*picture by Hanna & Hedvig
I really enjoyed The Picture of Dorian Gray. I found the descriptive language lively and the novel is an interesting portrait of Victorian life; it's always fascinating to read about different periods in time and improve our understanding of the past. The premise is simple, almost classic: a young man sells his soul for eternal youth and beauty. It definitely provokes thoughts on morality, art, and human desire.
Here are a few discussion questions if you're interested in contributing your thoughts to book club. Feel free to offer your own insights, pose your own questions, or share why you liked/disliked the novel.
-Wilde writes that "there is no such thing as a moral or immoral book." In other words, art has no effect, other than aesthetic, on individuals or society. Do you agree with Wilde's premise?
-What does Dorian's portrait represent? Why does he hide it in the attic?
-Dorian's scandalous behavior shocks his peers, yet he remains welcome in social circles? Why? What is Wilde suggesting about "polite" London society?
-What is the importance of sin and redemption in the novel? Is there any redemption for Dorian?
*The next book for book club is This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
I really enjoyed The Picture of Dorian Gray. I found the descriptive language lively and the novel is an interesting portrait of Victorian life; it's always fascinating to read about different periods in time and improve our understanding of the past. The premise is simple, almost classic: a young man sells his soul for eternal youth and beauty. It definitely provokes thoughts on morality, art, and human desire.
Here are a few discussion questions if you're interested in contributing your thoughts to book club. Feel free to offer your own insights, pose your own questions, or share why you liked/disliked the novel.
-Wilde writes that "there is no such thing as a moral or immoral book." In other words, art has no effect, other than aesthetic, on individuals or society. Do you agree with Wilde's premise?
-What does Dorian's portrait represent? Why does he hide it in the attic?
-Dorian's scandalous behavior shocks his peers, yet he remains welcome in social circles? Why? What is Wilde suggesting about "polite" London society?
-What is the importance of sin and redemption in the novel? Is there any redemption for Dorian?
*The next book for book club is This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
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