Five themes to think about: The Picture of Dorian Gray

Ahead of our discussion on March 30th...

Hello!

I hope you’re all well and have managed to get started with The Picture of Dorian Gray, that is if you haven’t completed it already. Just over two weeks already until we meet for the discussion!

This will be on 30th March at 8pm GMT/3pm EST in the Substack chat.

To help prepare, I’m sharing five themes for you to think about while you’re reading (or to reflect on if you have finished).

I’m going to be sharing another post in the next week that delves a little bit more into Oscar Wilde and the context behind the novel.

Beauty and aesthetics

Much of the novel looks at discussions of art, beauty and the ultimate pursuit of aesthetic perfection. As you’re reading, consider how the different characters define ‘beauty’. Is it a virtue? A vice? Something completely different? And how does this obsession with appearances shape the actions and relationships of those in the novel?

Manipulation

Consider how characters shape each other’s beliefs and behaviour. Who has influence over whom, and to what effect? Is the persuasion open and clear, or is it more subtle?

The double life

Appearances can be deceiving. Few novels demonstrate that better than The Picture of Dorian Gray, which explores aspects of public and private selves.

Are characters true to themselves? Are they who they really seem, or are they putting on a performance?

The passage of time

Change (of sorts) is central to the plot of the novel. How do different characters respond to ageing, experience and the passage of time?

There are moments where time feels like a burden, a blessing or even something to be prevented or embraced. Think about why this is, and why characters behave in certain ways.

Homosexuality

The Picture of Dorian Gray was published in a time when homosexuality was considered ‘gross indecency’ in Victorian England—something that Oscar Wilde was tragically imprisoned for, and would ultimately be a major cause that led to his death.

Discussions of homosexuality was taboo, but the novel is filled with subtext regarding same-sex attraction. Just think about how relationships between the male characters are portrayed. How might Wilde’s personal experiences—and the context of the time—shaped the novel’s themes.

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Are there any themes I’ve missed? Anything you would like to talk about on March 30th? Let me know in the comments!

Just try not to give away too many spoilers!

Take care & I’ll see you all again soon!