The Picture of Dorian Gray - August 15, 2013

[Susan from MD]

Alias Reader wrote: "Susan wrote: Talk about the role of the yellow book. (Although Wilde never gives it a title, critics believe it is based on Joris-Karl Huysman's novel, A Rebours, meaning "Against the Grain" or "Ag..."

When I read Dorian Gray, I didn't know what "the book" was; knowing what the book was about helps to see how it specifically affected him and encouraged him to do what he wanted - what would make him happy. Frankly, I wasn't even sure that it was a real book, rather than something invented by Wilde.

[Susan from MD]

Alias Reader wrote: "Susan wrote: Why does Sibyl commit suicide and what impact does her death have on Dorian?

She is devastated that Dorian fell out of love with her at the point that she realized she loved him. She..."

I didn't think about it at the time, but she was a young actress playing, among other roles, Juliet. I wonder whether that example and the love of dramatic expression contributed to her actions??

Also, taking that more "supernatural" component of the painting, it's interesting that she is someone who could disrupt the "fun" that Dorian/Dorian's portrait wants to have. Several of those who died in the book were those who threatened the ongoing corruption/destruction of Dorian's soul. I like to puzzle over this - it's like Basil's obsession while painting it. It's not to let Dorian off the hook - he is accountable for his actions.

[Madrano]

I don't have anything to add to the insights & opinions shared here but am finding them intriguing. A fresh reading would probably find me having contributions. However, there are some good observations here, which i hope to keep in mind for other books, as well. Thanks.

[Alias Reader]

Welcome to Book Nook Café, Dhananjay. Thanks for joining our group and posting. :)

[Susan from MD]

Yes, welcome! And thanks for the info about the film. I will look for it - it was I was surprised that I didn't like the movies more, but I wonder if this is sort of like The Great Gatsby and Of Human Bondage and is just difficult to translate to film. Some books just seem to be more challenging that way!

[Nancy from NJ]

I often wonder when I'm being ornery or nasty if there's a portrait of me in the attic which reflects my misbehaviors.

[Alias Reader]

:)

[Portia]

When people are kind enough to tell me I don't look my age (I cover the old parts. I'm going to need a burka soon!) rather than a gracious, "How kind if you," I tell them we have this picture we keep in the attic. Reactions vary.

[Alias Reader]

Portia wrote: "When people are kind enough to tell me I don't look my age (I cover the old parts. I'm going to need a burka soon!) ."

:)

[Nancy from NJ]

Portia wrote: "When people are kind enough to tell me I don't look my age (I cover the old parts. I'm going to need a burka soon!) rather than a gracious, "How kind if you," I tell them we have this picture we k..."

Can u hear me LOL, Portia

And thanks Alias for the smile.

[Madrano]

Funny people. Of course I'm now going to steal...borrow that line!

[Haris]

Could someone tell me, the comparison between the book and the movie (2009)?, because I started to watch the movie, but after some minutes I stopped because I didn't like, it was very banality....

[[deleted user]]

A required book for a university class, I enjoyed reading this one. It was an interesting story, and quite dark.

[madrano]

Maggie, i'm enjoying your comments on books the group has read that you have also read. It reminds me of our reading past & how we've managed to read some fine books.