The Picture of Dorian Gray: The Uncensored & The Revised Version in One Volume
May 2022 · DigiCat
Ebook
287
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About this ebook
In "The Picture of Dorian Gray," Oscar Wilde crafts a haunting novella that explores the interwoven themes of beauty, morality, and hedonism through the tale of a young man whose portrait ages while he remains perpetually youthful. Employing a rich, articulate prose style replete with aphorisms and vivid imagery, Wilde critiques Victorian society's obsession with aestheticism and the duality of human nature. This work not only delves into the consequences of a life devoted to pleasure but also reflects the burgeoning aesthetic movement of the late 19th century, positioning Wilde as a key figure in both literary and cultural histories. Oscar Wilde was a prominent playwright, poet, and novelist whose own life mirrored the complexities explored in his fiction. Known for his flamboyant personality and sharp wit, Wilde experienced a tumultuous relationship with societal norms, particularly concerning morality and sexuality. His experiences with the constraints of Victorian conventions likely informed the narrative of Dorian Gray, offering a profound critique of contemporary societal values and the repression of individual desires. Readers who appreciate thought-provoking literature and the exploration of moral philosophy will find "The Picture of Dorian Gray" indispensable. Wilde's timeless reflection on the perilous pursuit of beauty and the profound ramifications of a life unmoored from ethical consideration continues to resonate, making this novella a compelling and essential read for all lovers of classic literature.
About the author
Oscar Wilde, born Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde on October 16, 1854, in Dublin, Ireland, is one of the most iconic and charismatic figures in late Victorian literature. His writing is marked by sharp wit, flamboyance, and a probing satire of contemporary society and its mores. Wilde's literary output spans a variety of genres, including plays, poetry, and one novel for which he is particularly famous, 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' (1890). This novel is a masterpiece of aestheticism and a cautionary tale of the dangers of unchecked vanity and the pursuit of eternal youth. Wilde's unique style combines lush, poetic language with a critical edge that questions the values of his day, often exposing the hypocrisies underlying Victorian social conventions. Wilde's works were immensely popular in the 1890s, but his career was overshadowed by a scandalous and famous criminal trial. He was convicted of 'gross indecency' due to his homosexuality, a topic that, while subtly present in his works, was considered taboo and illicit at the time. After serving two years in prison, Wilde's health and spirit were broken, and he died in Paris on November 30, 1900. However, his literary legacy endures, and his works continue to be read and celebrated for their beauty, wit, and insight into the human condition.
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