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darshanime
The longest lasting impact of the novel (personally for me) was how it introduced me to the concept of Opium Dens
mitthrowaway2
Interesting. When I first read the Picture of Dorian Gray, I had no idea of its social context -- I didn't know Oscar Wilde was gay, I didn't know the book was considered controversial. I just picked it up on a whim and thought it was a well-written book full of fantastically clever dialogue and over-the-top cynicism. But I was, ironically, left with an impression that the Victorian era was more comfortable with male intimacy, and appreciation for male beauty, than our own. That turned out not to be quite true, of course, as demonstrated by what they did to Wilde himself.

But it's still a fantastic novel.

paulddraper
Huh, this is first time I am learning that too.

Goes to show that some themes of the human condition can be appreciated without being on the nose.

mgkimsal
Dorian Gray jokes never get old...
some_guy_in_ca
I just recently listened to this from Audible. I was a grand novel. The dialogue was amazing.
jorl17
I'd place it 5th in my overall favorite books list. It is certainly one which has influenced me deeply and continues to do so, ever since I first read it 13 years ago.
__alexs
A wonderful play. The production of this with Sarah Snook from Succession was absolutely amazing.
zyx321
Uhm, actually, the PICTURE of Dorian Gray ages.
bloak
Apparently there are several, significantly different versions of "The picture of Dorian Gray". I'm not sure which one I've read, or which one I should read. Any suggestions?
HPMOR
There’s a line in the book I quite liked: “All the interesting people disappear to San Francisco.” Was incredible to me that even back then, SF was known for its homosexual culture. Lord Henry was remarking on where Basil likely had disappeared, so the insinuation was that Basil felt more at home in SF.
KaiserPro
I tried reading it when I was younger, and I couldn't get past the first two pages. Hes a wordy motherfuck that Wilde bloke.

However, I did get an audio book version of it, which meant I could actually enjoy and finish it.

THe thing that struck me is that yes the painting is a large part of the book, but so is food. The sheer amount of self hate that was expressed through clothing and food towards the end of the book was surprising to me.