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The Uncensored Picture Of Dorian Gray (2012)

by Oscar Wilde(Favorite Author)

4.28 of 5 Votes: 1

ISBN

0674066316 (ISBN13: 9780674066311)

languge

English

genre

Horror

publisher

Belknap Press

review 1: A great work by Oscar Wilde, which I found enchanting from the opening pages. Although I read the known and extended version of the novel (of 1891) before, I wanted to read the first version submitted by Oscar Wilde that was subject to some changes later on, and which received severe criticism. The novel addresses many ideas and themes, such as the high importance - even supremacy- of beauty and youth in life, the fear of aging and death, the effects of morality vs. immorality on the individual and others, hedonism and aestheticism as a way of life and art, homoeroticism and relationships between men in the repressed Victorian society, the powerful impact of influence on others (including the influence of persons or things, such as books), the fearful and powerful effect o... moref self-judgment (even through the painting), egotism and selfishness vs. altruism, responsibility vs. irresponsibility, the role of art (i.e. art for the sake of art), the power of language and intelligence in convincing others, resistance vs. submission to temptation, the shallowness of society, the discrepancy between appearance and reality (Dorian Gray’s face was as innocent as a child’s, while his soul was corrupted), the difference between a theory/philosophy and its application in a real-life context (e.g. Lord Henry’s philosophy), the adverse impact on overindulgence in the sensuous pleasures, decadence in one’s values and its destructive consequences, and loss of innocence. I particularly loved the wittiness of Lord Henry and his eloquent but shocking discussions, in spite of their being poisonous, the were wrapped in a convincing form. The language is very beautiful and fascinating, and you cannot leave the easily.
review 2: When I read this version my mind turned back to when I read it for the first time, the edited version, when I was fifteen. I used to laugh to myself when I read or heard people call it terrible, frightening, a horror, insidious or any other adjective. I still find it strangely fascinating. But I couldn't find in it any terror. All this time on it is still exciting, it's thrilling and decidedly macabre. I have read it many times, I have the story in my collection of Oscar Wilde works. I have yet to watch the 1945 film adaption but from the scenes of many film adaptions are wrong, to my view point. None have ever made Dorian seemingly innocent or boyish enough. He comes across spoilt too soon and already with traces of corruption too soon as well. Lord Harry rather than be cynical, aloof or indifferent is nearly always sinister and too intent. In film adaptions Basil is more of a lesser character, too frantic or too insignificant. It is tho' Basil is an after thought and not really there. In the modern adaptions I think there is too much emphasise on what sins he committed and not the threat of what he could do. The best forbidden pleasure the modern mind can think of is to have sex with as many people, of opposite and same sex, at once. Certainly in modern times murder is still a great crime, but depending on the perpetrator and victim you can either go awhile for a long time, a short time or not be sentenced at all. What is a wicked thing now? There are many differing views on the subject and times of changed. We don't use sin so regularly as we used to. That term is left to people who are of religious inclination.While I don't know the whole chapter to Sybil Vane and her family was the best in this work it at least made her more of a person than without. We can see how she was completely unaware that kind of love Dorian had for her, we can't call it love but he did. We can see how in this chapter the horrendous crime he committed against her from seeing how sweet and innocent and trusting she was. The ensuing chapters of James Vane pursuing Dorian Gray brought an intriguing haunted element to the book. For a short time one could feel that something would bring about the end to Dorian Gray's insane life rather than wait for time or as in the end himself (tho' accidentally) to end his life. I always thought the addition of James Vane was integral and made it all the more fascinating. In a curious way you feel more sympathy to Dorian, despite everything. The other interesting part of the edited edition was that it made the hidden suggestions of Harry, Dorian and Basil much more alluring. What is left to the imagination has more of an affect. Some critics of this uncensored edition said there was nothing more to the story but word change and the omission of the chapter on Sybil Vane, which some were not sorry to see not included. For myself it is so much a pity to lamely describe this version as such. For personal opinions whether the book is richer this way or more the other way I don't believe any true individual in admiration of Oscar Wilde can dismiss so much in so few and unworthy words. As per my other reviews read both versions yourself and decide which you like better, how and why. To me The Picture of Dorian Gray regardless of version shall always remain to me fascinating and would make for an extraordinary study. In a study of course completely different from a scholarly study that one would find in high school or university. Those unfortunately dissect everything and reveals nothing. I shall also point out at this time when I began to read this version I skipped the introduction. I tried to return to it afterwards, however, personally, I'm glad I did skip it. I'm not and have never been for Richard Ellmann's biography and if anyone asked me I would tell them not to read it. less

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