Without being rude, can you seriously say that Dorian Gray is the "best of gothic fiction ever?" I mean, I hated Dorian Gray, purely for it's patronising tone, but I can see why people like it, and I understand that it's a good book. But, if you think that this book is height of Gothic literature, the best example of gothic literature, or gothic literature at all, then you are hugely misguided. My apologies on behalf of whoever told you it came under the Gothic genre. I thought what you had to say about the rest of it though was completely true, particularly the last two lines before the weird statement. You are right - and anyone who spends a few seconds reading this should go and read this interesting book (without the misapprehension that it comes under the Gothic genre.)MissMeggie2804 wrote:This is my new favorite book. Ever. i can't stop talking about it to my friends and family, even my teachers. I love it.
So, here is my review.
Some people go about blaming Lord Henry 'Harry' for all of Dorian's twisted outlooks on life, but that just cannot be the case- for Harry never killed a man, nor bardered his soul to stay young forever. I do, however agree that Harry formally introduced this way of life to Dorian. I think that the relationship between Dorian and the painting is so well played out, he can't stand the sight of it, yet he yearns to always be around it. I was quite sad when he murdered Basil, he was a well-shapened character. But my hatred really formed for Dorian when he treated Sybil in the way he did. I'm not sure how people treated eachother back then, but in any time it's mean to speak with somebody in such a way. It is quite unrealistic though. The relationship between Sybil and Dorian came on so fast it's just not probable, they were engaged before she even knew his name; another this unrealistic is how they will start to cry oh so often and fast, like when Dorian first sees the painting.
The story is moving and really makes you think about yourself. The ideals and advice from Harry is confusing and quite appalling.
This could (and should) classify as the best of gothic fiction ever, probably Oscar Wilde's best work ever.
Recommendations of Classic Books
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Re: The Picture Of Dorian Gray
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So then I felt inspired to read more of his works, I just finished, The Exemplary Tales and enjoyed this again for the this was Don Quijote in bits. I think that he means to look at life as is should be. since he loved children and the youthful omtimisms inspire him, that is in the the Tales.
Therefore, I hope you reply to this and I encoruage readers to reader Spainish Golden Age lit.
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The style of writing doesn't come across to me as very imaginative or captivating. The battle descriptions are OK but I have read better ones.
Honestly, I'd like to hear other opinions on this great book.
- Fran
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I read the book probably 15+ years ago but it's my current audio book on my MP3 when I go walking. I finished listening to Book 2 about an hour ago. Unless your are a Russian native I presume you are, like most of us, reading it in translation and a lot does depend on the quality of the translation. I would dearly love to be able to read it in the original combination of Russian and French. I love the vivid pictures Tolstoy draws of society in early 1800's Russia and the comparisons between the peasants and the wealthy elites and the way he lines up shallow society types against intellectual esoteric types.Nothinginexcess wrote:I'd like opinions on War and Peace. It's my first time reading it(listening). I'm about half way through, and even though I find it interesting, I can't understand why it is so high on the list of classics. I feel like a far-away expectator instead of falling for the main characters or at least one. Their fate is of no great stress to me.
The style of writing doesn't come across to me as very imaginative or captivating. The battle descriptions are OK but I have read better ones.
Honestly, I'd like to hear other opinions on this great book.
He is truly brilliant at highlighting the hubris of the army elites of all nations and the casual way generals will risk thousands of lives rather that admit an error. On society he is unforgiving and time and again with razor sharpness he spotlights the egos, pomposity and the self centeredness of princes and princesses and their acolytes. I laughed out loud at the description of Prince Andrei's audience with the Austrian Emperor in Book 2 ... 'The Emperor loved holding audiences but didn't like talking to people' !!!!
The BBC produced a superb TV mini series of War & Peace some years ago starring a very young Anthony Hopkins ... well worth watching if you can get your hands on it. I think there may also be a more recent production released. In Ireland and probably UK you could be fairly certain if a woman was called Sonya or Natasha she was most likely born during the period the BBC series was being screened or very shortly after ... both names became extremely popular during those years.
It's brilliant & I love Tolstoy
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I've got a list of classics by writers such as Hemingway, Joseph Heller, Pynchon, Oscar Wilde, Steinbeck, Vonnegut, and so on.
I was hoping some of you would care to give a recommendation on what to read next based on my list, as well as any that you may like to add.
Not looking for a list, just one book, or a couple if you must, that should be my next read after the one I am currently and almost finished reading, as I am having a difficult time choosing.
Cheers!
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- Fran
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I'll be interested to read your opinion of Dorian so don't forget to postLebowski wrote:Thanks for the replies. Think I'll go with The Picture of Dorian Gray as it has been recommended to me by a few people now.
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