Questions About The Picture of Dorian Gray

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Answered Questions (71)

Why do I hate this book with such a passion?

Cesar Ramirez Because it represents to you all the sins you never had the courage to commit. Or if you think the book is immoral, it is because it shows you your ow…moreBecause it represents to you all the sins you never had the courage to commit. Or if you think the book is immoral, it is because it shows you your own shame.(less)

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i believe that every book has two meanings to it one which is apparent and the other depends upon the reader i cant get the deeper meaning of the story?

Madawa possibly how we have an image of ourselves which we try to preserve, but its is our actions that defines us. To look one way and act another is ruinou…morepossibly how we have an image of ourselves which we try to preserve, but its is our actions that defines us. To look one way and act another is ruinous. I think there is a meaning of not pretending, not to be a hedonist and not to follow others blindly.(less)

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what is it that Dorian Gray writes in the letter that terrifies Alan Campbell so much?

Leslie From what was described in the book re: Alan & Dorian's relationship (where they were once close, to not talking at all; and Alan almost despising Dor…moreFrom what was described in the book re: Alan & Dorian's relationship (where they were once close, to not talking at all; and Alan almost despising Dorian), I took from that they DID have an intimate relationship, where Dorian (being the cad he is), hurt Alan deeply (emotionally), not caring about him & his feelings.

So, I have a feeling the letter/note was a threat to expose Alan for being gay (in some way that wouldn't expose Dorian).(less)

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What did Dorian Grey do anyway? Rape? Murder? De-flower innocents? Beats me. All of Dorian's "sins" were not revealed to me. I mean I just don't understand the metaphors. When he was confronted by Basil the painter, I had to go back and try to find the sins he spoke on. What exactly did Dorian Grey do? Did he kill anyone prior to Basil? This book just went over my head somehow. I think I 'm a smart guy but I guess not

Fedar S. As Oscar Wilde himself has noted in a letter: “Each man sees his own sin in Dorian Gray - what Dorian Gray's sins are no one knows. He who finds them …moreAs Oscar Wilde himself has noted in a letter: “Each man sees his own sin in Dorian Gray - what Dorian Gray's sins are no one knows. He who finds them has brought them.”(less)

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If Wilde himself was a supporter of Aestheticism, then why is this book so cautionary about indulging in beautiful things and beauty for beauty's sake?

Sue Wilde might have been cautioning himself, or simply reminding himself that beauty itself is not enough? He talked about beauty of a human body, not ab…moreWilde might have been cautioning himself, or simply reminding himself that beauty itself is not enough? He talked about beauty of a human body, not about the beauty of things or nature. The latter, if beautiful, justifies itself in its own beauty. But a human is different. The beauty of a human face has to be accompanied by a beautiful soul; otherwise the beauty is misleading. You better not trust it.(less)

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