? The book so far seem relevant today. How many people go under the knife not to look aged."
Great question, Heather. Personally, I wouldn't sell my soul because I imagine it won't be as expected. But I can see how others like Dorian would be tempted.

Heather wrote: "So how many of us would sell our souls not to age? The book so far seem relevant today. How many people go under the knife not to look aged."

Definitely not me. I've never felt myself to be pretty enough to sell my soul for my looks. Don't get me wrong, I like how I look just fine. Just not soul selling worthy.

I read this book a while back, which was my first introduction to Wilde. I fell in love with Wilde writing style then and eagerly sought out more of his work. I must shamefully admit I even researched him a bit. Wilde makes an interesting character all by himself! Anyhow, I am so enjoying reading this again. Wilde's thought process just amazes me and often causes me to pause and reflect. I love his whole interwoven narration on "destiny".

Finished Chapter 3 today and see it as really a view into the soul of Lord Henry, with beautiful prose (as always) it speaks to his narcissism in his need to put his ideas and a bit of himself into others, it demonstrates his strength and skill with words and ideas, able to captivate and persuade anyone but himself. The world and life are merely games to him. I quite enjoy his arguing.

Just finished chapter 3. This was an interesting introduction to gentlemanly and lady households, and their reactions, to having their sensitivities challenged by Harry.
I enjoy Harry's need to send a bit of his soul into everyone that surrounds him.
Mostly I feel for Basil who misses out more and more on Dorian's company.

Finding more wit than anticipated...getting into the next chapters darkening the tone and substance...so far, dense but readable and exquisite. Alot of corollations with our world today, in my mind. Anyone else? Culture of narcissism and the house of cards (our politics, Wilde's art) upon which the undeveloped Self lays ready to crumble...

I just finished chapter 4 and found it kind of boring and cringeworthy compared to the first couple (both Dorian's infatuation and Henry's musings) - but did pull one great quote: "There are many things that we would throw away if we were not afraid that others might pick them up."

Really insightful - and something to be wary of in my own life maybe.

I'm really enjoying this book. It reads like a play for me and it makes me imagine this in a theater setting and how these characters interact with each other. I almost can feel this love or passion that they have with words and the fact that it almost feels like a part of what we have lost in literature today. Does that make sense?

finished chapter 5. did they say why the brother is going away?

Just finished Chapter 5. This is my first Wilde book and I can't say I understand everything or fully appreciate the writing (English is my second language so I've always struggled a bit more with classics...). I found the philosophical discussion of Lord Henry quite trivial to read and difficult to understand.

What I enjoy though, is how this book is beauty oriented. It might not be always positive but each character seem to appreciate the beauty in life (be it people or things) which I find very refreshing in a book.

I'm glad I came here to read the comments as it brought me more insight into those first chapters.

Finished Chapter 4, I find Henry very interesting. He views people as toys, to sate his boredom he molds them. He does much the same with ideas. I don't always agree with him but I enjoy his passion. I find his bleak outlook of love a bit sad, especially with the impersonal attitude of his marriage. I love the Giordano Bruno reference though.

Just read Chapter 4. "He lives the poetry that he cannot write. The others write the poetry that they dare not realize."
Does Harry see himself above the other around him? I wonder, does he see himself in that quote?
Harry both believes in latching on to passion and emotion, whilst saying it is dangerous.
All in all a very museful chapter.

Sunni wrote: "Finished Chapter 4, I find Henry very interesting. He views people as toys, to sate his boredom he molds them. He does much the same with ideas. I don't always agree with him but I enjoy his passio..."

Yes! I like the reference too, I remember seeing it in Cosmos with N.D.T. The original stargazer.

Heather wrote: "finished chapter 5. did they say why the brother is going away?"

I got the impression (I don't think it was directly stated) that he needs to make a living, and got a job on a ship to Australia where he figures there are more jobs for unskilled young men.

I wasn't sure, I know there were a lot of convicts there I didn't know if he got into some trouble, because he seems like he has a temper.

Still making up my mind how I like it.... It reads pretty easily (except maybe for some of the philosophical parts), but yet it doesn’t seem to appeal to me. Somebody wrote it feels like a play (can’t find the comment now), and I indeed noticed to be reading it like that in my mind. So maybe it’s because I don’t like plays....

Yay got through chapter 5, I like the small slices of a look into the characters lives, so personal. I find it interesting that the last name is Vane (Vain) considering how vain the mother is and how vanity is a theme throughout. I enjoy Sibyl's fresh outlook at love and I see her brother's trepidation as representing that bit of danger you feel when you fall in love, the vulnerability

Chapter 5 finito. I am sure if I had a younger sister I would act very much like James, especially if she were dating "Prince Charming".
This chapter is a good reflection on the male to female relationships and how women were treated.
If I was Sibyl I would be worried about seeing Dorian with two other women.

I have wanted to read this book for many years and am surprised I never did. I saw the 1945 movie with Hurd Hatfield, Donna Reed, George Sanders, and Angela Landsbury, of course, but movies are never the same as the book. Something is always lost and usually it is the word painting of the prose itself. Such statements as "There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about and that is not being talked about.", which is pure Oscar Wilde, have a different impact in prose. As for the book's tempo and the ideas put forth, as some here have stated, one must remember that this book was written 128 ears ago when attitudes and beliefs were very different than they are now. So far, I think this book is excellent and I can easily see why it is a classic.

Greg wrote: "As for the book's tempo and the ideas put forth, as some here have stated, one must remember that this book was written 128 ears ago when attitudes and beliefs were very different than they are now."

Yes, although it does feel like Wilde exaggerates those beliefs on purpose in the form of Henry (or that might be just wishful thinking on my part lol).

Susy wrote: "Greg wrote: "As for the book's tempo and the ideas put forth, as some here have stated, one must remember that this book was written 128 ears ago when attitudes and beliefs were very different than..."

I have always felt that Lord Henry was Wilde's way of writing himself (and his ideas of course) into this story.

First 5 chapters down and I can tell it is going to be a struggle to finish this. I cannot find interest or stay focused. I am hoping the next chapters are better.

Honor wrote: "First 5 chapters down and I can tell it is going to be a struggle to finish this. I cannot find interest or stay focused. I am hoping the next chapters are better."

Chapter 11 is the most boring one. After that it gets better.