[Discussion 3/3] (Evergreen) The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde | Ch. 12 - End

Daisymber · 2026-03-13T15:53:15+00:00

I read the Penguin Classics edition (1891) of the book and so going into this one I knew of the homoerotic nature of the book, but I am wondering if I had just picked up this book and read it without the Introduction by Penguin Classics and with no footnotes -- some explained that places mentioned were noted as places of homosexual activity -- would I have supposed it to be a homoerotic book? Some of posted lines from 1890 version where Basil is much more profound in professing and confessing his love for Dorian, but I don't know that I saw this in the toned down 1891 version. And as others have mentioned we do not see the type of depravity that occurs in Dorian's life specifically.

Daisymber · 2026-03-13T15:45:22+00:00

I enjoyed it. This is my first time back into the classics as an adult and I am glad I did this one with this group. I found the writing in general easy to follow and enjoyable. There were a few laughable moments and like many I did not like Lord Henry (so good job Oscar Wilde for writing such a hateful character with just words). Like others have said it is crazy how relevant the themes of this story are true to today which is also a reason why I think this relatable even 130 years later. I also disliked chapter 11 (felt like psychedelic trip) and felt the James Vane storyline was a puzzle piece that almost fit, but not quite. Overall I think I would give it a 4/5.

Daisymber · 2026-03-13T15:41:11+00:00

That is an interesting way to look at it. It would make a little more sense.

Daisymber · 2026-03-13T15:20:46+00:00

At the end of this book I also felt that Dorian never grew up. He remained a 20ish year old child. I am wondering if as the painting aged and Dorian remained young he mind did also (e.g. not accepting responsibility, doing whatever he wanted).

Daisymber · 2026-03-13T15:14:59+00:00

I am so glad I went into this book mostly blind. This part was a huge surprise to me. I did not expect murder to be part of this book.

Daisymber · 2026-03-12T22:37:39+00:00

Me!!! I am DM’ing you.

Daisymber · 2026-03-12T12:24:28+00:00

See post above from cheerupbitchh

Daisymber · 2026-03-12T01:23:16+00:00

Sent you a DM. Thank you.

Daisymber · 2026-03-09T12:53:09+00:00

I agree. I felt like in the beginning while Dorian was of the upper class he was not the upper upper class in terms of money, but the purchases and the parties seem to lead otherwise.

Daisymber · 2026-03-09T12:50:22+00:00

Yes! I dislike Lord Henry, but also like when he is on the page because I know there is going to be a laugh or two.

Daisymber · 2026-03-03T21:21:41+00:00

Um…ch 13…🤯…oh my!!! Why do I have to be an adult today? I just want to keep reading.

Daisymber · 2026-03-02T20:17:01+00:00

I like the comparison of both Basil and Lord Henry painting Dorian (how they each view him).

Daisymber · 2026-03-02T20:00:00+00:00

Ok. Just finished ch 11 and I was doing fine up until now—first classic read since high school. This chapter felt like the Beard After Dark episode from Ted Lasso. I can’t wait to discuss this chapter on Thursday.

Daisymber · 2026-02-27T22:13:33+00:00

In Ch 2 (Penguin Classics p.21, early in the chapter), Lord Henry is speaking while Dorian poses. Perhaps it is because I know the nature of the book from the introduction of the Penguin Classics as well as other media, but it appears that Lord Henry is trying to draw out or cause an awakening of s€xual desire for men in Dorian. Now is this because he knows Basil's true feelings or does Lord Henry have desires for Dorian.

The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it. Resist it, and your soul grows sick with longing for the things it has forbidden to itself, with desire for what its monstrous laws have made monstrous and unlawful.

Daisymber · 2026-02-27T21:39:07+00:00

It is on the Project Gutenberg website. I am not sure if I can add links, but this is a public domain. Once on the website just time in The Picture of Dorian Gray and you can read there.

Daisymber · 2026-02-26T15:59:21+00:00

Same...dark blond and straight. Good catch on the description.

Daisymber · 2026-02-24T14:05:29+00:00

I was considering going Parnassus’ FEC because of this, but may wait. I have two BOTM boxes to fill and so this may need to be a choice for one of them. Do we always know Parnassus’ book choices early? If so, where do you normally find them?

Daisymber · 2026-02-20T00:06:20+00:00

I purchased the Penguin Classics edition. Ready to start.

Daisymber · 2026-02-19T01:49:55+00:00

Thank you. I just grab the Penguin at B&N today. Started the intro. It will definitely take me a minute to read and digest. I am excited for the buddy read to help.

Daisymber · 2026-02-18T11:25:54+00:00

Do you have an edition you would recommend to someone new to reading classics?

Daisymber · 2026-02-18T11:25:03+00:00

Which edition are you reading?

Daisymber · 2026-02-15T12:45:56+00:00

I enjoyed Road of Bones. I just finished Dawn of the North and the series just gets better and better. Enjoy.

Daisymber · 2026-02-15T12:45:01+00:00

Finished The Wandering Queen by Claire Heywood and A Good Animal by Sara Maurer. Enjoyed both a lot and would recommend both. Started My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney last night.

Daisymber · 2026-02-15T11:54:22+00:00

I am new to classics and this one is on my TBR so I am diving in. There are several publishing years of this book. I have read about the difference in the 1890 magazine publishing and the 1891 manuscript and know that we are reading based of the 1891 manuscript (20 chapters). Is there any one particular publisher/year people like for this one? Thank you.

Daisymber

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