Classic Book Review: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

Isabela Chieffi
Oct 18
2 min read

Information

A man in a white suit poses against a column. He appears confident. Text: Penguin Classics, Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray.

Book Title: The Picture of Dorian Gray

Author: Oscar Wilde

Publisher: Penguin Classics

Publish Date: 1891

Genres: fiction, classics, horror, lgbtqia+, literary

Moods: dark, mysterious, reflective

Pace: medium-paced

Synopsis

The Picture of Dorian Gray is about a handsome young guy named Dorian who wishes he could stay young forever, while his portrait ages instead. As he dives into a life of pleasure and excess, the painting starts to reveal the truth about who he's becoming. It's a dark, thought-provoking story about beauty, influence, and consequences.

Personal Thoughts

There’s a reason this book is a classic: the beautiful writing, the timeless themes, the character development & complexity, and the genius plot. But beyond that, there’s a reason why people love it: the themes are relatable, the writing is accessible, the story is engaging, the lines are quoteworthy, the characters reflect people in our own lives, and there’s a lesson that sticks with you.

I knew this was going to be a five-star book by the second day I read it. I was genuinely excited to read it. It wasn’t a chore; it was a pleasure. Which was different from the previous book I had read, The Poisonwood Bible.

I also loved the length. Not too short that it felt underdeveloped. Not too long that it dragged. Just perfect.

If I had to describe The Picture of Dorian Gray in one word, it would be "perfect." Every single thing this book did, it did perfectly.

Book Rating

★★★★★ (5/5) stars

As I said earlier, this book is quite literally perfect. It's an art, a masterpiece. This is one of my favorite books. Though Call Me by Your Name still remains as my favorite book, The Picture of Dorian Gray is my second favorite book of all time.

Favorite Quotes

"Nothing can cure the soul but the senses, just as nothing can cure the senses but the soul." The Picture of Dorian Gray, p. 23

"You know more than you think you know, just as you know less than you want to know." The Picture of Dorian Gray, p. 23

Open book page with highlighted text, set against a dark fabric background. Chapter 11 is visible, with sections marked in orange.

“Live! Live the wonderful life that is in you! Let nothing be lost upon you. Be always searching for new sensations. Be afraid of nothing.” The Picture of Dorian Gray, p. 25

Page from a book titled "CHAPTER II" with highlighted text in orange and blue. The text discusses youth and life's wonders.

" 'What are you?' 'To define is to limit.' ” The Picture of Dorian Gray, p. 187

Open book page with highlighted text: "What are you?" and "To define is to limit." in orange. Green notes and annotations on right side.

Picture of Dorian Gray song

When I read, I love to listen to classical music. One of the songs that came up on my playlist fit so well with the theme of The Picture of Dorian Gray that I wanted to share it. This song is dark and moody and shows the dark side, just like Dorian Gray near the end.