Freshman Gracie Deaton is currently reading “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde.
“I really like the vivid descriptions,” Deaton said. “Oscar Wilde is really good at imagery and the characterization of his characters.”
Based in the early 19th century, “The Picture of Dorian Gray” is the story of a handsome wealthy young Englishman, Dorian Gray. He hears from an admirer that life is nothing without beauty, after this encounter he gets scared of growing old and ugly. To ensure this never happens the man makes a wish, that a portrait of him will grow old and ugly instead.
So while he goes through life, all of his actions reflect in the portrait. Dorian ends up making many bad decisions and falls into a very sinful and corrupt life that is reflected in the picture and does not end well for him.
“I wanted to read this book because I’ve heard a lot of good things about it,” Deaton said. “It’s also for book club, one of the books of the month.”
Oscar Wilde was born in Dublin, Ireland, and later moved to London to study at Oxford to graduate with honors. Wilde is one of the most known poets, authors, and playwrights in history.
He is most known for his novel, “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” published in 1891, as well as many other short stories such as “The Happy Prince” and “Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime.” Known for his wit and bright personality, he also published his own book of poems called “Oscar Wilde” in 1881.
“I think anybody who likes books or likes stories that have good messages,” Deaton said. “It’s just a really good book if you’re in the mood for a good book.”
The book overall portrays the message of how life is not always about how pretty you are or what you have. What really matters is how you act and who you meet along the way.