The Picture of Dorian Gray | FAQ & 11 Books Like It

The Picture of Dorian Gray | FAQ & 11 Books Like It

February 8, 2024
·
4 min
Written by: the NextBook team
Hey there fellow bookworms! If you're anything like me, you love diving into the world of classic literature every now and then. And there's one particular novel that has always remained close to my heart - "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde. This fascinating tale of beauty, corruption, and the pursuit of pleasure has captivated readers for generations. If you're new to this timeless masterpiece or just need a quick refresher, I've put together this overview and FAQ to help you navigate the world of Dorian Gray. In case you haven't heard about it, "The Picture of Dorian Gray" is a novel that tells the story of a young man named Dorian Gray who becomes the subject of a mysterious portrait. As Dorian indulges in a life of sin and debauchery, the portrait ages and shows the physical toll of his immoral actions, while Dorian himself remains eternally youthful and charming. What starts as a seemingly innocent desire for eternal youth quickly descends into a dark exploration of the human psyche and the consequences of unchecked hedonism. Now, you might be wondering, why should I pick up this book? Well, if you enjoy thought-provoking examinations of morality, the nature of beauty, and the corrupting influence of society, then "The Picture of Dorian Gray" is definitely worth a read. Oscar Wilde's brilliant prose and sharp wit shine through in every page, making this story as entertaining as it is intellectually stimulating. If you're already a fan of "The Picture of Dorian Gray," or if this overview has piqued your interest, stay tuned! I'll be sharing some other books that have similar themes or writing styles that you might enjoy. So, grab your favorite reading spot and get ready to lose yourself in the world of literature again!
Adventure
Mystery
Puzzles

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library

"Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library" is a thrilling tale that follows a group of kids as they race to solve puzzles and escape from a magical library designed by the eccentric game-maker Mr. Lemoncello. With its clever twists and turns, this book is an exciting adventure filled with riddles, clues, and an immersive world of books.
Author
Chris Grabenstein
Year Written
2013
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library
Coming of Age
Family
Existentialism

Franny and Zooey

"Franny and Zooey" is a poignant novel by J.D. Salinger that follows the intertwined lives of two siblings, Franny and Zooey, as they navigate existential dilemmas, spiritual crises, and the complexities of family dynamics in mid-20th century America. Through rich dialogue and introspection, Salinger explores themes of identity, authenticity, and the search for meaning in a thought-provoking and deeply introspective manner.
Author
J.D. Salinger
Year Written
1961
Franny and Zooey
Romance
Wealth
American Dream

The Great Gatsby

"The Great Gatsby" is a classic novel set in the prosperous Jazz Age of 1920s America, depicting the disillusionment and tragic pursuit of the elusive American Dream through the eyes of its enigmatic protagonist, Jay Gatsby. It explores themes of love, wealth, obsession, and the emptiness that lies beneath the glittering surface of the glamorous lifestyle.
Author
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Year Written
1925
The Great Gatsby
Romance
Gothic
Tragedy

Wuthering Heights

"Wuthering Heights" is a passionate and turbulent tale set in the wild moors of Yorkshire, exploring the complex and destructive love between Catherine Earnshaw and the brooding Heathcliff. It delves into themes of revenge, obsession, and the enduring power of love, leaving an indelible mark on readers with its haunting and darkly atmospheric narrative.
Author
Emily Bronte
Year Written
1847
Wuthering Heights
Fiction
Historical
Thriller

Perfume: The Story of a Murderer

Perfume: The Story of a Murderer follows the life of Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, a man with an extraordinary sense of smell who becomes obsessed with capturing the essence of beauty through the creation of a perfect perfume, even if it means committing gruesome acts. This haunting and poetic tale explores the dark and captivating nature of obsession and the power of scent to evoke emotions and memories.
Author
Patrick Süskind
Year Written
1985
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer
Historical
Mystery
Science Fiction

The Strange Case of the Alchemist's Daughter

"The Strange Case of the Alchemist's Daughter" is a captivating Victorian tale that follows the lives of a group of extraordinary women, the daughters of famous fictional scientists, as they unravel a mystery that blurs the boundary between science and myth. With its blend of historical fiction and fantastical elements, this book offers a clever and engaging narrative that will keep readers hooked until the very end.
Author
Theodora Goss
Year Written
2017
The Strange Case of the Alchemist's Daughter
Psychological
Thriller
Identity

The Talented Mr. Ripley

"The Talented Mr. Ripley" is a psychological thriller by Patricia Highsmith about a cunning and manipulative con artist named Tom Ripley, who assumes various identities and commits crimes to maintain his luxurious lifestyle. As his deceit escalates, the tension builds, making it a gripping exploration of obsession and identity.
Author
Patricia Highsmith
Year Written
1955
The Talented Mr. Ripley
Fantasy
Romance
Mystery

The Night Circus

The Night Circus is a captivating tale of two young magicians who are bound in a mystical competition that unfolds within a mysterious and enchanting black-and-white circus. With its intricate storytelling and vivid imagery, this book will transport you to a world filled with magic, romance, and suspense.
Author
Erin Morgenstern
Year Written
2011
The Night Circus
Contemporary
Fiction
Science Fiction

An Absolutely Remarkable Thing

An Absolutely Remarkable Thing is an intriguing and thought-provoking novel that follows the journey of April May after she becomes an overnight viral sensation due to a strange and extraordinary discovery. As she navigates fame, she uncovers the importance of truth, friendship, and the consequences of being recognized as someone truly remarkable.
Author
Hank Green
Year Written
2018
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing
Fiction
Family
Fate

The Immortalists

"The Immortalists" follows the lives of four siblings who, as children, visit a fortune teller that predicts the dates of their deaths. We witness how this knowledge shapes their choices, ambitions, and relationships throughout their lives, raising questions about living to the fullest and the power of belief.
Author
Chloe Benjamin
Year Written
2018
The Immortalists
Mystery
Psychological

The Secret History

"The Secret History" is a gripping novel that follows a group of college students who become entangled in a dark and secretive world. As they delve deeper into this mysterious realm, their actions have far-reaching consequences that ultimately lead to a shocking and transformative climax.
Author
Donna Tartt
Year Written
1992
The Secret History

FAQ

Overview

"The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde is a captivating tale that explores the dangerous allure of vanity and the corrupting power of one's own desires. The story revolves around Dorian Gray, a young and outrageously handsome man living in Victorian London. After having his portrait painted by the talented Basil Hallward, Dorian finds himself mesmerized by his own image and struck with the desire to remain forever young and beautiful. As Dorian embarks on a life of hedonism and debauchery, the portrait begins to age and show the physical traces of his moral decay, while Dorian himself remains untouched. With each wicked act committed, Dorian's true self is reflected in the portrait, leading him down a path of self-destruction. Wilde's masterful storytelling keeps readers hooked as they witness the disintegration of Dorian's soul and the devastating consequences of his actions. "The Picture of Dorian Gray" is a chilling and thought-provoking examination of the relationship between one's internal character and external appearance. Wilde's lyrical prose and sharp wit make this novel a true literary masterpiece.

Length of Read

The average reader, reading at a speed of 300 WPM, would take 5h4m to read The Picture of Dorian Gray

Main Characters

- Dorian Gray: The young and handsome protagonist who is obsessed with his own beauty and youth, leading him down a dark and twisted path of moral corruption. - Lord Henry Wotton: A charming and influential aristocrat who introduces Dorian to a hedonistic lifestyle and becomes his corrupting influence. - Basil Hallward: A talented artist who becomes infatuated with Dorian's beauty and paints his portrait, which becomes a haunting symbol of Dorian's inner decay. - Sibyl Vane: A young actress who falls in love with Dorian and becomes his source of innocence and inspiration until he cruelly discards her, leading to tragic consequences. Each character plays a vital role in the story, with Dorian representing the destructive power of vanity, Lord Henry embodying the allure of hedonism, Basil symbolizing the conflict between art and morality, and Sibyl serving as a tragic reminder of the consequences of Dorian's actions.

Ending & Meaning

Sure! So, in the ending of "The Picture of Dorian Gray," things take quite a dramatic turn. Dorian, the charming but corrupted protagonist, finally realizes the extent of his sins and the ugliness that his portrait has absorbed over the years. Consumed by guilt and desperation, he takes a knife and stabs the portrait, effectively killing himself. But here's the twist: as Dorian's lifeless body is discovered, the portrait reverts to its original state, showing a youthful and unblemished Dorian. The only evidence of his dark deeds is the aged and withered corpse lying on the floor. Now, the themes and meanings you can take away from this ending are pretty fascinating. One of the most obvious is the idea of the duality of human nature. Dorian Gray represents the struggle between the outer appearance and the hidden, immoral self. He tries to maintain a perfect facade while indulging in all kinds of debauchery. The painting serves as a physical manifestation of his true nature, ultimately revealing the toll his sins have taken on his soul. Another theme is the consequences of living a life solely focused on beauty and pleasure. Dorian becomes obsessed with preserving his youthful looks and seeks pleasure at any cost, leading to a downward spiral of corruption and decay. Wilde seems to suggest that such a pursuit is ultimately empty and destructive, as Dorian's obsession ultimately destroys him. So, in a nutshell, the ending of "The Picture of Dorian Gray" showcases the dark consequences of a life dedicated to superficiality and immorality, while also exploring the duality of human nature. It's a thought-provoking and chilling conclusion that leaves readers pondering the price of vanity and the true nature of our actions.
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