The Picture of Dorian Gray: Chapters 1-4

[Serena]

How do you feel about chapters 1-4? The introduction of Basil Hallward, Dorian Gray, and Lord Henry Wotton?

[Serena]

My feelings about Lord Henry Wotton are very mixed. I find his intellectual capacity exciting because he's able to understand clearly both sides of a duality. But his usage of them I find repulsive, especially his manipulation on Dorian Gray (whom at this point I consider a half-wit, lol! Just kidding.) I can't call him evil because he does seem innocent of bad intention and life's just a big laboratory for this life-scientist to do his experiment...

[Barbara]

I haven't been able to get my copy yet (long story), but I really can't wait to start reading this so that I can share my thoughts here with you on Hallward, Dorian, and Lord Henry!!!

[Anda]

I've finished rereading the book last weekend. So, I rather have an overall view upon the book and a loose focus on chapters! From this perspective, I can say that I actually liked very much Lord Wotton, because I found him the salt and pepper for the story; without him, I am afraid, the book would have been a pathetic Victorian disaster!!
I was surprised myself about this thought, because many years ago, when I first had read The Picture of Dorian Gray, I liked it unconditional. But of course, there were then the romantic years of my youth, when I was fascinated by Faustian motif and others Manichaeism thoughts :) I didn't care about the dramatic, theatrical story line, but now this was such obvious, comparing with Lord Wotton’s cynicism. I think his sparkling and intelligent lines saved this booked, but also made it quite inconsistent.

[SheriC]

I think Henry makes the story, so far. Although I'd dislike him intensely as a real person, he's a lot of fun as a character. At first, he seemed the sort of perpetually bored individual who amuses himself by deliberately shocking and angering others. But deliberately spoiling Basil's joy in Dorian and prying away at Dorian's innocence is pretty repulsive. I know the basic storyline, so I know how Dorian's character turns out, but at this point, Henry seems to be the real monster.

[Serena]

It's true that Lord Henry is the backbone of the story. Especially in the structure of Faustian layout. Which also makes me wonder what role Basil plays and why he seems to subside as the story goes on. Who or what is the duality of Lord Henry?

I do like Lord Henry's witty lines, as much as I do not agree with most of them, they are very enjoyable. The most recent one I like is this: "Never trust a woman who wears mauve, whatever her age may be, or a woman over thirty-five who is fond of pink ribbons. It always means that they have a history." LOL! His sexism is simple appalling!

[SheriC]

I think Harry Potter would agree. That sounds like Dolores Umbridge!

[Serena]

Agreed, Marah.

Although I became bored with Lord Henry toward the end of the book, with his constant theory and contradicting of others. He seemed one-dimensional until the point that (view spoiler)[ he thought Dorian would never be tainted by evil nor commit real sin, then he became alive again for me. Lol! (hide spoiler)]