The Picture of Dorian Gray

I adore Oscar Wilde so of course I had to read his novel. I love this story. I truly enjoyed that the monster is simply man and his hubris. Dorian represents the epitome of excess with absolutely zero ramifications on his physical person. His “mentor” Harry attempts to live the same life style, in fact he leads Dorian into it. Harry also tends to have the best lines of the novel such as, "There is no such thing as a good influence, Mr. Gray. All influence is immoral--immoral from the scientific point of view," and “The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it,”(chapter 2). Yet Harry pays the price for his behavior, old age. Harry is also much more talk then action.  Dorian will never experience this tiring that comes with old age. Therefore Dorian never fully learns this lesson. The language is fluid and flamboyant at times to reflect Dorian’s vain view of the world.  After reading this novel I stumbled across the recent adaptation of it made in 2009 simply titled Dorian Gray starring Ben Barnes and Colin Firth. I loved this movie. I had high expectations visually because the book explains each scene so well and gives the reader a real emotional reaction in each description. But from the opening credits you get the overwhelming eeriness of he story.  Of course the movie takes some liberties and doesn’t always show events in order but with the help of lighting and music they are able to show Dorian’s transition from an innocent young boy to a monstrosity of a man.  I can’t help but see the parallels to Frankenstein here, particularly in the film.  While Harry doesn’t create, that’s Basil’s job for which he pays for, the painting he helps to shape the man.  Then of course it is Harry who must put a stop to him as well.  In the book however, Dorian is his own downfall. His paranoia, regret, and emptiness lead him into a desire to destroy any evidence of his ugliness. That includes the painting. This story does make you wonder whom you are influencing and how.